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 time to tackle this article, 10th Planet Belt System Explained.
Table of Contents
Have you ever heard of the 10th Planet Belt System? If not, I’ll explain it to you. The 10th Planet Belt System is a unique approach to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt ranking that was developed by Eddie Bravo, a well-known American martial artist. The system consists of five belts: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. What sets it apart from traditional BJJ ranking systems is that it places more emphasis on no-gi grappling and submission wrestling than on gi training. Additionally, there are different techniques and positions that are emphasized at each level of the belt system.
Key Takeaways: 10th Planet Belt System Explained
- 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is a unique no-gi grappling system with coloured rashguards and its ranking system.
- It features innovative techniques like the rubber guard Twister Submission & more showcased in Eddie Bravo Invitational tournaments.
- 10th Planet has over 100 schools worldwide offering consistent training and resources to students for belt promotion based on skill, competition success & duration of training.
The 10th Planet Belt System Explained
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is a unique martial art that emphasizes no-gi grappling and employs coloured rashguards to represent belt levels. Like traditional BJJ, the 10th Planet has a belt system comprising ten belts, each with four stripes, named after planets in the solar system. A black belt with ten planets represents the highest level of mastery in this martial art.
New students start as white belts in the system. For those who are under 16 years of age, the green belt represents the highest achievement. Typically, a white belt progresses to a grey strap within a year, demonstrating their commitment and comprehension of the basics. Although physical belts are awarded to 10th Planet practitioners, they do not wear them during training, as the focus is on no-gi training.
Foundations of the System
Eddie Bravo, who earned a black belt under Jean Jacques Machado, established the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu to introduce innovation and creativity in martial arts techniques. He drew inspiration from various disciplines, creating a distinctive style emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and constant exploration of new techniques.
Eddie Bravo’s innovative approach to grappling in MMA has gained popularity among fighters due to its practicality in non-gi settings. His creativity has led to the development of techniques like the rubber guard and the Twister Submission, which have become well-known in the MMA community.
Visual Ranking with Rashguards
In 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, coloured rashguards are used to visually denote belt rank, which helps to easily identify classes during no-gi training. The ranking system starts from the white belt and progresses to the black belt, with multiple levels of black belt achievable beyond that.
10th Planet rashguards are designed and produced in Los Angeles using poly spandex material and sublimation printing. This ensures durability and comfort for both training and competition. While students are not required to wear a rashguard of their rank, these visually appealing rashguards represent their affiliation and progress within the 10th Planet community.
Key Techniques in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
Distinctive techniques such as the rubber guard and the Twister Submission set 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu apart from traditional BJJ, earning it a reputation for unorthodoxy. The rubber guard, created by Eddie Bravo, allows fighters to maintain control of their opponent’s posture and create opportunities for submission while fighting off their back in an MMA match without gripping a gi.
The Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) tournament features 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu’s no-gi grappling style in a submission-only format. It follows a single-elimination system with unique rules, such as overtime rounds and a “golden score” system. The EBI is an essential event for both 10th Planet athletes and the wider grappling community, as it showcases the effectiveness of the system’s fundamental techniques.
Prominent 10th Planet Practitioners
Some of the most well-known 10th Planet practitioners include:
- Tony Ferguson
- Geo Martinez
- Grace Gundrum
- Nathan Orchard
These fighters have achieved success in both MMA and grappling competitions. Tony Ferguson, a black belt in the system, is notably affiliated with 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and Eddie Bravo.
Geo Martinez is a well-known personality in the martial arts world. He has an impressive record of 34 wins, 19 losses, and 10 draws in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He serves as an excellent example of the effectiveness of the 10th Planet system of martial arts. These martial artists are proof of the versatility and adaptability of the 10th Planet techniques, making the system a formidable contender in the world of martial arts.
Cross-Training in Gi and No-Gi BJJ
Cross-training in gi and no-gi BJJ can provide a comprehensive and diverse experience. Each style offers unique benefits and challenges. Gi BJJ allows for additional grips and control points, while no-gi BJJ requires wrestling-style body grips and specific techniques since opponents are harder to grab and hold onto without the gi.
Training in gi and no-gi techniques can help students of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu develop a more comprehensive understanding of BJJ and adapt better to various competition settings. The gym primarily focuses on no-gi techniques and a dynamic grappling style. Still, by combining the strengths of both types, practitioners can enhance their overall grappling abilities and become more versatile fighters.
The Journey to Black Belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
10th Planet Belt System Explained
Typically, a student’s journey to the BJJ black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu spans 8-12 years of regular training, advancing through the following belt stages:
- White belt
- Blue belt
- Purple belt
- Brown belt
- Black belt
Each belt level represents different milestones in a student’s development, requiring dedication and commitment to the art.
It takes around 1-3 years to achieve a blue belt, 2-3 years for a purple belt, and 1-3 years for a brown belt. Reaching a black belt signifies a high level of skill and understanding of the 10th Planet system, showcasing a student’s expertise and dedication to their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Belt Promotion and Evaluation
At 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, instructors evaluate students based on technical skill, competitive success, and duration of training before promoting them to higher belts.
The evaluation measures a student’s proficiency in applying techniques, understanding concepts and principles, and comprehending the 10th Planet system. Advancement through the belt ranks is based on personal commitment, consistency, and competence in the required skills.
Debates and Perspectives on the 10th Planet Belt System
There has been a lot of discussion within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community regarding the legitimacy of the 10th Planet Belt System. The main criticisms stem from the fact that the system does not use a gi, and some techniques may not be relevant to gi training. Additionally, some people have raised concerns about the credentials of black belts trained in this system.
The 10th Planet Belt System has significantly impacted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) by introducing a new method of ranking belts. This has made it easier for 10th Planet practitioners to participate in traditional BJJ tournaments and join the wider BJJ community. Despite ongoing debates, the system is gaining popularity, proving the effectiveness of its unique techniques and approach to grappling.
The Global Reach of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu has over 100 schools worldwide that follow the 10th Planet Belt System and offer 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 assist students in honing their skills and expressing their affiliation, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu provides various 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
In conclusion, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu provides a unique and innovative approach to grappling. It has a distinct belt system, unorthodox techniques, and a thriving global community. As the system continues to grow and evolve, it is undeniable that 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu has significantly impacted the martial arts world. So, whether you are just starting your Jiu-Jitsu journey or looking to expand your grappling horizons, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu may be the perfect fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 10th Planet have a belt system?
Yes, 10th Planet has a belt system, though they use different coloured rashguards to denote belt rank instead of the traditional gi visually. When starting, students are given a white belt.
How long does it take to get a black belt at 10th Planet?
It typically takes ten years of dedicated training to achieve your BJJ black belt from 10th Planet.
What makes the 10th Planet Belt System unique?
The 10th Planet Belt System stands out by using colourful rashguards to mark different skill levels instead of the more traditional use of belts, and it focuses heavily on no-gi grappling.
Are there any notable 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in MMA?
Yes, Tony Ferguson is a notable 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in MMA, holding a black belt in the discipline.
Read about the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt Ranking elsewhere on our website.
