Garry Tonon

Biography

Garry Tonon is an American submission grappler, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and professional MMA fighter known for his aggressive style, relentless pace, and innovative approach to leglocks and back-taking sequences. A central figure in the rise of modern no-gi jiu-jitsu, Tonon became one of the sport’s most influential competitors through his dynamic matches, high-risk, high-reward style, and constant forward pressure.

Tonon first gained widespread recognition under coach John Danaher, becoming one of the earliest and most important representatives of the Danaher Death Squad. His performances in EBI, Polaris, and ADCC helped popularize modern heel hooks, inside sankaku transitions, and standing leg-entanglement entries. Tonon is also known for his entertaining stand-up exchanges, rolling kimuras, and his exceptionally tight rear naked strangle, earning him the nickname “The Lion Killer.” He is equally famous for his escape skills, often allowing training partners to fully lock submissions so he can practice escaping under maximal pressure. Tonon later transitioned to MMA with ONE Championship.

Known for his creativity and ability to attack from virtually any position, Tonon’s game blends high-level wrestling entries, explosive scrambles, leglock threats, and elite finishing mechanics. After the split of the Danaher Death Squad, Tonon continued training under Danaher at New Wave Jiu-Jitsu and now trains at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu. He also operates Garry Tonon Jiu-Jitsu in New Jersey.

Tonon is widely considered one of the most important pioneers of modern no-gi jiu-jitsu. His pace, fearlessness, technical innovation, and extreme work ethic helped redefine what aggressive submission grappling could look like. Tonon set the competitive tone for an entire generation and paved the way for athletes like Gordon Ryan, who originally began as his student. His influence on no-gi remains deeply embedded in the sport’s evolution.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

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