The 2016 North American ADCC Trials will guarantee the winners of each division to compete in the 2017 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championships, to be held in Helsinki, Finland in September 2017.
Some of the big names that participated were Justin Rader, Jimmy Friedrich, Mansher Khera or Elliott Kelly. Two of the big headliners, Garry Tonon and Gordon Ryan had to pull out due to injury.
One of the standouts was Gordon Ryan’s younger brother Nicky Ryan who competed with the adults despite being just 15 years of age. This was not the first time that he competed in adults divisions but this was the highest level competition yet. Nicky tore through his first opponents catching two heel hook submissions on the way. In the semi final he met the very experienced Jason Hayden, who defeated the teenager by armbar.
Big brother Gordon Ryan was very proud:
Coach John Danaher wrote about the feat on his Facebook:
Beastie Boy: Nicky Ryan, at just 15 years old, entered one of the toughest grappling tournaments in North America yesterday – the ADCC world championships trials. Mr Ryan won his first two matches by submission (heel hook variations) before losing via armbar to take 3rd place, an incredible achievement for such a young man. Mr Ryan has always greatly impressed me with his determination and maturity. Normally I have grave misgivings about very young competitors entering adult competitions as the risk of injury is definitely higher than usual and I’ve always felt there is something undesirable about pushing young people into tournaments, I prefer to let time pass and wait until they are a little older and enter themselves, rather than be entered by someone else. In Mr Ryan’s case however, I made an exception. His older brother trains with him daily and would coach him, and Mr Ryan is extraordinarily mentally mature for his age ( far more mature than all other members of the squad I must say!). As always, Mr Ryan put on a great showing, working hard to get the submission, as is our style. This young man has so much potential and it is an honor to be a small part of his progress. There will be many more ADCC trials for him and as his body matures to match his mind, you will all see the same potential that I see in him now.
Nicky Ryan 1st match:
Nicky Ryan 2nd match: