Who John Danaher Is and Why His Approach Matters
John Danaher is widely recognized for a methodical, concept-driven approach to Brazilian jiu-jitsu that emphasizes coherent systems over isolated techniques. While different students will know him for different innovations, he is most commonly associated with structured submissions and positional frameworks that make complex grappling decisions simpler under pressure.
Instead of focusing on highlight-reel techniques, his coaching style prioritizes dependable control, measured progressions, and a clear order of operations. Many learners come to John Danaher content because they want a map—an organized pathway from initial contact to stable control to a high-percentage finish. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by endless technique catalogs, his systems provide a way to think more clearly and train more deliberately.
John Danaher Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
All Access Pass by John Danaher
$7897.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video introduces John Danaher's All Access Pass, a comprehensive collection of his instructional jiu-jitsu systems. These courses, including "Enter The System," "Go Further Faster," "Standing2Ground," and more are designed to benefit practitioners at all levels, offering insights that have revolutionized modern grappling. The content of the library is interconnected to provide a holistic approach for long-term improvement and mastery in grappling. Financial savings are highlighted through the bundle, compared to individual purchase of each instructional series.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu Bundle by John Danaher
$1497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this teaching video, renowned BJJ instructor John Danaher presents his "New Wave Jiu-Jitsu Bundle", a complete guide containing various techniques, strategies, and a new philosophy about positional and submission escapes. It covers a wide range of positions such as open guard, half guard, side control, and mount. Additionally, it encompasses multiple techniques including guard retention, various sweeps, passes, and attacks. Danaher's system aims to help viewers improve their skills, enhance their game, and win more in competitions.
Go Further Faster Bundle by John Danaher
$1297.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an advertisement for an 8-volume bundle by renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, John Danaher, titled Go Further, Faster. This wraparound series emphasizes learning basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tactics, methods for preserving one's guard, and escaping from precarious positions. Students are educated about using strategies effectively when grappling within half guard, closed guard, and open guard. This content aims to deepen learners' understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and accelerates their progress in the martial art.
Enter The System Bundle by John Danaher
$999.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The bundle includes six modules addressing different systems of submissions. The leg lock system which revolutionized no-gi grappling, the back system for more precise rear strangles, the kimura system for better submissions and positioning, the juji gatame armbar system for precision and control, the guillotine choke system from front headlocks, and the triangle choke system with adjustments for shorter legs are all covered in depth. These systems have all been instrumental in the success of Danaher's students.
Ageless Jiu Jitsu: Winning When You're Older Or Less Athletic Bundle by John Danaher
$627.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features instructor John Danaher introducing his Ageless Jiu Jitsu series, especially curated for those who might be older or less athletically inclined. This large bundle of instructional videos emphasises on strategy, leverage, and technique instead of reliance on raw strength or explosive athleticism. With the techniques and strategies imparted in this bundle, practitioners can train smarter not harder, maintain their practice as they age or improve their technique without relying too much on physicality.
Feet To Floor Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video revolves around a master class by John Danaher, focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stand-up techniques. Danaher's "Feet To Floor" Bundle provides key insights into effective takedowns such as Tomoe Nage, Sumi Gaeshi, Osoto Gari, and Kouchi Gari. Through this systematic approach, viewers learn to counter guard pullers, convert ground moves to effective takedowns, and develop a unique BJJ-based strategy for getting the fight to the floor. It emphasizes an innovative way of thinking about BJJ, transitioning from traditional judo or wrestling to a more BJJ-focused stand-up game.
Standing2Ground Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, experienced instructor John Danaher presents his Standing2Ground system focusing on superior grip fighting, efficient takedowns, and effective defenses. He provides a comprehensive understanding of arm drags, throw bys, duck unders, and more, aiming to achieve back exposure and dominant back takes from a standing position. John's system incorporates techniques for defending attacks including limp legs, standing submission offense, and the sprawl. The video also advises on modifying and adapting takedown skills to suit modern BJJ styles, improving chances to score and control from the top position.
