Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has grown exponentially in recent years. It is evolving from a niche martial art to a global phenomenon. At the core of this evolution are the dedicated coaches. These are the mentors who not only shape world champions but also spread the essence of the gentle art across continents. In this 2025 edition, we rank and review the best BJJ coaches in the world. It is based on their competitive success, coaching legacy, global influence, and contribution to the sport’s development.

Does not matter if you are a white belt seeking the right instructor or a seasoned practitioner looking to train under the best minds in the game. This article will guide you to the top BJJ coaches who continue to inspire and lead the way in 2025.

Why Coaching Matters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Before diving into the list, it is crucial to understand why coaching plays such a pivotal role in BJJ. A skilled coach is not just a technician or tactician. They are also strategists, mentors, and motivators. The best coaches:

• Develop individualized game plans
• Adapt techniques to students' body types
• Build strong team cultures
• Inspire excellence on and off the mats

Their experience in both competition and teaching gives them the ability to elevate students from hobbyists to world-class grapplers. Now, let’s explore who’s leading the BJJ world in 2025.

1- John Danaher (Renzo Gracie Academy / New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, USA)

Legacy: Submission Innovation & Modern Grappling

No list of top BJJ coaches is complete without John Danaher. Originally from New Zealand and now based in Austin, Texas, Danaher is considered a revolutionary mind in modern grappling.

He is the mastermind behind the infamous “Danaher Death Squad”. However, the original squad disbanded, his coaching influence never faded. In 2025, his work at New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, alongside Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon, continues to dominate both No-Gi and submission-only scenes.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Coaches the top No-Gi athlete in the world, Gordon Ryan
• Produced ADCC, IBJJF, and EBI champions
• Developed the most structured grappling systems in modern history
• Offers accessible instructionals that shape global learning

Specialty: Leg locks, back attacks, No-Gi systems, submission-oriented strategies

2- Andre Galvão (Atos Jiu-Jitsu, USA/Brazil)

Legacy: Champion Maker & Spiritual Leader

Andre Galvão, co-founder of Atos Jiu-Jitsu, is a six-time ADCC champion. And his coaching career rivals his legendary competition record. His team boasts elite athletes like Kaynan Duarte, Lucas Barbosa, and Tye Ruotolo (who now competes under Atos).

In 2025, Galvão’s San Diego academy remains one of the top destinations for both Gi and No-Gi training. He brings a blend of athletic discipline, spiritual guidance, and elite-level coaching.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Continues to produce world champions in IBJJF & ADCC
• Fosters a strong family/team culture at Atos
• Merges high-performance training with mental and emotional coaching

Specialty: Pressure passing, explosive takedowns, spiritual mindset training

3- Fábio Gurgel (Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, Brazil)

Legacy: Founding Father of Modern BJJ Teams

Fábio Gurgel is known as “The General”. Fábio Gurgel is a four-time world champion and co-founder of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most successful BJJ teams in IBJJF history. Alliance has produced names like Marcelo Garcia, Lucas Lepri, and Bernardo Faria.

In 2025, Gurgel remains an active mentor in São Paulo and is instrumental in building the next generation of competitors and coaches.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Maintains a dynasty with Alliance Jiu-Jitsu
• Focuses on developing coaches across the globe
• Promotes a holistic, long-term approach to Jiu-Jitsu

Specialty: Gi fundamentals, strategic coaching, team development

4- Mikey Musumeci (ONE Championship / Evolve MMA)

Legacy: Technical Genius Turned Coach

While still competing, Mikey Musumeci has stepped into a unique coaching and ambassadorial role in 2025. He is multiple-time IBJJF World Champion and current ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion. Now, he teaches seminars globally and mentors rising talents at Evolve MMA in Singapore.

Mikey blends American innovation with a deep understanding of traditional BJJ fundamentals. It is a rare combination that resonates with practitioners across all levels.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Offers cutting-edge technical insights in both Gi and No-Gi
• Acts as a global BJJ ambassador through ONE Championship
• Bridges competitive excellence with educational outreach

Specialty: Berimbolos, back takes, leg entanglements, No-Gi innovations

5- Léo Vieira (Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu, Brazil/USA)

Legacy: Tactical Precision & Global Expansion

Founder of Checkmat, Léo Vieira has built an empire of elite BJJ academies and athletes. From Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida to Lucas Leite, his team consistently produces top-level competitors.

Vieira is now focused on expanding Checkmat’s presence in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Thus, making him a key global ambassador of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Pioneers strategic innovations in both Gi and No-Gi
• Builds strong international networks for BJJ expansion
• Blends old-school fundamentals with modern tactics

Specialty: Guard passing, transition-based strategy, team leadership

6- Tom DeBlass (Ocean County BJJ, USA)

Legacy: Empowerment, Community, and No-Gi Prowess

Tom DeBlass is more than a coach. He is a movement. DeBlass is a former UFC fighter, ADCC veteran, and prolific instructor. He is known for his emotional intelligence, motivational leadership, and strong online community.

His academy in New Jersey and international seminar circuit have made him a go-to coach for beginners, hobbyists, and aspiring competitors alike.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Advocates for mental health and emotional strength
• Has developed thousands of students worldwide via seminars and online platforms
• Offers accessible coaching for all levels

Specialty: Half guard, No-Gi grappling, self-improvement philosophy

7- Darragh O’Conaill (East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Ireland)

Legacy: European Excellence & Rising Talent Developer

Darragh O’Conaill is a rising star in global coaching. He is one of Europe’s top instructors and has helped elevate the continent’s competitive level significantly. His East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dublin has become a powerhouse in the European scene.

His presence at camps like BJJ Summer Week 2025 and his articulate, systematic coaching style make him one of the most respected BJJ minds in Europe.

Why He Stands Out in 2025:

• Represents the new wave of elite European coaches
• Coaches multiple IBJJF European medalists
• Focuses on efficient, modern BJJ systems

Specialty: Conceptual teaching, modern open guard, structured progression

8- Mayssa Bastos (Unity Jiu-Jitsu / GFTeam, Brazil/USA)

Legacy: Female Excellence & Inclusive Coaching

Mayssa Bastos is not just a decorated competitor. But she is a beacon of female representation in coaching. She is involved in both competition and teaching at Unity Jiu-Jitsu in New York. Bastos is mentoring a new generation of women in BJJ.

Her commitment to technical precision, inclusivity, and personal development makes her a vital figure in the sport’s evolution in 2025.

Why She Stands Out in 2025:

• Leading voice for women in BJJ
• Teaches seminars worldwide with focus on detail and efficiency
• Creates welcoming training environments for all genders

Specialty: Spider guard, back control, female-focused BJJ coaching

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Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great BJJ Coach in 2025?

The best BJJ coaches in 2025 are not just defined by medals or Instagram followers. But they are judged by impact, innovation, and integrity. They cultivate athletes, uplift communities, and refine the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu itself.

Id does not matter whether you are looking for Gi-based instruction, No-Gi leg lock systems, or a mentorship-driven approach. These coaches represent the elite tier of global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

FAQs About BJJ Coaches in 2025

Q: How can I train under one of these top coaches?

A: Many of these coaches offer online courses, attend international seminars, or welcome visitors to their academies. Follow their social media or websites for updates.

Q: What qualities should I look for in a BJJ coach?

A: Look for technical knowledge, communication skills, consistency, student success rate, and alignment with your training goals.

Q: Are these coaches beginner-friendly?

A: Yes. Despite their elite reputations, most are passionate about helping all skill levels improve, from white belt to black belt.