The 3 Things John Danaher Wants to Change About Jiu-Jitsu

Episode Summary

Main Topics

John Danaher critically analyzes three fundamental deficiencies he perceives in modern Jiu-Jitsu, particularly its efficacy within mixed martial arts. He discusses the historical neglect of leg locks, the current crisis regarding effective takedowns, and the pervasive difficulty in imposing and maintaining top position. Danaher argues that traditional BJJ training, with its guard play and escapes back to guard, inadequately prepares practitioners for MMA opponents who actively seek to stand up, detailing his three-decade mission to rectify these deep-seated issues.

Key Discussion Points

• Three Fundamental Faults: John Danaher identifies three core Jiu-Jitsu deficiencies: past arbitrary leg lock exclusion, the "crisis" in takedowns, and struggle to maintain top position. While younger generations overcame leg locks, takedowns and top control remain critical for BJJ's MMA evolution.
• Jiu-Jitsu's Diminished MMA Role: Danaher highlights BJJ's declining dominance in MMA, often relegated to defensive use ("stay out of pesky submission holds"). He contrasts this with the increasing centrality of kickboxing and wrestling, implying BJJ practitioners must often supplement their training, signifying a shift.
• Takedown & Top Control Crisis: The episode examines BJJ's lack of focus on securing takedowns and maintaining top control. Danaher notes BJJ athletes often "sit and pull guard," a non-MMA-viable strategy. He contrasts BJJ's guard-returning escapes with wrestling's standing escapes, leaving players unprepared for opponents fighting to their feet.
• The "Gentleman's Agreement" Drawback: Danaher criticizes the implicit BJJ training agreement where bottom players often stay there, lacking practice against opponents vigorously trying to stand. This creates a severe MMA disadvantage, meaning BJJ practitioners expend energy on takedowns without essential positional retention, resulting in "energy spent that had no reward."
• Triumph Over Leg Lock Exclusion: Danaher celebrates significant progress integrating leg locks, a past "lunacy" due to arbitrary rules. He proudly states today's "younger generation of Jiu-Jitsu" is highly proficient, able to "match them against any grappling art," signifying a major victory in addressing one of the sport's historical weaknesses.

Notable Moments

• Jiu-Jitsu vs. Wrestling Escapes: Danaher vividly contrasts BJJ escapes, predominantly returning to guard, with wrestling escapes, aiming to stand. He notes this unpreparedness when MMA opponents prioritize standing up rather than "playing guard."
• "Energy Spent That Had No Reward": Danaher uses this phrase to highlight the futility of takedowns in MMA if opponents quickly stand up. He emphasizes that without effective positional retention, a BJJ practitioner's energy is entirely wasted.
• "Lunacy" of Leg Lock Rules: Danaher labels the past arbitrary rule preventing attacks on "50 percent of the body" in submission grappling "lunacy." This underscores his conviction about previous restrictions and satisfaction with leg locks' successful integration.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers John Danaher's critical assessment of Jiu-Jitsu's current state and its evolving role in MMA. Listeners learn about three core deficiencies—leg locks (now largely addressed), takedowns, and maintaining top control—that challenge BJJ's broader combat efficacy. The discussion underscores how traditional BJJ training often fails to prepare practitioners for MMA realities. Ultimately, the episode advocates for a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to grappling to ensure Jiu-Jitsu's continued relevance.