The Danaher Diaries

Over 100 of John Danaher's Musings on Jiu-Jitsu, Kaizen, Training, and Living

By: Heroes of the Art

Narrated by: David Sweeney-Bear

Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Since he burst onto the scene as George St. Pierre’s grappling coach in the late 2000’s, John Danaher has risen to be recognized as one of the foremost minds in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and competitive grappling.

More than just a coach, Danaher has garnered a reputation as a philosopher of the art. His social media is read by hundreds of thousands, serving as daily inspiration for students around the world. Danaher is able to take the complex and often contradictory rules of jiu-jitsu and break them down into universal concepts. 

And it’s not just talk: Danaher’s student’s are a who’s-who of combat sports. From MMA champions like George St. Pierre, to grappling phenoms like Gary Tonon and Nikki Ryan. His work speaks for itself.

We’ve assembled John Danaher’s most timeless and thought provoking writings, over one hundred passages in short segments. At just a few minutes per passage, they make for the perfect quick listen before hitting the gym, a quiet moment during morning coffee, or a long afternoon listen. 

Included are Danaher’s famous concepts of:

• Division and unity
• The fundamentals of guard passing and retention  
• Kaizen and the mindset of constant improvement
• Building the perfect armbars, strangulations, and leg attacks
• The power of asymmetry-breaking paradigms in jiu-jitsu
• The value of creating systems amongst the chaos of daily training

Scattered throughout are the fascinating little stories of John’s life, from a philosophy major in college, to a bouncer in New York City. It’s an amazing glimpse into the thinking of a modern jiu-jitsu master.

©2019 Heroes of the Art (P)2020 Heroes of the Art

Collection of golden nuggets from a genius

This is the collection of instagram posts from John Danaher himself. That does not sound very appealing but believe me, this is a must for every jiujitsu/grappling practitioner. Thoughts and advices from the grappling tactic point of view to general life and philosophical aspect, this is a great book to listen to every morning to motivate you. The description of this audiobook is very accurate and I would definitely recommend it.

All BJJ students and coaches should read this

I have been training for 5 years and am a World Champion IBJJF competitor. The advice contained in this book is invaluable to all students of the sport.

To better understand concepts of grappling/jiu jitsu

This is my go to audiobook while driving. Usually i listen to music but on road trips, i listen to this to conceptualize jiu jitsu and helped with improving my skills on the matt

Loved hearing more Danaher

Great listening to Danaher’s insight as I drove around. His insights into BJJ and life are equally helpful and awesome :)

Will listen to this over and over again.

Rich with strategic and philosophical gems. A book that will be worth listening too multiple times.

Worthwhile, mind-broadening listen

Not exactly a compelling story or a relaxed easy listen, but a worthwhile way to absorb nuggets of martial arts truth, from one of the men most in touch with this truth

For the Jiu Jitsu Lover

This provided great wisdom and insight into Danahers take on Jiu Jitsu. I loved it.

Good Stuff

This was a perfect "Intro" to BJJ book for me. I learned a lot of stuff that I was able to apply everyday.

So good. I need more Danaher.

This is a must-listen audiobook! The only one I've listened to again and again. There is lots of gold in here for BJJ players.

Great Book

As an old school Jiu-Jitsu guy, this was a great book. It breaks down several ideas and concepts in a manner that are not necessarily the way we were all taught. I would recommend this book and will be listening to it again for sure.

Brilliant

I love the intellectual approach to training Jiu Jitsu. A must listen. Excellent stuff.

Excellent Audiobook and AUTHOR !!!

Great visdom and understanding about Jiu-jitsu. Brilliant Author! Very well explained everything in detail 👏 Thank you 😊 🙏

Insightful

Danaher’s analysis is insightful and interesting I hope it will help me to improve my game!

Great teacher

Great teacher it was a great listen thank you this was a great read thank you

Literally someone trying to cash in on the great JD

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Love Jd but this is literally con. Avoid Avoid

didn't want it to finish

I've neay finished listening to it for a 2nd time already and I've only had it a day.

There's a lot to take from this audio book.

I'll definitely be getting the others.

excellent for jiu-jitsu players

excellent for jiu-jitsu players and enough to keep uou going when you are injured

Listened to this about five times.

Loved the narration, close to Danaher's voice - actually thought it was him at first. Great content. Easy to follow along.

Best audiobook on Jiu Jitsu

I actually really enjoyed this. it has given me new insight into the world of Jiu Jitsu. it's not a training manual that teaches techniques, it's more of expanding your knowledge on the art of Jiu Jitsu

Brilliantly Narrated 👏

Loved this book, as a Jiu-jitsu coached I enjoyed listen to it but also took some stuff from it for me to help as a coach and Jiu-jitsu player 🥋