If you want to level up your 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu game, the secret isn’t just learning more moves—it’s mastering the core movements until they become second nature. Drilling is the engine of progress, turning clunky techniques into a smooth, instinctual flow.
This guide cuts through the noise to give you seven essential drills from the heart of the 10th Planet system. Whether you’re a white belt building your foundation or a colored belt sharpening your weapons, integrating these drills into your routine will make you a more dangerous and efficient grappler.
Essential 10th Planet No-Gi Drills Key Takeaways
- Systematic Drilling: Progress in the 10th Planet comes from drilling its core systems, such as the Rubber Guard and Lockdown, not just individual components. Moves.
- Offense from the Bottom: Many key drills focus on making the guard an offensive position, emphasizing control that leads to sweeps and submissions.
- Transitional Mastery: The drills connect different phases of grappling, from passing the guard to entering into signature submissions like the Twister.
- Consistency is Key: Mat mastery is built through consistent, repetitive practice of these fundamental movements.
1. The Rubber Guard Flow
Mastering the Rubber Guard, a cornerstone of the 10th Planet No-Gi system, requires developing flexibility and core strength. The Rubber Guard is more than a position; it’s an entire system of control from the bottom. Instead of just holding it, you need to drill the transitions that make it deadly.
How to drill it: With a partner, start in closed guard. Practice clearing the arm, getting your leg over their shoulder into Mission Control, then flow between New York, Chill Dog, and Zombie, constantly controlling their posture.k belt, with the brown belt being an important milestone. Joining the MMA community can help you achieve these goals.
What it is: A flow drill where you enter the Rubber Guard, break your opponent’s posture, and cycle through the primary attacks.
Why it’s essential: This builds the hip flexibility and muscle memory needed to stay active and hunt for submissions (like the Omoplata, Triangle, and Armbar) instead of just stalling.
2. The Lockdown & Electric Chair Sweep
The Lockdown is the cornerstone of the 10th Planet half guard. It’s a powerful tool for control, but its true potential is unlocked when you drill the offensive transitions.
How to drill it: From half guard, secure the Lockdown by hooking your legs. Your partner posts up. Practice getting the deep underhook, whipping their upper body down to the mat, and then elevating their trapped leg to finish the Electric Chair sweep.
What it is: A drill focused on securing the Lockdown and executing the “Whip Down” to set up the Electric Chair sweep.
Why it’s essential: This teaches you to dominate the half guard position, preventing your opponent from passing while constantly threatening a powerful sweep or submission.
3. The Truck Entry & Twister Setup
The Twister is one of 10th Planet’s most infamous submissions, but you can’t hit it if you can’t get to the position. The key is mastering the entry to “The Truck.”
- What it is: A transitional drill where you enter The Truck from various positions, like the half guard or a failed guard pass.
- Why it’s essential: The Truck is the gateway to the Twister, the Banana Split, and a host of other back-takes and submissions. Owning this position is critical.
- How to drill it: Start with your partner in a turtle or half guard (Z-guard) position. Practice rolling through to secure The Truck, focusing on controlling both of their legs with your leg triangle. Drill holding the position and controlling your partner as they try to escape.
4. M1 Guard Pass Chain
No-gi guard passing requires speed, timing, and the ability to chain techniques together. The M1 Pass is a fundamental 10th Planet pass that can be combined with other movements.
How to drill it: Partner starts in half guard. Initiate the M1 pass by getting a deep underhook and shoulder pressure. As they defend, they seamlessly transition to a knee slice on the same side to complete the pass. Drill on both sides.
What it is: A chain drill combining the M1 (or “Monoplata”) pass with a knee-slice pass.
Why it’s essential: Opponents will rarely let you succeed with a single pass. This drill teaches you to flow to your next option when your initial attack is defended.
5. Half Butterfly Guard Sweeps
The Half Butterfly guard is a dynamic position for creating off-balancing opportunities. The goal is to constantly disrupt your opponent’s base until you can sweep them.
How to drill it: From half guard, insert your butterfly hook. Practice getting your underhook and using the hook to lift your opponent’s base. Drill transitioning from the lift into a simple sweep, focusing on timing rather than strength.
What it is: A drill focused on using the butterfly hook to elevate and sweep your opponent.
Why it’s essential: This guard is highly effective in no-gi for creating space and reversing the position, putting you on top and in control.
6. Defensive Guard Retention
A great offense is built on a defense that can’t be cracked. You need to be able to recover your guard when your opponent is close to passing.
- What it is: A continuous movement drill focused on hip escapes (shrimping), leg pummeling, and framing to recover guard.
- Why it’s essential: This is arguably the most critical skill for survival. Without the ability to retain your guard, you’ll be stuck in bad positions and constantly on the defensive.
- How to drill it: Have your partner start in side control or knee-on-belly. Your only goal is to recover to any form of guard (closed, half, butterfly). Focus on creating space with your frames (forearms), moving your hips away, and bringing your knees back towards your body.
7. Standing to Ground Transitions
The fight starts on the feet, and having a fluid transition to a dominant ground position is a massive advantage.
- What it is: A chain drill for wrestlers and grapplers that connects a takedown directly to a guard pass or dominant position.
- Why it’s essential: It closes the gap between wrestling and jiu-jitsu, ensuring you don’t just land a takedown but immediately advance your position.
- How to drill it: Start standing. Initiate a simple takedown like a single-leg or double-leg. As soon as you hit the mat, your partner actively tries to establish a guard. Your job is to immediately begin your guard pass without pausing.
Summary
True mastery in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, or any grappling art, is forged in the fire of repetition. By consistently practicing these seven essential drills, you will build a complete, dynamic, and formidable no-gi game. You’ll move with more confidence, spot opportunities more quickly, and execute your techniques with greater precision. Now, train.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essential 10th Planet No-Gi Drills.
How often should I practice these drills?
Aim to dedicate at least 15-20 minutes to drilling before or after every rolling session. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Can I practice these drills alone?
While some movements, such as shrimping and guard retention, can be practiced solo, most of these drills require a partner to provide resistance and realistic reactions.
What’s the most important drill for a beginner?
For a new student, the Defensive Guard Retention drill (Drill #6) is the most critical. Building a strong defense is the foundation upon which all of your offense will be built.
How can I practice grappling alone?
You can practice solo grappling by focusing on exercises such as bridging, hip escaping, shoulder rolling, and drills specifically tailored for BJJ that enhance hip and leg agility.
Why is there so much focus on the guard?
The 10th Planet system is famous for turning the guard, traditionally a defensive position, into a primary platform for launching attacks. Mastering guard work is central to its philosophy.
