John Danaher has made a remarkable return to coaching just over two weeks after undergoing hip replacement surgery. In a recent training session at Roka, Danaher was observed not only instructing his students but also completing post-class workouts, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
During the session, Danaher guided athletes through various drills, including passing techniques against a supine opponent, back-taking opportunities, half-guard transitions, and standing takedown scenarios. His technical instruction remained sharp and detailed despite his recent procedure.
Speaking about his recovery, Danaher expressed satisfaction with his progress.
“I feel good. Hip replacement technology improves a little bit every year, and my last hip replacement was I think eight or nine years ago,” he explained in video. “I can feel a noticeable difference in the technique they use to implant the hip replacement itself.”
Danaher reminisced about his previous hip replacement surgery, recalling how a younger generation of grapplers, including Gordon Ryan, Gary Tonon, Eddie Cummings, and Nicky Ryan, stepped up to demonstrate techniques while he instructed with a cane.
“We had a huge class in those days. It was like we would often get up to 100 people for an afternoon class at Renzos,” Danaher recalled. “I would have you demonstrate and I would point with my cane and you guys did a great job.”
Gordon Ryan humorously noted the difference in Danaher‘s choice of canes between surgeries.
“He failed to mention that while the technology in hip replacements may have increased, the technology in his ability to walk with a cane has decreased,” Ryan joked. He described how Danaher previously used “a black cane with a skull, a diamond encrusted skull” but now carries “a $5 cane from CVS.”
With Danaher back in action, the team is focusing on upcoming competitions. Luke is preparing for a rematch with Felipe Pena, while other athletes like Helena and Patrick Gaudio are getting ready for the World Championships. Ryan mentioned that Gary Tonon is also preparing for a potential MMA bout in the near future.
Danaher‘s quick return to coaching demonstrates not only advancements in medical technology but also his unwavering dedication to the sport and his students, ensuring minimal disruption to their training regimens despite his surgery.
