Danaher Death Squad disciple Robert Degle ready to roll in Singapore’s Evolve MMA
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Degle to spearhead notorious group’s first programme in Asia
- New York native talks meeting legendary black belt coach John Danaher, and applying philosophy studies to his grappling
From the moment Robert Degle set foot in Singapore last November to corner a friend’s MMA fight, the elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) coach already knew he would be back. In some ways, the southeast Asian island city state is similar to the ever-evolving grappling-based martial art.
“It’s an organised, efficient place that clearly values innovation. To say I enjoyed my experience there would be an understatement – I’ve visited 12 countries on three continents and still my favourite has been Singapore,” said New York native Degle, part of Manhattan’s notorious Danaher Death Squad (DDS), known for its mercilessly disciplined grapplers.
The mission to enlighten a new generation of grapplers has yet to commence, however. Degle was set to jet off this month, but as with most commitments during the tumultuous global Covid-19 pandemic, things have been put on hold. He described himself on social media as feeling “crushed”.
“I’m still in New York waiting this whole situation out,” said Degle, who had no hiccups completing a grappling tour of Asia in January. “There’s not much else I can do while Singapore’s borders are closed. I plan on boarding a flight the moment they reopen.
