Grappling has been a popular combat sport for centuries, but in the last thirty years, it has evolved into a highly competitive and specialized discipline. From Brazilian jiu-jitsu to wrestling to judo, there are many different styles of grappling, each with its own unique techniques and strategies. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top grapplers of the last thirty years, examining their styles, accomplishments, and contributions to the sport.
- Marcelo Garcia
Marcelo Garcia is widely considered to be one of the greatest grapplers of all time. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has won multiple world championships in both the gi and no-gi divisions, and is known for his exceptional guard game and ability to submit opponents from a variety of positions. Garcia also popularized the use of the “X-guard” position in jiu-jitsu, which has since become a staple of the sport.
- John Danaher
John Danaher is a highly regarded jiu-jitsu coach and competitor, known for his technical knowledge and ability to analyze and break down complex techniques. He has coached many of the top grapplers in the world, including Georges St-Pierre, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon. Danaher’s own grappling style is characterized by his mastery of leg locks and his ability to chain together submissions from a variety of positions.
- Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is a former Olympic judoka who transitioned to mixed martial arts and became one of the most dominant female fighters of all time. Known for her devastating armbar submissions, Rousey won multiple world championships and defended her UFC bantamweight title six times before suffering her first loss to Holly Holm in 2015. Despite her retirement from MMA in 2016, Rousey remains a highly influential figure in the world of grappling.
- Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and founder of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. He is known for his unorthodox approach to grappling, which includes a heavy emphasis on the rubber guard and a focus on the no-gi aspect of the sport. Bravo has coached many top-level grapplers, including Tony Ferguson, and has also competed in several high-profile grappling events.
- Saori Yoshida
Saori Yoshida is a Japanese wrestler who has won an incredible 13 world championships and three Olympic gold medals. Known for her exceptional technical ability and quickness, Yoshida has dominated the women’s wrestling scene for the last two decades. She retired in 2018 but remains an icon in the world of wrestling and grappling.
- Marcelo Garcia
Marcelo Garcia is widely considered to be one of the greatest grapplers of all time. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has won multiple world championships in both the gi and no-gi divisions, and is known for his exceptional guard game and ability to submit opponents from a variety of positions. Garcia also popularized the use of the “X-guard” position in jiu-jitsu, which has since become a staple of the sport.
- Dan Gable
Dan Gable is a legendary wrestler who won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics and went on to coach the University of Iowa wrestling team to 15 NCAA titles. Known for his relentless work ethic and technical prowess, Gable is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He has also been a major influence on the sport of mixed martial arts, with many of his former wrestlers going on to become successful MMA fighters.
- Alexandre Ribeiro
Alexandre Ribeiro is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has won multiple world championships and ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) championships in both the gi and no-gi divisions. Ribeiro is known for his strong top game and powerful submissions, including his signature move, the “X-choke.” He has also been a successful MMA fighter, with a record of 8-1.
- Gordon Ryan
Gordon Ryan is a rising star in the world of grappling, known for his dominant performances and innovative techniques. The American grappler has won multiple ADCC championships in the no-gi division, as well as numerous other high-profile grappling events. Ryan is known for his use of the “Danaher Death Squad” leg lock system, as well as his ability to adapt to his opponent’s style and exploit their weaknesses.
- Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre is a former UFC welterweight champion and one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. While he is primarily known for his striking and wrestling abilities, St-Pierre is also a highly skilled grappler, with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He has submitted several high-level opponents in his career, including Matt Hughes and Michael Bisping, and his ability to control his opponents on the ground has been a key part of his success.
In conclusion, the last thirty years have seen a number of highly skilled and innovative grapplers rise to prominence in the sport. From Marcelo Garcia’s mastery of the guard game to John Danaher’s technical wizardry, these grapplers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in grappling, inspiring a new generation of fighters and coaches. Whether you are a fan of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, or judo, there is no denying the impact that these grapplers have had on the sport and their place in its history.