Eddie Bravo: Building An Empire (EP 1)

In the first episode of “Eddie Bravo: Building An Empire,” we are introduced to Eddie Bravo, a groundbreaking innovator in the field of no-gi jiu-jitsu. This episode explores his journey and how he revolutionized the way we think about no-gi jiu-jitsu. It delves into Bravo’s early days pursuing a music career in Los Angeles in the 90s, and how his passion for jiu-jitsu emerged during that time. We get a glimpse of his fight against Euler Gracie in Brazil in 2003 and his success in the jiu-jitsu community. Throughout the episode, Bravo emphasizes the importance of posture and discusses his belief that traditional collar and sleeve control may not be effective in MMA. The episode reveals a side of Eddie Bravo that few people have seen before, making it a must-watch for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts and fans of the sport.

This episode is brought to you by FloGrappling, a platform where you can follow all the latest jiu-jitsu news and updates. You can connect with FloGrappling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In this compelling video, the narrator shares his personal experience of witnessing Eddie Bravo’s fight against Euler Gracie and talks about Bravo’s humble background and love for music. He highlights the impact Eddie Bravo has had on the jiu-jitsu community and the growth of his association, Ten Planet Jiu-Jitsu. Through this captivating episode, we gain insight into the life and journey of Eddie Bravo, a true trailblazer in the world of no-gi jiu-jitsu.

Background and Early Interests

Eddie Bravo’s Pursuit of Music in Los Angeles

In the early 90s, Eddie Bravo found himself pursuing a music career in Los Angeles. He had dreams of starting a band that would conquer the world with their unique blend of speed metal, synthesized electronic sounds, and influences from bands like Nine Inch Nails. Eddie had a deep passion for music and wanted to look good on stage, so he joined a gym to stay in shape. Little did he know that this decision would ultimately lead him down a different path – the path of jiu-jitsu.

Discovering Jiu-Jitsu as a Passion

While training at the gym, Eddie Bravo’s friend introduced him to the UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship. His friend claimed that the fights were real and that one particular fighter named Royce Gracie was dominating his opponents with Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This piqued Eddie’s interest, as he had been practicing karate at the time and was frustrated with its limitations.

Curiosity got the best of Eddie, and he decided to give jiu-jitsu a try. He found a jiu-jitsu school in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles and attended a class. However, he was surprised to see that the class focused more on kung fu-style striking rather than ground work, which was what he had heard about from the Gracie family. Determined to learn the real Gracie jiu-jitsu, Eddie sought out the Machado family in the Valley, who were cousins of the Gracies. From that moment on, his love for jiu-jitsu grew exponentially.

The Importance of Posture in Jiu-Jitsu

One of the key aspects Eddie Bravo emphasizes in his jiu-jitsu training is posture. Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of the body during a match. Maintaining good posture is crucial because it allows a practitioner to have balance, stability, and control over their opponent.

Eddie teaches his students to focus on building posture, both in a standing position and on the ground. In a standing position, he emphasizes the importance of leaning back and keeping a strong base. This ensures that the practitioner can disengage and avoid submissions or takedowns from their opponent. On the ground, Eddie encourages his students to focus on maintaining a strong seated or kneeling posture, which allows for effective defensive positioning and submissions.

By emphasizing the significance of posture in jiu-jitsu, Eddie Bravo has helped his students develop a solid foundation that can withstand the challenges of any match.

Eddie Bravo’s Revolutionary Approach to No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Eddie Bravo is known for his revolutionary approach to no-gi jiu-jitsu. No-gi jiu-jitsu differs from traditional jiu-jitsu in that practitioners do not wear the traditional gi or kimono. Instead, they wear shorts and rash guards, which leads to a different style of grappling.

Bravo’s approach to no-gi jiu-jitsu is characterized by his incorporation of unconventional techniques and positions. He developed his own unique system called “10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu,” which focuses on the use of rubber guard and lockdown positions. These positions allow for increased control and submission opportunities, especially in no-gi situations where grips on the clothing are not possible.

Eddie Bravo’s innovative approach to no-gi jiu-jitsu has not only influenced his own training and competition success but has also revolutionized the way many practitioners view and train in the sport.

