Advice on a school

It's my intention to begin training in JJ. I live in Oklahoma City, where there is no 10th planet school that I am aware of. I have looked into the 4 schools in my city and the one that really stands out is Lovato's school of BJJ (http://okbjj.com/)

I see that they train both gi and nogi, and I've read interviews with Lovato where he makes it sound like his approach is very open minded and open to the evolution of the art.

I'm not really interested in gi, and because of my flexibility and TDK background I'm very interested in the 10th planet system.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or opinions about the school and it's students. I'm sure 10th planet guys have interacted with Raphael's guys at competitions.

What are they like? Are they going to get mad at me if I start practicing rubber-guard there?

Lovato would be a pretty awesome place to train IMO but I don't know first hand, if you find a good no gi place to train you can still watch MTS and drill the system at your school. That's what I did for a long time and it's definitely improved my game big time. If any place you go to doesn't let you play rubber guard I would highly suggest walking away, everyone's game is vastly different, and it's pretty disgusting if an instructor tries to put boundaries on your individual style. Best of luck finding a gym bro!

no personal experience but i would love to train with Lovato aside from the spammy stuff he should be awesome
as far as 10 p stuff I doubt he would"not let you use it"

I've competed against them a few times, they always seem cool enough. If I were stuck in OKC, that's probably where I'd train. Although, I honestly don't know how the atmosphere is there regarding outside systems and such.

Def stop by and introduce yourself to the instructor, let them know your goals and ask them if they'd be ok with u practicing RG, Truck, Lockdown, etc. I find that's the easiest way to make a dojo a "Ronin spot". Also ask them if you compete and down the road if/when 10th Planet becomes available in your area if they're ok with you moving on to represent 10th Planet (some instructors may end up feeling you're a part of their "crew" and may not take easily if/when you leave.

Let us know how it goes!.....

If I were in OKC, I would train at Lavato's without question. From what I hear he is a really open minded guy and Justin Rader is a fucking monster.

Lavato is going to be great. Rader is super cool. Everybody at every school I've ever been at experiments with far more than what is taught in class. Get training. Get on the mats!

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Originally Posted by Craig Murray

It's my intention to begin training in JJ. I live in Oklahoma City, where there is no 10th planet school that I am aware of. I have looked into the 4 schools in my city and the one that really stands out is Lovato's school of BJJ (http://okbjj.com/)

I see that they train both gi and nogi, and I've read interviews with Lovato where he makes it sound like his approach is very open minded and open to the evolution of the art.

I'm not really interested in gi, and because of my flexibility and TDK background I'm very interested in the 10th planet system.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or opinions about the school and it's students. I'm sure 10th planet guys have interacted with Raphael's guys at competitions.

What are they like? Are they going to get mad at me if I start practicing rubber-guard there?

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My bro Jason Greer is at Altus, OK. I'm not sure how far that is from OKC. But he's the man you want to talk to in regards to 10thplanet in OK. Here is his FB page. https://www.facebook.com/jason.greer.393?fref=ts

I'd LOVE to train with Lovato and Rader. 2 of the greatest American grapplers of all time.

How about you just go to a Great school like Lovatos and learn Jiu Jitsu

Lovatos ftw. Idk why you would even think twice about that??

Just wanted to give an update.

I'm closing out my 2nd week of training at Lovato's. I love it. The culture is great, people are extremely friendly and helpful. The coaches are warm, fun, friendly, and constantly correcting my technique. Classes are small and I feel like I'm getting a lot of direct attention.

They also offer Muay Thai classes for another (I think) $40/month. I watched them do testing today and it looked badass. I'm going to have to start getting in on that too.

They have their mats professionally cleaned daily and it shows. I've asked around and there are basically no stories about ringworm or staff.

I can't believe how lucky I got that when I finally decided to start training Jiu Jitsu, that 15 minutes down the road is such a professional gym. I'm loving it, hooked... completely hooked.

Tell Blaise & Justin Jacob & John Harris says hello. They are great ,humble,kind , & INTENSE!!!

Lovato's is the place in OKC! But keep us in mind down in altus. We are only 2.5 hours from the city and we are bringing in Masta Bravo May 9th! Ill hit u up on facebook! Glad you found a good school!

@Craig i cant find you on facebook. If you have one hit me up. Or on insta at jasongreer_10P4L_simsaltus or twitter at 10P4LOK

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Originally Posted by Scott Philips

Lovatos ftw. Idk why you would even think twice about that??

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+1. Lovato is a world class black belt that's won a lot of titles and competed at Metamoris. Pretty easy decision, imho

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Originally Posted by Jason Greer

Lovato's is the place in OKC! But keep us in mind down in altus. We are only 2.5 hours from the city and we are bringing in Masta Bravo May 9th! Ill hit u up on facebook! Glad you found a good school!

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If you live closr to Altus than you do OKC then do yourself a favor & try Altus!! Jason & his crew display mad 10p skills & every tournament

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Originally Posted by Jason Greer

We are only 2.5 hours from the city and we are bringing in Masta Bravo May 9th!

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Seriously? I'll be there for that, for sure! It's going on my calendar right now.

I would very much like to take some classes at a 10p gym. I'll find a weekend to come down and train with you guys. I'm already practicing my rubber guard at home on my grappling dummy while I learn the gi basics in class.

I'll send you a facebook invite and follow you on twitter. Thanks Jason.

The closest 10P school would be Altus at 2rs away, with that stated. I would train at Lavoto's and then make the trip down to Altus as much as I could if I were in your shoes.