Meet Garry Tonon: The Grappling Legend Who Took on the Octagon
In a world where belly‑flop championships are the norm, one man is flipping the script.
From New Jersey Hangers to the World Stage
- Graduated to a black belt in 2013 with the New Yorker flair.
- Claimed a whopping five EBI grappling titles – that’s a lot of pins.
- Now, he’s trading his gi for a hoodie while fighting in ONE Championship.
How a Legendary Coach Turned a City Boy into a Cage King
Why did John Danaher become his guiding star? Here’s the low‑down:
- Garry started out under Tom DeBlass, the Renzo Gracie black‑belt guru, but college let him have less time to hit the mats.
- NYC’s Renzo Gracie Academy became his new hangout.
- Daniel, a Renzo black belt himself, was teaching there, and his sheer aura was enough to make any athlete feel both awe and a splash of jealousy.
- At first the relationship was a silent friendship – he’d hand‑shake and watch John roll without a word.
Yet, as weeks turned to months, the dynamic shifted. Danaher became a confidant sent from the heavens. He even offered Garry a spot as a sparring buddy to the legendary Georges St. Pierre – the ultimate trust signal.
Garry’s Secret Weapon – Those O‑Touch‑A‑Throne Math Tricks
“Five years – and I went from BJJ juggler to submission savant,” he says. Danaher didn’t just drop quick tips; he reshaped the entire playbook.
- Now, he can lock legs, arms, and even drop a triangle choke without blinking.
- It’s all about magic – the fine line between a technique and an entire philosophy.
And when teasing the idea of stepping into the M‑A‑R‑E‑T‑H‑A‑L fight world, Garry turned to his mentor, who had already painted masterpieces with St. Pierre and other hall‑of‑fame fighters.
Training Day: Mixed‑MShots, No Sweat‑Gryphs
He’s not wrangling gloves or tossing jabs by gym clients; he’s gripping the cage. Every day is a 4‑action storyboard: submissions, striking, movement, and recovery.
Glorious Start—Two Wins, Two Stoppages!
From shot to shut‑down, Garry’s initial displays are smashing ducks. Still, he’s a rookie in the MMA universe, but his journey is accelerating.
Upcoming Duel: The Featherweight Face‑Off
Garry will lock joints with Sung Jong Lee of South Korea at ONE: HEART OF THE LION – Singapore, Friday, November 9.
Will he keep his grappling tax and conjure new tricks? Watch the ropes. It’s a new book, and the pages are already getting inked quickly!
