Garry Tonon: The Renaissance Man of Grappling and MMA
Garry Tonon is a name that resonates with reverence in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA) communities. Known for his dynamic grappling style, infectious personality, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Tonon has carved out a unique niche for himself. Not only has he achieved significant success in BJJ, but he has also made impressive strides in his MMA career. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the career of another grappling phenom, Gordon Ryan, by promoting him to black belt.
Early Life and Entry into Martial Arts
Born on September 12, 1991, in New Jersey, Garry Tonon began his martial arts journey at a young age. He initially trained in karate before discovering wrestling in high school. It wasn’t long before he transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under Tom DeBlass and later Ricardo Almeida. His early mentors recognized his potential and dedication, guiding him through the ranks.
The Beginning of a Formidable Partnership
Garry Tonon began training with John Danaher at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City. Danaher, a black belt under Renzo Gracie, is renowned for his intellectual approach to BJJ, emphasizing detailed instruction and a systematic methodology. Tonon quickly absorbed Danaher’s teachings, showing a natural aptitude for the sport and a keen willingness to innovate.
Mastering the Danaher Death Squad System
Tonon became a core member of the famed “Danaher Death Squad” (DDS), a group of elite grapplers known for their dominance in submission grappling, particularly in leg locks. Under Danaher’s guidance, Tonon honed his skills in various aspects of BJJ, focusing on submission-oriented techniques. The DDS revolutionized the sport with its approach to leg locks, positional control, and relentless submission hunting.
Rise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Tonon’s breakthrough in the BJJ world came through his performances in submission-only tournaments. He quickly gained a reputation for his aggressive and entertaining style, which focused on constant attacks and submission hunting. This approach earned him the nickname “The Lion Killer.”
Some of his most notable achievements in BJJ include:
– Multiple-time Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) Champion: Tonon showcased his skills in the EBI, winning several tournaments and cementing his status as one of the best submission grapplers in the world.
– ADCC Medalist: Tonon has also competed at the ADCC World Championships, one of the most prestigious grappling tournaments, earning medals and respect from his peers.
Garry Tonon Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
In 2018, Garry Tonon made his highly anticipated debut in mixed martial arts with ONE Championship. He brought his world-class grappling skills into the cage, adapting his game to include striking and takedowns. Tonon quickly made an impact, securing multiple victories and demonstrating his versatility as a fighter.
His MMA career highlights include:
– Undefeated Streak: Tonon maintained an undefeated record in his initial fights, showcasing his ability to finish opponents with submissions and strikes.
– Progression: Each fight displayed his growth as an MMA fighter, blending his grappling expertise with effective striking and tactical acumen.
Mentor and Promoter of Gordon Ryan
Garry Tonon’s influence extends beyond his own competitive achievements. He has been a mentor and training partner to many elite grapplers, most notably Gordon Ryan. A significant milestone was when Tonon promoted Gordon Ryan to black belt in September 2016. This promotion marked the beginning of Ryan’s ascent to becoming one of the most dominant figures in BJJ history.
Instructional Content and Legacy
Tonon has also contributed to the BJJ community through instructional videos and seminars. His instructional content is highly sought after, offering insights into his unique approach to grappling and fighting. Tonon’s teachings cover various aspects of BJJ, from leg locks to positional control, and have helped countless practitioners improve their skills.
Top 5 Most Popular Instructional Videos by Garry Tonon
Here are his top five instructionals at BJJ Fanatics.
1. Enter the System: Leg Locks
– Summary: In this comprehensive instructional, Garry Tonon delves deep into the leg lock game, a specialty that has made him one of the most feared grapplers in the world. He breaks down various entries, control positions, and finishing techniques for leg locks, providing a systematic approach to attacking the lower body.
2. Exit the System: Heel Hooks
– Summary: This video focuses on one of the most dangerous submissions in BJJ – the heel hook. Tonon offers detailed insights into setting up, applying, and countering heel hooks. He emphasizes safety and control, ensuring practitioners can utilize this technique effectively and responsibly.
3. Enter the System: Arm Locks
– Summary: Garry Tonon shares his expertise on arm locks, covering a range of techniques from basic to advanced. He explains the mechanics and nuances of various arm lock submissions, including armbars, kimuras, and Americanas, providing a thorough understanding of these powerful techniques.
4. Exit the System: Rear Naked Choke
– Summary: This instructional is dedicated to the rear naked choke, a fundamental submission in BJJ and MMA. Tonon explores different setups, positional control, and finishing details, offering strategies to make this submission more effective and harder to escape.
5. Inside the System: Guillotine
Summary: Garry Tonon’s guillotine series covers everything from standing guillotines to mounted and guard variations. He provides step-by-step instructions on securing and finishing the guillotine choke and transitioning to other submissions if the initial choke fails.
These instructional videos by Garry Tonon are highly regarded for their depth, clarity, and effectiveness. They offer valuable insights and techniques for practitioners of all levels, helping to enhance their grappling skills and overall understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Known for his charismatic personality, Garry Tonon is admired for his skills and his approach to life and martial arts. He emphasizes the importance of constant learning, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset. Tonon’s philosophy is reflected in his training and competition, where he consistently pushes the boundaries and seeks to innovate.
Conclusion
Garry Tonon’s impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts is profound. His achievements in competition, contributions as a mentor, and influence as an instructor have left an indelible mark on the martial arts community. As he continues to evolve as a fighter and a coach, Tonon’s legacy is set to inspire future generations of martial artists. Whether in the grappling arena or the MMA cage, Garry Tonon’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
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