Podcasts · The Simple Man Podcast

Nicky Ryan on Growing Up a Prodigy & His Future in Jiu-Jitsu

21 Oct 2026 · 42 min

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In this episode, Sal sits down with Nicky Ryan to discuss his journey from childhood prodigy to professional grappler, from meeting John Danaher and joining the DDS to making his name at ADCC. Plus, Nicky opens up about learning to wrestle, overcoming injuries, and his aspirations for a return to competition.

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The Simple Man Podcast: @thesimplemanpodcast Damien Anderson: @bjjdamien Nick Rodriguez: @nickyrod247 Ethan Crelinsten: @ethan.crelinsten Nicky Ryan: @nickyryanbjj Ally Wolski: @allywolski Simple Man Martial Arts: @simplemanmartialarts Pronoia: @pronoiabjj

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro 00:54 The Very Beginning 09:01 Meeting Danaher 12:09 The Making of a Prodigy 15:51 Episode Break 16:51 YouTube Viral in 2015 18:41 Joe Rogan & DDS 20:09 Winning Trials 20:51 Losing to Ethan 22:28 Learning to Wrestle 24:31 Growing Up with Gordon 26:17 Injury Lore 32:38 Returning to Competition 35:57 Advice to Up & Coming Grapplers 37:03 The IBJJF Hate 39:16 Dealing with Nerves 40:58 Damien is a Dad! 41:47 See Ya Next Time

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• https://submeta.io/@simplemanmartialarts

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