# What mistake did Gordon Ryan make as a lower belt? Gordon Ryan admits he did it the wrong way coming up - he did not focus on escapes early. When he started training with John Danaher as a blue/purple belt, his escapes were terrible. Danaher basically started teaching him as if he was a white belt, focusing on escapes first. Once Gordon was confiden... **[Read full answer on BJJ Notes](https://www.bjjnotes.app/knowledge-base/what-mistake-did-gordon-ryan-make-as-a-lower-belt)** --- **Tags:** history, training **Source:** [BJJ Notes Knowledge Base](https://www.bjjnotes.app/knowledge-base/what-mistake-did-gordon-ryan-make-as-a-lower-belt)