Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu

Lore & Background

In July 2021, the Danaher Death Squad split up. Around the same time, Gordon Ryan announced on Instagram that he had founded New Wave Jiu Jitsu in Austin, Texas with John Danaher and Garry Tonon. The other team established from the split was B Team Jiu Jitsu, formed by Craig Jones and Nick Rodriguez and also based in Austin. New Wave was awarded 'Gym of the Year' at the Jits Magazine 2022 BJJ Awards due to the competition team's performance throughout the year. In April 2025, New Wave was rebranded Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu.

Reader's Guide

Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, originally New Wave Jiu Jitsu, emerged from the dissolution of the Danaher Death Squad in 2021. Led by coach John Danaher, the team quickly established itself as a dominant force in No-Gi submission grappling, sharing a rivalry with B Team Jiu Jitsu for the top spot. The team's style has been described as 'direct'. Notable members include Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Giancarlo Bodoni, Nicholas Meregali, Luke Griffith, Daniel Manasoiu, and Helena Crevar. The team's significance lies in its rapid rise to the pinnacle of the sport, its rebranding in 2025, and its role in the ongoing competitive landscape of professional grappling.

Did You Know?

• Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu was originally named New Wave Jiu Jitsu before rebranding in April 2025.
• The team was formed in 2021 after a split in the Danaher Death Squad.
• New Wave was awarded 'Gym of the Year' at the Jits Magazine 2022 BJJ Awards.
• Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu shares a rivalry with B Team Jiu Jitsu as the top No-Gi grappling teams.