10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, San Francisco

Here's what students and friends are saying about 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, San Francisco...

Here's what students and friends are saying about 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, San Francisco...

"Denny Prokopos' ground game is sick. His obsession with jiu jitsu has turned him into one of the most talented students and teachers I've ever met. Someone tell BJ Penn theres a new prodigy in the house!"

- Jason Chambers, MMA Fighter, host of "Human Weapon"

Check out more reviews at

"Early in 2009 I was looking to make a transition from Judo and BJJ in the GI to the tenth planet system. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a 10th planet school in SF. I went to Valencia street muscle not knowing what to expect, but when I met Denny and his students I felt at home instantaneously. He leads his class with a presence that is rare among instructors, showing a wealth of knowledge that is well beyond his years. Techniques are taught in a fluid, well thought out, and easily digestible fashion. As a coach he doesn't just tell you to be committed, to never quit, or to think positive, he gives you real world examples and concrete details that make you want to. I have learned from his teaching, his work ethic, and his commitment to self betterment through the sport of Brazilian Jiu jitsu. Having trained with Judo Olympians, BJJ prodigies, and MMA World Champions, I can confidently tell you that Denny is the real deal. It was once said that "Those who can, do. and those who can't, teach." Denny excels at both. His 3 month white belts fight like blue belts, and his blue belts have a depth of knowledge and systematic organization that resemble the worlds top competitors, assuring me that he is not only a World Champion himself, but will undoubtedly produce world champions of his own. If you haven't tried a free trial class yet, you're missing out!"

- Michael M.
"The 10th Planet system is very effective and tons of fun to use. Denny is a great teacher and the students there are good guys. I come out from the east bay just to supplement my training and learn more of the system. Main drawback, I don't live down the street from it :)"

- Chris O.
"Congratulations to Denny Prokopos on being the first 10th Planet Black Belt. Denny is one of the best grapplers and instructors you will ever come across. Very friendly, respectful and motivational. I've been practicing Gi BJJ in and out for like a 2yrs and i dropped in for a free trial and I've been craving to do a drop in the future as soon as I can fix up my schoolwork and money. Practically all of their students are very friendly, respectful and funny like Denny. The only cons i can think of are parking around the area can get difficult and and the class can get crowded - atleast you have more partners to play with. If you wanna try no-gi jiujitsu give 10th Planet a free trial, I know you'll wanna do it again."

- Mario T.
"I (like Chris O. [above]) also make the trek from the East and South Bay to supplement my training and roll at 10th Planet, and it's worth it every time. I always learn something new and interesting and have a fun time rolling."

-Adam A.
"this place rocks. without repeating all that has already been said. no gi or gi, you will need to learn both if your really want to be complete. eddie bravo came to do a seminar at our BJJ place long ago. my instructor still raves that he was one of the best to ever walk thru our doors. this place is so fairly priced. go for it"

- Dan W.
"No better place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in pure "no gi" form.

Brazilian jiu jitsu originated as the "ground work" portion (newaza) of Japanese judo - when Jigor Kano was first establishing the curriculum for judo by "blending" the best the jiu jitsu schools of his day had to offer, his best students were defeated by a practitioner of Fusen Ryo "ground work."

Being a real innovator and adapter, Kano quickly incorporated the exceptional Fusen Ryo ground work into judo so that judo was 50% throws and 50% ground work. Later, in Japan, the Kodokan (sanctioning body for judo) changed the rules to favor stand-up throws for more audience appeal (30 second standup rule). Ground work became disfavored.

The Gracies, though, kept the ground work portion of judo alive in Brazil when they learned judo/newaza early in the 20th century. In fact, they emphasized ground work over throwing (but don't underestimate the variety of take downs available in Brazilian jiu jitsu).

All this was with the gi (well not quite - the Gracies also fought Vale Tudo, which was in trunks, not gi). When the Gracies brought Brazilian style jiu jitsu to American in the early '90's via those first UFC matches, Royce Gracie fought in the gi, which was the traditional uniform.

As UFC evolved, the gi flew out the window and now UFC fighters use board shorts and rash guards, or just board shorts.

Winning without a judo uniform on is different from winning without having something to grab. You have to learn to hold on and manipulate your opponent's limbs WITHOUT clothing to grab onto. "No gi" tends to be a more fluid game, without getting "stuck."

10th Planet is renowned for focusing solely on "no-gi". If you find the gi too hot, or too confining, or too unrealistic...or if you want to learn both (which I think is best)...there isn't a better place to study no gi or to add no gi to your game.

I first saw Denny, the instructor at this location, as Eddie Bravo's "training dummy" (demonstration partner) at a seminar Bravo was giving. It was clear from the nuances of Denny's posture and "base" (balance) that he was one of Bravo's top students. Since then I've taken a ton of private lessons from Denny and now take one group class a week (kind of far from where I live, but my "traditional" gym doesn't even offer no gi).

If you want to learn no gi this is one of the best places around. If you want to learn Rubber Guard, there isn't really any other option. If you want to learn just plain jiu jitsu - hey at the end of the day, whether you start with the uniform or without, you'll end up in the same place. You just have to see which one you like better...or both! :-)"

- Michael W.
"Pros:
Good, technical instruction
Lots of high quality training partners
Very reasonable prices

Cons:
Gets crowded

If you want to do no-gi BJJ in the city with an emphasis on rubber guard for a very cheap rate compared to most BJJ schools, go here."

- Coleman M.
"Started training here last week. Awesome, hands on learning environment."

- Sean M.
"This gym has an inviting atmosphere and very friendly training partners. World class trainer and very affordable prices."

- Travis M.
"Whether you are a novice or an expert in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Master Dionysi 'Denny' Prokopos will help take your skill to the next level! Denny is the current World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion at the 2007 No-Gi Mundials (competition featuring the worlds top grapplers and submission experts). I was first introduced to Denny around 2002 when he was training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. A great guy, awesome instructor, and wonderful friend - Denny is a young phenom and protege student of the world-renowned Jiu-Jitsu expert Eddie Bravo (2003 Abu Dhabi Champion in San Paulo, Brazil and founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu). Besides gaining mastery over the 10th Planet system, Denny also studied with many of the best grapplers and MMA (Mixed Martial Art) fighters from around the globe including John Machado, Randy Coulture, and Marcello Garcia. Denny competes (and wins) regularly and is also a trainer for top competitors preparing for large MMA venues. Denny fights like he teaches... He holds nothing back! A warrior with an unwavering spirit, Master Dionysi Prokopos is a blazing beacon and an American hopeful in the grappling world."

- Oliver C.