19-Year Old DDS Prospect Daniel Manasoiu Wins ADCC Romania Nationals as Blue Belt

Although the Danaher Death Squad might no longer be a team, grapplers from that squad will continue to make waves. Over the weekend, Daniel Manasoui — a 19-year old grappler that had been training under John Danaher in Puerto Rico — won double gold, submitting all of his opponent at the ADCC Romania Nationals, and he did it all as a blue belt.

“Most of the athletes are very experienced brown and black belts. Big Dan won double gold, both his weight division and absolute with his devastating submissions game – specializing of course in leg locks,” Danaher wrote about his student’s performance.

Daniel Manasoiu, who’s Instagram handle is aptly “jiujitsugiant,” is a heavyweight grappler that regularly trains alongside the likes of Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon. Although he is currently short on high-level accomplishments, both Ryan and Danaher had previously mentioned Manasoiu as one of the team’s best prospects.

Danaher is no stranger to helping grapplers that are relatively new to jiu-jitsu find success at the highest levels. Danaher’s student Nick Rodriguez earned a silver medal at the 2019 ADCC championships as a blue belt.

Keep an eye on Manasoiu, as he continues to compete and continues to find more high level opportunities open up for him.

Ben Coate

Ben has been involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. After wrestling throughout his childhood, Ben found Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a young adult and quickly fell in love. He has been training for over ten years and currently holds the rank of brown belt, and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.

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