New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Danaher's Academy in Austin
Founded 2021 by John Danaher
About New Wave Jiu Jitsu
New Wave was founded in 2021 when John Danaher and several of his core students — most notably Gordon Ryan — left the Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC and relocated to Austin. The move was announced via a video that became one of the most-discussed moments in modern BJJ history.
Danaher's system, originally developed at Renzo Gracie NYC, is famous for its systematic leg lock instruction (the 'leg lock revolution' of the mid-2010s), modern guard passing concepts, and emphasis on principles over technique memorization. New Wave continues to develop this curriculum.
The competitive team at New Wave — Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Giancarlo Bodoni, and others — has dominated ADCC and EBI competition since the team's founding. The academy is one of the most-watched in modern BJJ.
Style & Philosophy
Principles-first system focused on leg locks, modern guard passing, head/inside control, and back attacks. Heavily competition-oriented. No-gi dominant but full curriculum available.
Notable Practitioners
- →John Danaher
- →Gordon Ryan
- →Garry Tonon
- →Giancarlo Bodoni
- →Nick Meregali
- →Oliver Taza
Find a New Wave Jiu Jitsu Academy (2)
London
- New Wave Academy London (Nunhead)
Austin
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu (John Danaher)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is New Wave Jiu Jitsu? +
New Wave Jiu Jitsu is in Austin, Texas at 1213 W 8th St. It's part of the cluster of high-level grappling academies in Austin that has formed since 2021.
Who is John Danaher? +
John Danaher is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, widely regarded as the most influential modern coach in submission grappling. He led the no-gi program at Renzo Gracie NYC for nearly two decades before founding New Wave in 2021. His instructional content has reshaped how modern BJJ leg locks, guard passing, and back attacks are taught.
Can anyone train at New Wave? +
Yes — New Wave runs open enrollment classes for all levels alongside its high-level competition training. Walk-in and short-term visitor passes are available for traveling grapplers.
Did Gordon Ryan move with Danaher to New Wave? +
Yes. Gordon Ryan was a core member of Danaher's group at Renzo Gracie NYC and was among the founding members of New Wave in Austin. He remains the team's flagship competitor and one of the most decorated no-gi grapplers in history.
Related Lineages
Track your training at any New Wave Jiu Jitsu academy
MatTime is the free app for BJJ practitioners — log every class, track techniques, and monitor your belt progression at the gym of your choice.