10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, a unique and exciting grappling system that has taken the martial arts world by storm! Two of Ringside Report MMA’s cohosts, Dave Simon with the Blue Belt and Purple Belt holder Fred Garcia, are practitioners and mention it often, so we thought it was time to tackle this article, 10th Planet Belt System Explained.
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu , the innovative no-gi grappling system created by martial arts visionary Eddie Bravo, has made a significant mark on the combat sports world. With its unique terminology and unorthodox techniques, it can be confusing for newcomers. So, what is the 10th Planet belt system, and how does it work?
Here’s a clear breakdown of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu ranking system, its philosophy, and what makes it distinct from traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Key Takeaways: 10th Planet Belt System Explained
- No-Gi Focus: 10th Planet is a pure no-gi system. While students earn physical belts, rankings are represented by colored rashguards during training.
- Core Ranks: The adult belt progression is White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black, similar to the traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) system.
- Signature Techniques: The system is renowned for its distinctive positions and submissions, including the Rubber Guard, Twister, and Lockdown.
- Global Standard: With over 100 affiliated schools worldwide, the 10th Planet curriculum and ranking standards are consistent globally.
The 10th Planet Ranking System: From Belts to Rashguards
While 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu follows the traditional BJJ belt color progression for adults, its application is unique. Since training is done exclusively without the gi, practitioners do not wear their physical belts on the mats. Instead, they wear rashguards that correspond to their rank.
The adult belt levels are:
- White Belt: The starting point for all new students.
- Blue Belt: Typically awarded after 1-3 years of consistent training. This is the rank of Ringside Report MMA co-host Dave Simon.
- Purple Belt: Requires another 2-3 years of dedicated practice. Ringside Report MMA‘s own Fred Garcia was recently promoted to this rank at 10th Planet Montreal.
- Brown Belt: Usually takes an additional 1-3 years to achieve.
- Black Belt: The pinnacle of mastery, often requiring 8-12 years of total training to attain.
For practitioners under 16, a separate youth ranking system is in place.
Why No-Gi? The Philosophy of Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo, a black belt under the legendary Jean-Jacques Machado, developed the 10th Planet system specifically for its applicability in mixed martial arts (MMA) and real-world self-defense. He believed that training with the traditional gi developed habits and techniques, like collar and sleeve grips, that were not effective when an opponent wasn’t wearing one.
The entire system is built around controlling an opponent using body mechanics, overhooks, underhooks, and clinch work, which translates seamlessly to MMA and submission grappling competitions.
What Makes 10th Planet Techniques Different?
10th Planet is renowned for its highly creative and systematic approach to grappling. Practitioners are masters of a few key, interconnected systems that set them apart:
- The Rubber Guard: A high, flexible closed guard from the bottom position designed to break down an opponent’s posture and set up submissions like omoplatas, triangles, and gogoplatas.
- The Twister: A painful spinal submission adapted from wrestling (where it is known as a “guillotine”). It is one of the system’s signature finishing moves.
- The Lockdown: A half-guard system that uses leg entanglement to control an opponent, sweep them, and create submission opportunities.
These techniques are showcased at the highest levels in events like the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), a submission-only tournament that has heavily influenced the rules and format of modern professional grappling. Athletes and the wider grappling community, as it showcases the effectiveness of the system’s fundamental techniques.
Prominent 10th Planet Practitioners
The effectiveness of the 10th Planet system is demonstrated by the success of its high-level athletes in both mixed martial arts (MMA) and grappling.
Grace Gundrum: A rising star in the grappling world, known for her technical prowess and impressive competitive record. Her ability with 10th Planet techniques makes the system a formidable contender in the world of martial arts.
Tony Ferguson: A former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion and one of the most well-known 10th Planet black belts in MMA.
Geo “Freakazoid” Martinez: A multiple-time EBI champion and a world-renowned submission grappler.
Debates and Cross-Training Perspectives
The 10th Planet system is not without its critics. Some in the traditional BJJ community question its sole focus on no-gi, arguing that gi training provides a deeper understanding of leverage and defensive principles.
However, many modern grapplers see the value in both. Cross-training in gi and no-gi is widely considered the best path to becoming a well-rounded martial artist. While 10th Planet focuses on no-gi, its practitioners often compete successfully in traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournaments, proving the system’s effectiveness and adaptability.
The Global Reach of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu has over 100 schools worldwide that follow the 10th Planet Belt System, offering a unique training system. Its academies can be found in various countries.
- Australia
- Canada
- Netherlands
- United States
- Slovenia
- Brazil
This showcases the system’s worldwide popularity.
The curriculum of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is standardized worldwide, guaranteeing that students receive consistent training and knowledge of the system, regardless of where they train. This global approach emphasizes the efficiency of the 10th Planet system and encourages a sense of unity within the global Jiu-Jitsu community.
Training Resources and Merchandise
To help students hone their skills and express their affiliation, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu offers a range of training resources and merchandise. Some of the instructional DVDs available include:
- ‘10th Planet Jiu-jitsu All-Stars’ by Scottie Epstein
- ‘10th Planet Fundamentals’ by JM Holland and Zach Maslany
- ‘Getting to the 10th Planet’ by Zach Maslany
These DVDs cover essential techniques and concepts taught in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu systems.
In addition to instructional materials, 10th Planet provides durable and comfortable rashguards, perfect for training and competing in the no-gi style. These visually appealing rashguards enhance performance and symbolize affiliation and progress within the 10th Planet community.
Summary
The 10th Planet belt system provides a clear path of progression within a unique and highly effective grappling framework. By replacing the gi with rank-colored rashguards and focusing entirely on techniques that work in MMA and submission wrestling, Eddie Bravo has created a system that continues to grow in popularity and influence worldwide. It stands as a testament to innovation in martial arts, producing creative, formidable grapplers at all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 10th Planet use belts?
Yes, students are awarded physical belts upon promotion, but they do not wear them during no-gi training. They wear colored rashguards to signify their rank instead.
How long does it take to get a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu?
On average, it takes 8-12 years of consistent and dedicated training to earn a black belt in the 10th Planet system.
Is 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense?
Because the system is designed to control an opponent without relying on clothing grips, many believe it is highly effective for realistic self-defense situations.
Can a 10th Planet practitioner train at a traditional BJJ school?
Absolutely. While the techniques and strategies may differ, the fundamental principles of grappling are universal. Many practitioners train in both styles to become more well-rounded.
