Gordon Ryan is Good for Jiu Jitsu
Gordon Ryan’s continued dominance is going to help grow Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
In the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, one name has risen above all in recent years, casting a long shadow of dominance and sparking conversations within the BJJ community - Gordon Ryan. This past weekend we saw Gordon absolutely dominate Patrick Gaudio before submitting him with an arm bar.
The Gordon Ryan Phenomenon
Gordon Ryan's meteoric rise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been nothing short of spectacular. His combination of technical prowess, work ethic, and unrelenting drive has made him virtually unbeatable in his weight class and in the absolute division. But why is this dominance good for the sport? Let's explore.
Raising the Bar of Excellence
Gordon Ryan's dominance has set a new standard of excellence in BJJ. Just as the legendary Royce Gracie did in the early days of MMA, Ryan has redefined what it means to be at the top of the BJJ world. His exceptional skills and constant evolution of techniques challenge fellow competitors to raise their game. This, in turn, contributes to the overall growth and development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
2. Attracting New Talent
In the world of sports, dominant athletes have a unique ability to inspire the next generation of competitors. Gordon Ryan's success has undoubtedly motivated countless individuals to take up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As someone who aspires to be the best in the world, you can appreciate the importance of having role models who push you to strive for greatness. Ryan's dominance serves as a beacon of possibility, drawing in fresh talent and ensuring the continued growth of the sport.
3. Mainstream Attention
Jiu Jitsu is not yet a mainstream sport. If it ever wants to become one it will need larger than life characters and champions to bring in outside interest. Gordon Ryan has the personality to drive outside eyes to Jiu Jitsu. He is very polarizing and fans either love him or hate him. He is undoubtedly the biggest draw in the sport and when he competes more eyes watch than at any other time. If BJJ is going to get the global attention that it deserves then Gordon Ryan will play a large role in that growth.
The Parallels with Other Dominant Athletes
To fully appreciate the impact of Gordon Ryan's dominance on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we can draw parallels with athletes from other sports who have been unbeaten for extended periods.
Floyd Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather, with his undefeated record, became a global icon in the world of boxing. His dominance drew attention to the sport, sparking interest from both casual fans and newcomers. This influx of interest led to significant financial gains for the entire boxing industry. Similarly, Gordon Ryan's dominance can drive interest in BJJ, leading to more tournaments, sponsorship opportunities, and growth in the sport's commercial viability.
2. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, dominated swimming for years. His success not only inspired young swimmers but also encouraged investment in swimming programs. Gordon Ryan's dominance can have a similar effect on the grassroots development of BJJ. Schools and academies may see increased enrollment as more people seek to train in the art, fostering the growth of future champions.
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams, renowned for her dominant presence in women's tennis, brought about a style revolution that transformed the game. Her aggressive, powerful playing style challenged the traditional norms of women's tennis, inspiring a new generation of players to explore and embrace a more dynamic approach to the sport. This shift in style not only elevated Serena's own game but also had a profound impact on women's tennis as a whole.
Much like Serena's unique approach to tennis, Gordon Ryan's distinctive style in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has set him apart from his peers. His innovative techniques and strategies challenge the conventional norms of the sport, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Just as Serena's style attracted attention and encouraged others to rethink their approach to tennis, Gordon's style in BJJ prompts fellow practitioners to adapt, innovate, and explore new avenues of technique and strategy. This dynamic evolution ultimately contributes to the growth and development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal to both athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gordon Ryan's dominance in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is undeniably beneficial for the sport. His excellence sets a new standard, attracts fresh talent, and brings international recognition. Drawing parallels with dominant athletes in other sports further illustrates the positive impact such figures can have on their respective disciplines. As you continue to pursue your goals of becoming the best BJJ competitor and instructor in the world, take inspiration from Gordon Ryan's journey and the positive changes his dominance has brought to the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Let me know in comments who you think Gordon Ryan should face next.