The Fastest Way: To Develop An Unpassable Guard by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, a highly regarded figure in Jiu-Jitsu, delivers an 8-part instructional video on how to develop an unpassable guard. The tutorial covers understanding the issues of guard retention, learning 12 key body movements for maintaining the guard, and implementing various styles of guard retention against common passing strategies. He also discusses controlling the action over time, energy conservation, and how to regain control using guard retention techniques. The video also provides strategies to dismantle modern half guard passing systems.
The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, presented by John Danaher, focuses on improving and revolutionizing the approach to standing position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He instructs on high-percentage takedowns, particularly on using the single leg takedown and its various useful variants. The video also provides instructions on key defensive techniques, such as defending singles, doubles, hand fighting, downblocks, and the use of a whizzer. Lastly, there are offensive sequences provided that allow for tightening the waist or upper body control from failed single attempts.
Master The Move: Arm Drags by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, John Danaher, a renowned BJJ coach, provides a comprehensive guide on how to execute Arm Drags from the Half Butterfly position. The technique is presented from various angles, along with its application and execution. It covers how to perform Arm Drags from different positions such as supine, seated, standing, and how to use it defensively. It's an in-depth course designed for those looking to enhance their grappling game.
What He’s Known For: Systems, Sequences, and Decision-Making
John Danaher is known for building complete sequences that move from acquisition of position to retention and then to submission. The emphasis is on principles that repeat across positions: wedges and anchors for control, dilemmas that force predictable reactions, and sequencing that reduces guesswork.
You’ll see consistent themes in his material: controlling inside space, applying layered threats to create dilemmas, and structuring attacks so that each attempt either scores the finish or feeds the next step. Whether the target is the upper body or lower body, the goal is the same—systematize the pathway so the practitioner spends less time ad-libbing and more time advancing with purpose.
John Danaher Submissions (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Enter The System Bundle by John Danaher
$999.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The bundle includes six modules addressing different systems of submissions. The leg lock system which revolutionized no-gi grappling, the back system for more precise rear strangles, the kimura system for better submissions and positioning, the juji gatame armbar system for precision and control, the guillotine choke system from front headlocks, and the triangle choke system with adjustments for shorter legs are all covered in depth. These systems have all been instrumental in the success of Danaher's students.
Master The Move: The Straight Arm Bar Ude Gatame - The Fastest Arm Lock by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, BJJ expert John Danaher provides detailed guidance on executing and applying the Straight Arm Lock (Ude Gatame), a crucial submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Danaher emphasizes understanding the positional opportunities and benefits offered by this move. The video is part of the "Master the Move" series, aiming to dissect positions into subtle and crucial details. The series features intense and comprehensive instructions to level up the viewers' straight arm lock techniques.
Master The Move: The American Lock by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, highly esteemed BJJ coach, delivers a masterclass on the American Lock in this video. Danaher highlights different innovative strategies and positions to implement this submission from top, bottom, or even standing. Emphasizing the finishing mechanics of the position, he discusses using the American Lock as a springboard for other effective submissions, passes, sweeps, takedowns. The video aims to equip viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the American Lock, allowing them to master this essential technique of submission grappling.
Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features BJJ expert John Danaher teaching the Anaconda Strangle, a high-percentage submission technique. BJJ practitioners learn not only how to execute this technique, but also how to integrate all limbs to create a coordinated and powerful submission. Danaher also addresses four common problems practitioners face when attempting the technique, offering solutions for each one to ensure its successful application.
How John Danaher Teaches: Clarity, Constraints, and Pressure-Tested Details
His teaching style blends precise language with simple, testable constraints. Rather than memorizing twenty unrelated moves, you learn a small number of rules that handle a large number of situations. He often isolates problems into controllable pieces—entry, control, finishing mechanics—so you can drill each layer before combining them.
