BJJ Black Belt Ron Dayley Interview

Ron Dayley is a long time member of the combat sports and Jiu-Jitsu community in the southeast. He was the head of the World Famous SSF academy in Clarksville, TN and now trains in Nashville after making his return back to the sport.  We recently were able to catch up with Ron. Check it out here:

JK:  You are a long time staple of the MMA and BJJ community in the area, what was it that got you originally into training all of those years ago?

Dayley:  My buddies Bill, Pete, and I were in to JKD in the late 80s and early 90s.  We heard Larry Hartsell was coming to MD to teach a grappling seminar in 93, so we went and we were hooked on Catch Wrestling.  There weren't any Catch gyms around so we found a BJJ gym (which was 1.5 hours away) and we started training.  

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JK:  What has been the biggest difference you have seen in the MMA community compared to the BJJ community?

Dayley:  BJJ gyms gyms seem to be more open to cross training and open to visitors dropping in to train.  MMA gyms tend to be more tribal.

JK:  Now that we've got you back on the mats, what are some goals that you would like to accomplish in 2024 with Jiu-Jitsu?

Dayley:  I'd like to get back to teaching seminars and maybe get ranked in the 10th Planet style of Jiu-Jitsu, but mainly I'm enjoying watching my son train and progress in Jiu-Jitsu.

JK:  Where is it you are training now and what was it about their academy/team that brought you to them?

Dayley:  My son and I are training at 10th Planet Nashville.  The guys there are super friendly and technical.  They have a lot of talented guys to train with and one of the old instructors at my gym (SSF Submission Academy) trains there.  So I feel confident that they will help my son progress fast and in the right way.  I also like that 10th Planet doesn't give away belts like some places do.

JK:  Who has been your biggest influence in combat sports and why?

Dayley:  I have always enjoyed training with Larry Hartsell and Eric Paulson when I got the chance, but my main influence is a guy named Rick McCoy out of Richmond, VA.  He gave me my Black Belt in BJJ and has been a friend for a very long time.  He is also a Sambo expert.  As far as MMA, I have always loved watching Masakazu Imanari, Fedor, Even Tanner, and some of the Japanese fighters out of Pancrase and Pride Fights.

JK:  Thank you for the time!  Is there anything you would like to say to everyone out there reading this?

Dayley:  I've been at this for over 30 years and still enjoy it and learn something new every time I get on the mats.  I'm 54 now and I see myself doing this for a lot longer, so all you old guys keep on grinding and stay healthy.

For anyone interested in hosting Ron for a seminar or training please contact him directly at www.ssfgear.com!