As one of the most prolific coaches in the game today, John Danaher is no stranger to preparing the best athletes in the world for battle.

Having mentored some of the biggest names in grappling and MMA such as Georges St. Pierre, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon, the Death Squad namesake was a little apprehensive when first approached about a potential matchup between Geo Martinez and Nicky Ryan at KASAI Pro 2 on April 14 in Brooklyn, New York.

Ryan, a 16-year-old purple belt who trains under Danaher at the Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan, NY, first issued a challenge to Eddie Bravo's top black belt competitor back in December before the bout was made a reality.

Watch KASAI 2 LIVE on FloGrappling

Date: Saturday, April 14 | Time: 7 PM EDT | Site: Brooklyn, New York

"If it were under my control I would have waited to make this match until Nicky was more physically mature," Danaher told FloGrappling. "But the truth is I’ve always been conservative with Nicky and his matchups. He’s a teenager and I’d feel like a very poor coach if I put a teenage boy into situations where he could be hurt. That would be irresponsible on my part. 

"Historically, I’ve always held Nicky back and I’ve always been wrong, to be honest. Nicky has proven me wrong time and time again. Matches I didn’t think he was ready for he took and won convincingly."

Danaher was more than happy to be proved wrong once again, but if he and Ryan were to move forward together, the grappling prodigy would have to do so with a full commitment like never before.

"I told him, I’ll support you in this match but this has to be the most serious camp you’ve ever done. I’m going to train you like I did all the others for ADCC or EBI. And he’s done it brilliantly. He’s incredibly mature for his age. Physically he may still be a boy, but technically he’s an old man. His technique is impressive. One thing I know is he won’t be overwhelmed technically in this match."

Martinez is undoubtedly the most talented grappler Ryan has faced so far in his career, and Danaher is fully expecting him to rise to the occasion.

"Geo Martinez is an expert technician too—he has excellent jiu-jitsu," Danaher said. "He’s proven that time and time again against the best people in the sport. But Nicky is an athlete who continues to surprises me with his results and his technique. He’s a deeply impressive young athlete."