John Danaher Describes His Two Favorite Types Of Students: “Polar Opposites Of Each Other”

No matter what they tell you, all BJJ coaches have their “favorites” in class. Alright, perhaps not everyone has one or two students that fall into that category, but they for sure have their favorite types of students. John Danaher does. Here is what he had to say on the topic in an interview with BJJEE: […]

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John Danaher, a highly respected figure in BJJ, identifies two distinct types of students he particularly enjoys teaching, describing them as "polar opposites." The first type is the naturally gifted athlete who picks up techniques quickly and excels with minimal effort. These students often possess innate physical attributes and a natural understanding of movement, making their progress seem effortless.

Conversely, Danaher also highly values the student who lacks natural talent but compensates with extreme dedication and hard work. These individuals might struggle initially but demonstrate an unwavering commitment to drilling, studying, and improving. Their progress, while perhaps slower, is a testament to their perseverance and mental fortitude, often leading to a deep understanding of the art.

Danaher emphasizes that while the gifted student is a joy to watch due to their rapid assimilation of skills, the diligent, hard-working student provides a different kind of satisfaction. The latter's journey highlights the power of consistent effort and discipline in overcoming natural limitations, embodying the spirit of continuous improvement central to martial arts. Both types, despite their differences, offer unique rewards to an instructor like Danaher.