Expect instruction that explains why a grip exists, what reaction it aims to provoke, and which follow-up is next in the chain. This is useful for self-guided learners: if you understand the intended dilemma, you can troubleshoot without a coach standing over you. Many students appreciate how he links mechanical details to tactical priorities, ensuring you’re not just collecting steps—you’re solving real resistance.
John Danaher Standing (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Feet To Floor Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video revolves around a master class by John Danaher, focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stand-up techniques. Danaher's "Feet To Floor" Bundle provides key insights into effective takedowns such as Tomoe Nage, Sumi Gaeshi, Osoto Gari, and Kouchi Gari. Through this systematic approach, viewers learn to counter guard pullers, convert ground moves to effective takedowns, and develop a unique BJJ-based strategy for getting the fight to the floor. It emphasizes an innovative way of thinking about BJJ, transitioning from traditional judo or wrestling to a more BJJ-focused stand-up game.
Standing2Ground Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, experienced instructor John Danaher presents his Standing2Ground system focusing on superior grip fighting, efficient takedowns, and effective defenses. He provides a comprehensive understanding of arm drags, throw bys, duck unders, and more, aiming to achieve back exposure and dominant back takes from a standing position. John's system incorporates techniques for defending attacks including limp legs, standing submission offense, and the sprawl. The video also advises on modifying and adapting takedown skills to suit modern BJJ styles, improving chances to score and control from the top position.
The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, presented by John Danaher, focuses on improving and revolutionizing the approach to standing position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He instructs on high-percentage takedowns, particularly on using the single leg takedown and its various useful variants. The video also provides instructions on key defensive techniques, such as defending singles, doubles, hand fighting, downblocks, and the use of a whizzer. Lastly, there are offensive sequences provided that allow for tightening the waist or upper body control from failed single attempts.
Feet To Floor: Volume 1 Fundamental Standing Skills by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features Professor John Danaher introducing his unique system for mastering standing combat in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He proposes new philosophies on pulling guard and using BJJ-oriented strategies to get the fight to the ground, as opposed to relying solely on traditional wrestling or judo techniques. The video also includes methods to counter guard pullers, convert mat moves to standing techniques, and enter attacking positions from the feet. Emphasis is given to transforming a student's fight game within a span of three to six months.
What to Study First: A Practical On-Ramp
If you’re new to John Danaher’s material, start with one complete pathway and commit to it for a training block. Two reliable entry points are upper-body control into strangles or a structured lower-body attack sequence. Choose one system that fits your current game and training partners, then build competency in the following order:
- Entries and acquisition: Learn the safest, most repeatable ways to enter your target control. Drill these with progressive resistance so you can arrive there consistently from common scrambles or guard exchanges.
- Control and retention: Before rushing to finish, prioritize stabilization. Understand how to anchor your hips, win inside hand position, and block the opponent’s primary escapes. When your control improves, your finishes become higher percentage with less energy.
- The finishing mechanics: Study the primary submission, then the immediate secondary and tertiary options. A hallmark of Danaher-style teaching is the idea of dilemma chains; if your first attack fails, your grips and body position naturally flow into the next finish without restarting the exchange.
- Troubleshooting: Expect opponents to counter. Build a short list of common defenses and your default answers. Aim for two to three high-confidence counters rather than a dozen rarely used ones.
If you prefer top pressure and positional control, start with a mount or back-control sequence. If you enjoy dynamic guard work or leg entanglements, begin with a structured lower-body attack pathway. Either way, the goal is the same: select one system, practice it deeply, and let it shape your decision-making in live rounds.
