In a funny conversation on Jake Shields‘ Podcast, jiu-jitsu superstar Gordon Ryan shared a memorable story about how AJ Agazarm inadvertently saved his jiu-jitsu career during a particularly challenging day of training.
Ryan, now widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers of all time, recalled a difficult period shortly after receiving his purple belt. Following an intense training session with Doug, where he was submitted “like 12 times in the span of like a six minute round,” Ryan found himself questioning his future in the sport.
“I went out and I was just like sitting depressed all day,” Ryan shared. “I was like with Gary, Gary‘s like what’s wrong, I’m like I’m done with this like I don’t even know why I’m doing this anymore.”
However, fate intervened in the form of AJ Agazarm, who arrived at the gym for the afternoon class. Agazarm, who was preparing for the Pan Ams at the time, became an unwitting catalyst for Ryan‘s renewed motivation.
“The only thing that saved me that day was AJ Agus arm came into the gym,” Ryan explained. “AJ doesn’t tap in training and I just completely blew his shoulder apart.”
According to Ryan, the incident occurred during a training session focused on breaking mechanics, where Agazarm‘s notorious reputation for not tapping made him “the perfect training partner.”
The session, which reportedly resulted in Agazarm requiring shoulder surgery after a back triangle and Kimura combination, oddly helped restore Ryan‘s confidence.
“And then so I beat up AJ and I was like okay I’m back,” Ryan concluded with a laugh.
This candid revelation offers a unique glimpse into the psychological challenges faced by even the most accomplished athletes during their development, and how unexpected moments can sometimes provide the motivation needed to persevere.
