Grace Gundrum is a BJJ blackbelt under 10th Planet founder Eddie Bravo, however she trains under JM Holland and Zach Maslany at 10th Planet Bethlehem. Earning her blackbelt at just age 18, she is one of the youngest to ever achieve the belt in such time. However, after such achievements throughout her teens, it was definitely earned. This followed years of competition and superfight wins.
Grace’s BJJ training started around the age of 5 years old, so it’s safe to say at 18 she had plenty of experience. Throughout her younger years she also dabbled in other sports and martial arts such as Karate. However, it’s safe to say she found her niche in BJJ.
She also started training wrestling in 2018 to supplement her BJJ. With this in mind, the addition would help improve her stand up and make her a better overall grappler.
However, Gundrum’s ground game was already scarily good. This was proven in Quintet of 2018 when her match with world champion Rikako Yuasa ended in a tie. With Yuasa being one of the best in the world and vastly experienced, it was almost a victory for Gundrum who showed off her extreme guard retention and flexibility. As a result the bout ended a draw which was a big achievement for the youngster.
As to be expected with 10th Planet, Gundrum trains solely in Nogi and competes mostly in sub-only competitions. In terms of style, she often adopts an open or half guard and uses a mixture of flexibility and retention to make her guard incredibly frustrating to pass. In terms of submissions Gundrum often uses the Armbar and Triangle choke. Switching between the two she can end matches quickly. From the top she often favours the Rear naked choke as well. With this locked in she acts like a human backpack on her opponents.
Overall Gundrum is definitely one for the future. At the time of writing there are very few females with such a reputation as hers at such an age. This comes with pedigree too as few have accomplished such highs as Gundrum in such a short space of time. Because of this she is also regarded as the future for 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.
