Zach Maslany is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner from Bethlehem, PA. He began grappling aged 14 and says his reason was that “My karate school was changing to an MMA style so we started in boxing and grappling.” Aged 36, Maslany received his black belt from Eddie Bravo and now teaches out of his gym, 10th Planet Bethlehem/Finishers MMA. It is Eddie Bravo who he lists as being the most influential grappler on his style, alongside Jean Jacques Machado and Bill Cooper.
We asked Maslany about his preferred style and game whilst doing BJJ. Like many 10th Planet practitioners, his favorite guard is the Rubber Guard and his main sweep is the Jean Jacques Machado overhook-Butterfly sweep. When passing, he prefers doing so whilst standing and also favors the arm triangle as his main submission.
When competing, Maslany usually does so around the 135-145lbs mark and lists Joao Miyao as his toughest ever opponent. He also adds“Capping off the Finishers Team Tourney” as his biggest individual achievement in the sport. Like many BJJ practitioners, he’s also had some bad injuries and mentions his worst problem, saying “I have double scoliosis so my lower back is always an issue.”
Q&A
You have a background in karate, do you think that helped your entry into BJJ in terms of conditioning, athleticism etc.
“I believe that karate especially the way it was being run back in the day taught me consistency and just overall focus and dedication that helps me in everyday life and martial arts.”
Your student Grace Gundrum is a monster, was she always naturally good to begin with or is it pure work ethic (or a mixture of both?)
“I think Grace would be one of the best in the world in whatever she wants to do. But, I will say the influence on her style and ideas on grappling definitely came from me, my partner and all the experience she has had growing up in martial arts.”
You and JM Holland seem very close. How long have you known him since and what is it like co-owning a gym with a friend?
“I have known JM for many years, him and my younger brother were training in the same karate classes back in the day. We are a good ying and yang combo.”
Have you ever trained in the gi and what are your thoughts on it compared to no gi?
“I only do gi on Halloween and if I’m at Jean Jaques in Tarzana, California. I think it’s a fun game but realistically since I’m more into MMA I feel it doesn’t benefit me to be spending time on it.”
I hope this doesn’t offend you but is it true about 10th Planet? Do you guys love conspiracies and weed? (not that the combo is a bad thing)
“I think guys living the “off the grid lifestyle” are more prone to get into stuff life conspiracies theories. I find it more interesting because it’s about real life as opposed to game of thrones or something like that. Weed I was into before I ever found out about 10th planet but if the shoe fits?”
On the subject of Grace Gundrum and John Blank, what qualities do you think make a good teacher?
“They are two very different athletes both physically and mentally. I think at the point they are at right now they have surpassed anything I could accomplish so I am really trying to be there for them and provide ideas and strategies for upcoming matches. You have to be able to adapt to any type of person you want to coach.”
As a no gi specialist, what do you think the future holds for no gi, i.e. any future trends on the horizon or predictions?
“I see a lot of people still into heel hooks and the leg game will always be a great equalizer for people not wanting to learn all the do’s and dont’s. I think passing and stuffing the leg game is going to be huge over the next few years. I’m really excited to see what the next generation adds to the game.”
Do you have any particular plans for the future? (Goals etc)
“I want to train someone to get into UFC at some point.”
Lastly, are there any other comments you want to be mentioned (if you want us to link to your gym website etc)?
“I have a podcast called Zach’s Corner on itunes and spotify, you can peep everything at Zachmaslany.com“
