Ryan Hall

Biography

Ryan Hall is an American Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, elite no-gi grappler, and one of the most influential technicians of the modern era. He is widely respected for his highly regarded instructional work, which helped systematize concepts like 50/50, other leg entanglements, and back-attacking long before these ideas became mainstream. Hall continues to produce some of the most studied educational material in grappling and operates Fifty/50 Martial Arts in Virginia.

Known for his cerebral approach to jiu-jitsu, Hall built a reputation in no-gi competition through his mastery of off-balancing, inverted movement, and leg-lock mechanics—particularly the 50/50 system he helped popularize globally. His no-gi game emphasized control, distance management, and precision over explosiveness, making him one of the most technical competitors of his generation.

Hall later transitioned into mixed martial arts, where he competed in the UFC and carried his unique grappling style into the cage. He produced one of the most iconic submissions in UFC history by finishing BJ Penn with a beautifully executed inside heel hook from a backside 50/50 entry. His unconventional movement and guard sequences made him one of the most puzzling matchups in the division.

Due to chronic physical issues and long injury layoffs, Hall has been unable to compete but his influence on no-gi jiu-jitsu remains enormous. As an innovator, educator, and pioneer of modern entanglement systems, Ryan Hall is widely regarded as a true legend of the sport.

Personal

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

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