John Danaher has built a reputation as one of the most cerebral minds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his latest insight addresses a reality every grappler eventually faces – most of your attacks will fail against opponents of similar size and skill.

Here is what he had to say on the topic in a recent social media post:

Experience teaches us that the majority of moves we will attempt against an opponent of similar size and skill level will fail.

This hard truth often leads athletes to hesitate.

If the expectation is that the first move won’t work, the temptation is to hold back – saving energy for a second or third attempt.
But Danaher insists this mindset is a trap:

You can’t think this way.
Even when you’re pessimistic about the chances of your first move succeeding, you have to go in with serious intent.

Half hearted attempts at a move get strongly countered by a good opponent.

In Danaher’s framework, the initial attack carries weight not because it is guaranteed to succeed, but because it provokes the reactions that create openings.

Without genuine commitment, the first move fails to draw a meaningful response, leaving the second move toothless:

You have to go in with sufficient commitment to elicit a strong defensive reaction and prevent giving up an easy counter.

In addition, that second attack of yours is only likely to succeed if there is a reaction to the first.

Even if it slams into a wall of defense, the pressure the first attack generates can unlock the doors that the follow-up attack needs to break through:

So even in a tight match where most of your attacks are running into a brick wall – go in with commitment to the first attack to make that second one succeed.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by John Danaher (@danaherjohn)

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.