What Is 10th Planet

Overview

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is a revolutionary non-traditional system of Brazilian jiu-jitsu developed by Eddie Bravo and established in 2003. Founded after Bravo earned his black belt under Jean-Jacques Machado, the system emerged from a specific philosophy: traditional jiu-jitsu practitioners were training with a gi but competing in mixed martial arts without one, creating a disconnect between training and competition. This observation led Bravo to develop an entirely new approach to grappling that prioritized no-gi training and submission-focused techniques over point-based competition strategies.

The name "10th Planet" reflects the concept that this system operates as a parallel universe to traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with its own unique set of principles, techniques, and philosophy. Rather than following the established conventions of gi-based jiu-jitsu that had dominated the sport for decades, 10th Planet created an alternative paradigm where fighters wear only rash guards and base their training entirely on the realities of modern combat sports. This innovative approach has fundamentally changed how many practitioners view grappling, emphasizing leg lock submissions and unconventional guard positions that were once considered unorthodox in mainstream jiu-jitsu circles.

How It Works

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu distinguishes itself through specific training methods and technical focuses that set it apart from traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu academies. The system is built on submission-only grappling principles, meaning training prioritizes finishing techniques rather than accumulating points. This fundamental difference influences every aspect of how students learn and practice.

• No-Gi Training: All classes and training occur without the traditional gi, using only rash guards for clothing, which aligns training directly with how fighters compete in mixed martial arts and submission grappling tournaments
• Rubber Guard: A signature 10th Planet technique where a grappler wraps their legs around an opponent's body and controls their posture, creating unique angles for submissions and directional control
• Leg Lock Emphasis: The system places exceptional focus on leg lock submissions including heel hooks, toe holds, and knee reaping techniques, which form a core component of every practitioner's skillset
• The Twister: An advanced submission technique that combines a body lock with a leg trap, designed to hyperextend the opponent's spine and force submission in a way that's highly effective in competition
• The Truck: A dominant back control position unique to 10th Planet where the grappler controls the opponent using one arm and their legs, creating a devastating setup for various submissions
• Submission-Only Competition: 10th Planet trains specifically for submission-only rulesets where athletes must finish opponents rather than accumulate points, fundamentally changing strategic priorities

Key Details

Understanding the expansion and structure of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu provides insight into its impact on the global grappling community. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, establishing itself as a major alternative to traditional BJJ federations and academies.

The growth of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu has been remarkable, expanding from Eddie Bravo's original Los Angeles location to over 100 schools spanning multiple continents. The system has established itself in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Korea, demonstrating its global appeal and effectiveness. This international expansion reflects the system's legitimacy and the growing recognition that submission-focused, no-gi training provides significant advantages in modern grappling competitions.

Why It Matters

• Changed MMA Approach: Eddie Bravo's observation that UFC fighters trained in gis but competed without them led to a fundamental rethinking of how combat athletes should prepare, making 10th Planet training more relevant to professional fighters
• Leg Lock Revolution: The system's emphasis on leg lock submissions elevated these techniques from overlooked tactics to core competencies, forcing traditional jiu-jitsu to adapt and incorporate leg lock training more seriously
• Submission Wrestling Focus: By emphasizing submission-only competitions and training, 10th Planet created an alternative competitive pathway that appealed to athletes seeking different challenges and opportunities than traditional point-based jiu-jitsu
• Accessibility and Innovation: The no-gi approach made jiu-jitsu more accessible and affordable for many students while allowing faster technique acquisition without the grip fighting that dominates gi-based competition
• Influence on Traditional BJJ: Major traditional jiu-jitsu federations have been forced to recognize and incorporate 10th Planet techniques and training methods, demonstrating the system's lasting impact on the entire sport

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu's significance extends far beyond being an alternative grappling system; it represents a paradigm shift in how practitioners understand combat sports training and competition. By removing the gi and focusing entirely on submission-based grappling, Eddie Bravo created a training methodology that proved superior for mixed martial artists and submission wrestlers competing in modern combat sports. The system's expansion to over 100 schools worldwide and its growing acceptance within traditional jiu-jitsu communities demonstrate that 10th Planet successfully challenged long-standing assumptions about how grappling should be taught and practiced. Today, even traditional BJJ academies incorporate many 10th Planet principles, particularly regarding leg lock techniques and no-gi training methods, making it one of the most influential developments in modern martial arts.