Newbie Help

[Alex Wood]

Im new to the 10th planet system, and all the new moves and setups r kinda overwhelming. so can some of the experienced guys give some advice? wat kind of order is best to try to learn the 10th planet system? like start with half guard, then go to rubber guard, etc. thanks for the tips!

[David Stager]

Hey Alex, I've been practicing 10th planet jiu-jitsu for two years now, so I don't know if that counts as experienced or not, but here's my personal experience: my first year I was all over the place trying to apply anything and everything to my game. I don't know that this was the worst thing I could have done since you've got to find a style that suits you, and what other way is there but to try a bunch of different stuff. But at the same time, my game didn't really start to improve until I focused on a core set of positions and a core set of moves. For me lockdown half-guard and the Shield's pass (don't know if it has an official name, but Denny calls it that) became the bedrock to my game. Instead of trying to find new solutions to problems (e.g. deep half sweeps and flyover passes), I started focusing on tightening up what I already knew. I discovered that just because a technique looks simple and straightforward, there are nuances (or levels) to the technique that only get unlocked through constant tinkering.

I don't think you have to necessarily start with half guard though. Choose a guard that you can consistently get to, and apply yourself to making it stronger. Guard passing is something you can and should be working on while you're working on your guard game. Again, find a style (maybe the Marcelo passes) that you like and can hit comfortably, and strengthen it through constant use. Eventually, you will add different stuff to your game, but you need to have a foundation of a couple of go-to moves from top and bottom.

I just started wrestling practice, and it's reminding me of what is was like just starting out in jiu-jitsu. Listen to your instructors, and try to apply whatever advice they give you, but remember that everyone develops a personal style, and once you find yours things will feel a little less overwhelming.

EDIT: The above is all based on the assumption that you're new to jiu-jitsu, which upon re-reading your post, may not be an accurate assumption. If you already have a go-to game and are trying to inject 10th Planet into it, I would start with the basic rubber guard path: Mission Control > Chill Dog > Omoplata submission or sweep.

[Adam Quickenden]

Hey Alex

I totally agree with what David posted,I had basic jits back ground and started off concentrating on my Rubber Guard system, whilst i was playing in my guard I still learnt a couple lock down sweeps (old skool and electric chair sweep) incase thats where i ended up.

Now im confident in my rubber guard and lock down and moved on to x guard which I'm hitting alot,but i'd concentrate on one area 4 awhile as it's so over whelming to try n learn it all at once.

Good luck and have fun with it!

[Brandon Mccaghren]

Depends in your goals I say begin as a defensive player. It takes you longer to become the gym assassin, but it will make you a better player in the long run, in my opinion.

First learn to survive.
Then learn to escape.
Then learn to prevent.

From there I think you will begin to discover what kind of player you are. Do you like sweeps? Submitting from your back? Would you prefer to have top position right away. Your game will start to take on your personality.

Good luck in your journey!