One of the world’s leading no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams, formerly known as New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, has officially undergone a complete rebrand and will now be known as Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu. This significant change marks a new chapter for the elite team, though it is not the first time this renowned group of competitors has adopted a new identity.
A History of Evolution
The team’s journey began as the Danaher Death Squad (DDS), training under the guidance of John Danaher in the iconic blue basement at Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City. Over time, as elite grapplers joined and departed, the team’s composition evolved. The squad relocated to Puerto Rico, but internal tensions led to the dissolution of DDS. This split resulted in two distinct directions: many athletes formed B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, while Danaher and top competitor Gordon Ryan established New Wave Jiu-Jitsu.
After moving to Austin, Texas, New Wave initially lacked a permanent home, training out of the local Roka gym while rebuilding their competition team. Their efforts bore fruit at ADCC 2024, where the team secured multiple medals, signalling the end of their rebuilding phase and the return of a formidable roster of elite athletes.
A New Era: Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu
Gordon Ryan recently announced that the team would finally open its own headquarters, a milestone celebrated with the decision to rebrand as Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu. The new name pays homage to Ryan’s well-known nickname, ‘King’, and symbolises a fresh start as the team establishes its own dedicated facility.
Gordon Ryan’s Official Announcement
Gordon Ryan shared the news of the rebrand on his official Instagram account, expressing excitement for the future and the significance of the new headquarters. In his post, Ryan emphasised the team’s commitment to excellence and the importance of this new chapter for both the athletes and the broader Jiu-Jitsu community.
“We’ve always strived to set the standard in the sport, and with our new headquarters and rebrand to Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, we’re ready to take things to the next level. This is more than just a name change-it’s a statement of intent and a reflection of the hard work everyone has put in over the years.”
Gordon Ryan, via Instagram below
What This Means for the Jiu-Jitsu Community
The rebranding to Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu signals not only a new identity but also a renewed focus on building a legacy in the sport. With John Danaher remaining as head coach (for now) and Gordon Ryan continuing as the team’s top competitor, Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu is poised to maintain its position at the pinnacle of competitive grappling.
Fans and practitioners alike can expect the same level of excellence, innovation, and competitive spirit that has defined the team through its many evolutions. The new headquarters and rebrand reflect the team’s ambition to set new standards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for years to come.
