Why is 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Important to your Game?
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is a system of Jiu Jitsu created by Eddie Bravo. Many people confuse this statement in meaning “Eddie has created a new martial art form of twisting and attacking the body.” This article is just one of many that exist on setting the record straight.
As a long time student of Eddie’s and a teacher of the 10th Planet system since 2007, I understand the importance of knowing this system. I am somewhat of an oddity because I am also a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (gi) and Japanese Jujutsu. Internet forums often go off about “gi vs nogi” or “complex moves vs basics”. These arguments have nothing to do with the effectiveness of the 10th Planet Style.
I am not here to tell you which style of grappling is the best. None are. They all have merit and all practitioners can benefit from knowing something from ther other. I know a lot of BJJ black belts that study Eddie Bravo’s approach to grappling and have incorporated his ‘moves’ into their study. Some do it in secret others are up front about it.
No one teacher has answers to everything. I remember hearing Professor Pedro Sauer (8th Degree Red and Black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu) once say “ You can learn a lot from a white, blue or purple belt. They will often come up with solutions you’ve never thought of.” I asked the Professor one day “What do you think of Eddie Sir?” He responded “He is a talented kid and actually has done a lot for jiu jitsu.” Pretty nice words from one of the world’s most respected and technical instructors.
Those who don’t understand the system will simply say “ its all about rubber guard and twister.” That’s like saying Sambo is only leg locks or Catch Wrestling is only about neck cranks and crushes. If you really look at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, it is a well thought out system of attacks and defenses from a variety of positions. It uses unusual positions (from the traditionalists point of view) to set up submissions. It is very offensive in its approach.
Being flexible certainly helps to do some of the moves, but not all. But this goes for any art form. In time, you develop very good squeezing power and attacks from all positions. To be honest, one of the greatest gifts the 10th Planet system has (in my opinion) and that Eddie has given the world, is his view of the half guard. He explored that position in crazy detail and came up with sweeps and attacks that traditionally weren’t there.
There are counter arguments to any point. I’ve heard everything from “rubber guard will hurt your knees” to “10th Planet moves will only confuse people” to “ that stuff will never work”. I’ve used it more times that I can count. I’ve seen people much better in jiu jitsu use it as well successfully while rolling and competing.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is not a stop gap measure. It isn’t the final solution. It isn’t the anti jiu jitsu. What it is-it’s a fantastic style of jiu jits that will teach you some amazing moves not found in traditional avenues. Add to your tool box and discover what it has to offer. That doesn’t mean leaving traditional BJJ behind. In fact, if you look at the new breed of Jiu Jitsu players now, they are just like Eddie. They are coming up with new positions and attacks that weren’t around 20 years ago. What Eddie did was set the ball in motion years before anyone else with his out of the box thinking. Now, it is common place.
In the end, its all Jiu Jitsu.
Ari Bolden
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is a system of Jiu Jitsu created by Eddie Bravo. Many people confuse this statement in meaning “Eddie has created a new martial art form of twisting and attacking the body.” This article is just one of many that exist on setting the record straight.
As a long time student of Eddie’s and a teacher of the 10th Planet system since 2007, I understand the importance of knowing this system. I am somewhat of an oddity because I am also a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (gi) and Japanese Jujutsu. Internet forums often go off about “gi vs nogi” or “complex moves vs basics”. These arguments have nothing to do with the effectiveness of the 10th Planet Style.
I am not here to tell you which style of grappling is the best. None are. They all have merit and all practitioners can benefit from knowing something from ther other. I know a lot of BJJ black belts that study Eddie Bravo’s approach to grappling and have incorporated his ‘moves’ into their study. Some do it in secret others are up front about it.
No one teacher has answers to everything. I remember hearing Professor Pedro Sauer (8th Degree Red and Black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu) once say “ You can learn a lot from a white, blue or purple belt. They will often come up with solutions you’ve never thought of.” I asked the Professor one day “What do you think of Eddie Sir?” He responded “He is a talented kid and actually has done a lot for jiu jitsu.” Pretty nice words from one of the world’s most respected and technical instructors.
Those who don’t understand the system will simply say “ its all about rubber guard and twister.” That’s like saying Sambo is only leg locks or Catch Wrestling is only about neck cranks and crushes. If you really look at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, it is a well thought out system of attacks and defenses from a variety of positions. It uses unusual positions (from the traditionalists point of view) to set up submissions. It is very offensive in its approach.
Being flexible certainly helps to do some of the moves, but not all. But this goes for any art form. In time, you develop very good squeezing power and attacks from all positions. To be honest, one of the greatest gifts the 10th Planet system has (in my opinion) and that Eddie has given the world, is his view of the half guard. He explored that position in crazy detail and came up with sweeps and attacks that traditionally weren’t there.
There are counter arguments to any point. I’ve heard everything from “rubber guard will hurt your knees” to “10th Planet moves will only confuse people” to “ that stuff will never work”. I’ve used it more times that I can count. I’ve seen people much better in jiu jitsu use it as well successfully while rolling and competing.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is not a stop gap measure. It isn’t the final solution. It isn’t the anti jiu jitsu. What it is-it’s a fantastic style of jiu jits that will teach you some amazing moves not found in traditional avenues. Add to your tool box and discover what it has to offer. That doesn’t mean leaving traditional BJJ behind. In fact, if you look at the new breed of Jiu Jitsu players now, they are just like Eddie. They are coming up with new positions and attacks that weren’t around 20 years ago. What Eddie did was set the ball in motion years before anyone else with his out of the box thinking. Now, it is common place.
In the end, its all Jiu Jitsu.
Ari Bolden
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Originally Posted by Eddie Bravo
