10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most recognizable and influential no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world. Founded by Eddie Bravo, the association was created with the goal of developing a grappling system specifically for submission grappling and mixed martial arts, rather than adapting techniques designed primarily for the gi.
Known for its unconventional philosophy, innovative guard systems, and unique terminology, 10th Planet has grown into a worldwide network of affiliated academies. The association has produced elite competitors in submission grappling and MMA while helping shape the evolution of modern no-gi jiu-jitsu.
History
The origins of 10th Planet trace back to Eddie Bravo’s upset victory over Royler Gracie at the 2003 ADCC World Championship. That performance brought international attention to Bravo’s innovative no-gi approach and inspired the creation of his own academy later that year.
Rather than following traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curricula, Bravo developed a system centered on positions and transitions tailored to no-gi grappling. Over the following two decades, the organization expanded into one of the largest no-gi affiliations in the world, with hundreds of schools across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Training Philosophy
10th Planet was built around the idea that no-gi grappling deserves its own specialized system.
Core principles include:
- Submission-first mentality
- Creativity and experimentation
- Fluid transitions between positions
- Adaptation for MMA and submission grappling
- Continuous innovation
The association encourages students to understand concepts while developing their own style rather than relying solely on traditional techniques.
Signature Techniques & Systems
10th Planet is famous for introducing or popularizing a number of distinctive positions and submission systems.
Rubber Guard
Perhaps the academy’s most famous innovation, Rubber Guard allows practitioners to control posture from closed guard while creating opportunities for submissions and transitions.
Twister System
The Twister is one of the few spinal lock submissions commonly taught in modern grappling. While rare in competition, the system surrounding the position has become a hallmark of 10th Planet instruction.
Lockdown Half Guard
The Lockdown is designed to control an opponent’s base from half guard, allowing sweeps, transitions, and entries into deeper attacking positions.
Truck Position
The Truck serves as a transitional control position that opens pathways to back takes, calf slicers, banana splits, and the Twister.
Mission Control & Electric Chair
The association also developed systems around positions such as Mission Control, New York, Chill Dog, and the Electric Chair sweep, creating a structured no-gi curriculum with its own terminology.
Notable Athletes
Over the years, 10th Planet has produced numerous successful competitors, including:
- Geo Martinez
- Richie Martinez
- Boogey Martinez
- PJ Barch
- Nathan Orchard
- Ben Eddy
Many MMA fighters have also incorporated 10th Planet training into their preparation, further expanding the system’s influence.
Global Network
Today, 10th Planet operates one of the largest no-gi affiliations in the world, with affiliated academies spanning multiple continents.
Students across the network follow a structured curriculum while maintaining the organization’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and practical application.
Legacy & Impact
Few academies have had as much influence on the development of no-gi grappling as 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. At a time when most schools focused heavily on gi-based instruction, the association demonstrated that a dedicated no-gi system could thrive at the highest levels of competition.
Many concepts that were once considered unconventional—such as specialized leg entanglements, flexible guard systems, and MMA-focused positional strategies—have since become part of mainstream grappling.
Beyond its technical innovations, 10th Planet helped foster a culture of experimentation that continues to influence competitors and coaches around the world.