John Danaher Escapes (12 Videos, 3 Courses)
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: A New Philosophy Of Positional Escapes by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features renowned instructor John Danaher teaching a new philosophy of positional escapes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Insisting on the transformative potential of escapes, he demonstrates how to turn these defensive maneuvers into powerful attacks, creating a seamless blend of position and submission. Away from conventional wisdom, he instructs on leg and arm-based pins aimed at optimizing your escape strategy. Danaher, known for coaching champions like Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Georges St. Pierre, also shares insights into successful submission attacks, putting emphasis on leg locks, arm locks, and clamp guards.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: A New Philosophy Of Submissions Escapes by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher's "New Wave Jiu Jitsu: A New Philosophy Of Submissions Escapes" provides a comprehensive guide on escaping submission holds, encompassing a wide range of positions like guillotines, armbars, triangles, kumaras, and heel hooks. The 8-volume mega series is designed to raise defensive prowess by enhancing users' understanding of finishing submission holds so they can effectively prevent and escape them. Apart from offering key insights into each position, the video trains viewers to best leverage failed submission attempts for launching immediate counter attacks. The techniques taught are the ones used by champion athletes coached by Danaher himself, including Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Craig Jones, and Georges St. Pierre.
Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher
$98.50 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional BJJ course by John Danaher that focuses on pin escapes and turtle escapes, which are important defensive maneuvers in BJJ. The series is part of the 'Go Further Faster' program aimed at speeding up the progress and effectiveness of a practitioner by identifying core positional skills required for first competence and ultimate excellence in the sport. The objective of the course is to teach foundational body movements, technical skills, concepts, tactics, and grand strategies upon which all progress in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu is made. Danaher emphasizes on 'Foundationalism', the idea that all skills of Jiu-Jitsu are supported by these foundational aspects.
Training Tips to Get the Most from Danaher-Style Systems
- Limit your focus: For two to four weeks, track only one system in your training journal. Note how you enter, where control breaks down, and which finish gives you the highest conversion rate.
- Build progressive resistance: Start with cooperative drilling to refine mechanics, then escalate to specific sparring where your partner tries to escape the control you’re practicing. Finish with short positional rounds that begin in your target entanglement or dominant position.
- Use dilemmas intentionally: Each rep should either complete the submission or progress to a follow-up threat. Avoid resets that abandon hard-earned grips and angles.
- Review after live rounds: Log where opponents escaped or stalled. Match each failure to a single rule or detail you can fix next session.
John Danaher Mount (4 Videos, 1 Courses)
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Mounted Pin Attacks - The 4x4 Mount System by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, presented by world-class coach John Danaher, is focused on mastering the 4x4 mount system from the mounted pin position. Danaher guides viewers through the best submission holds to apply from mount, such as the arm triangle and mounted triangle. Viewers are also taught effective methods for gripping, hand fighting, and controlling the grappling exchanges. Moreover, Danaher shares strategies on dealing with potential problems that could arise during the execution of the 4x4 system.
Use BJJ University as Your Curated Study Hub
BJJ University is a free, curated library that organizes videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources so you can study by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. If you want a single place to browse John Danaher content without sifting through noise, start with his dedicated page and branch out from there.
Use the site navigation to move from an instructor’s overview to specific positions or themes. You can scan short clips for quick reminders, then dive into longer breakdowns when you need depth. Many learners bookmark BJJ University as their daily study hub and share it with teammates who want structured, no-cost resources that reinforce class training.
FAQs
Is John Danaher mainly for advanced students?
No. His systems are designed to reduce confusion, which helps beginners as much as advanced practitioners. The difference is in scope—newer students should pick one pathway, while experienced athletes can layer multiple systems.
Should I start with upper-body or lower-body attacks?
Pick the pathway that fits your current strengths and training culture. If your gym emphasizes positional control, start with mount or back sequences. If you’re already exploring leg entanglements, begin there and focus on structured entries and control.
How do I practice these systems if partners know what I’m trying to do?
That’s the point. Systems rely on predictable reactions. Use progressive resistance and positional rounds so you can practice entries, retention, and finishes even when your partner anticipates the plan.
How much time should I dedicate to one system before switching?
Two to four weeks of focused training is a good baseline. Switch once you can consistently acquire the position, retain control against resistance, and finish at a respectable rate in live rounds.
Where can I find organized John Danaher resources for free?
Browse the John Danaher video library on BJJ University and use the navigation to explore related techniques, positions, and breakdowns. It’s a curated, no-cost way to study in a structured manner.