Gordon Ryan has offered a measured defense of Derek Moneyberg amid fierce criticism over the financial guru’s rapid ascent to black belt.
Ryan’s response comes after weeks of attacks from BJJ legends like Vinny Magalhaes, who questioned the legitimacy of Moneyberg’s promotion and suggested financial motivations were at play. The criticism intensified when Mikey Musumeci dramatically reversed his earlier support, admitting he had made a mistake in defending the controversial promotion.
In a detailed social media statement, Ryan revealed the true nature of his relationship with Moneyberg, dispelling speculation about financial arrangements.
“I have never asked for a penny from Derek. I was introduced to him by Jake as a solid dude, and I decided that building a meaningful relationship with him was a better idea than demanding money from a friend of a friend.”
The revelation that Ryan provided instruction without compensation directly contradicts critics who suggested the promotion was essentially purchased. Ryan, known for his substantial teaching fees, typically commands premium rates for private instruction, making his pro bono arrangement with Moneyberg particularly noteworthy. This claim is especially dubious considering Ryan has a decal with Moneyberg’s face on his truck – and Moneyberg is on record as having purchased $6000 worth of toehold rashguards during Ryan’s association with the brand.
“Derek legitimately trains more than 99% of professional BJJ grapplers I’v ever met. Without question.”
This assessment from someone who has trained with elite grapplers worldwide carries significant weight in the BJJ community.
However, Ryan‘s support comes with important caveats. When directly asked about the black belt promotion, he was blunt:
“I would not give him a black belt (he knows this). I also would not give hardly any, if any of my opponents’ black belts.”
Ryan revealed his extremely high standards, noting that
“The number of people I would give a black belt to on earth based on my standards, I could count on my hands.”
The ADCC champion addressed the broader philosophical question that has divided the BJJ community, arguing:
“Belts dont matter. I was submitting black belts in competition as a 17 year old blue belt.”
He pointed to the evolution of the sport, where traditional timelines have become less relevant due to improved training methods and accessible high-level instruction.
Ryan also defended Moneyberg against critics using outdated footage to mock his technique.
“The videos you see of Derek doing moves are from his white belt days. He shared his progression with the world, and people are taking videos of him at Blue Belt to make fun of him now.”
Addressing the unique circumstances surrounding Moneyberg‘s training, Ryan acknowledged both advantages and limitations in the current approach. While praising his exceptional discipline, he suggested areas for improvement:
“should he train with more randoms in gyms and things like this to help further his progression- yes. Ive told him this.”
Ryan contextualized Moneyberg‘s situation as fundamentally different from typical BJJ grapplers.
“He has a choice between doing that and making an extra couple million bucks a week. This is his HOBBY. He’s making hundreds of millions of dollars and does this for fun.”
The observation highlights how Moneyberg’s extraordinary wealth creates training opportunities unavailable to others while also limiting his exposure to typical gym environments.
The grappling superstar emphasized his financial independence in defending the relationship:
“I’m rich. I dont need Derek’s money, and I cant be bought. Hes simply my friend and has been great to me.”
This statement directly addresses critics who suggested financial motivations compromised the integrity of those involved in Moneyberg‘s promotion.
Ryan concluded with a practical assessment:
“Would he do fine in a gym with a black belt who is his age? This is the question. The answer is yes. He would do just fine.”
The statement from Ryan adds a new dimension to the controversy that has consumed the BJJ community for months. Ryan’s defense of Moneyberg‘s training commitment and practical ability challenges critics to look beyond traditional timelines and consider individual circumstances.