The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu for MMA

Questioning the Effectiveness of Traditional Control

Traditionally, jiu-jitsu practitioners focused on gaining and maintaining control over their opponents through techniques like collar and sleeve control. However, when it came to mixed martial arts (MMA), Eddie Bravo began to question the effectiveness of these control-based techniques.

In the early days of MMA, it became apparent that simply controlling an opponent was not enough. Fighters needed to be able to strike effectively and avoid strikes while maintaining control. Eddie Bravo saw an opportunity to develop a system of jiu-jitsu that not only prioritized control but also took into account the striking aspect of MMA.

Eddie Bravo’s Impact on the Jiu-Jitsu Game for MMA

Eddie Bravo’s impact on the jiu-jitsu game for MMA cannot be overstated. By integrating his revolutionary no-gi jiu-jitsu techniques with the striking aspects of MMA, Bravo created a system that allowed fighters to both control their opponents and defend against strikes.

His emphasis on maintaining posture, as well as his focus on unconventional positions and submissions, gave fighters a new arsenal of techniques to utilize in the cage. This approach proved to be highly effective, as Eddie Bravo’s students began to achieve success in MMA competitions.

With Eddie Bravo’s influence, jiu-jitsu for MMA evolved from a control-focused style to a more dynamic and adaptable approach that took into account the unique challenges of mixed martial arts.

Clinching and Avoiding Strikes in MMA

Emphasizing the Importance of Clinching

One of the key strategies in MMA is the clinch, which refers to the act of grabbing and controlling an opponent’s body. Clinching is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it allows a fighter to neutralize an opponent’s striking ability by closing the distance and limiting their range of motion. It also enables a fighter to set up takedowns and control the fight, both on the feet and on the ground.

Eddie Bravo places a significant emphasis on clinching in his jiu-jitsu training. He teaches his students how to effectively close the distance, secure a clinch, and control their opponents. By mastering clinching techniques, fighters can dictate the pace and flow of a fight, as well as create opportunities for submissions or ground control.

Striking Defense Strategies

Another critical aspect of Eddie Bravo’s approach to jiu-jitsu for MMA is striking defense. In a sport where fighters are subjected to punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, it is crucial to have a solid defense to avoid significant damage.

Eddie Bravo teaches his students various striking defense strategies, including bobbing and weaving, head movement, and effective footwork. By honing these skills, fighters can minimize the impact of strikes and increase their chances of survival in the cage.

By combining clinching techniques with effective striking defense strategies, Eddie Bravo’s students have been able to excel in the world of MMA.

Eddie Bravo’s Success in the Jiu-Jitsu Community

Growth of Ten Planet Jiu-Jitsu Association

Eddie Bravo’s success in the jiu-jitsu community can be seen in the growth of his association, Ten Planet Jiu-Jitsu. What started as a small group of dedicated students has now evolved into a global network of jiu-jitsu schools and practitioners.

Ten Planet Jiu-Jitsu has gained recognition worldwide, with affiliated schools opening in various countries. This growth can be attributed to Eddie Bravo’s innovative approach to no-gi jiu-jitsu and his commitment to providing high-quality instruction to his students. The Ten Planet system has produced numerous champions and has become a respected name in the jiu-jitsu community.

Recognition and Achievements

Eddie Bravo’s contributions to the world of jiu-jitsu have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized for his revolutionary approach to the sport and has received numerous awards and accolades.

As a black belt in jiu-jitsu, Eddie Bravo has achieved great success in competition, with victories over legendary opponents. His unique techniques and approach have set him apart from others in the sport.

In addition to his personal achievements, Eddie Bravo has also gained recognition as an exceptional instructor. His ability to impart his knowledge and passion for jiu-jitsu to his students has earned him respect and admiration within the jiu-jitsu community.

Eddie Bravo: Building an Empire

Eddie Bravo’s journey in jiu-jitsu has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings as a musician in Los Angeles to becoming a ground-breaking technical innovator in the world of no-gi jiu-jitsu, Eddie Bravo has built an empire.

Through his innovative approach, emphasis on posture, and integration of striking defense strategies, Eddie Bravo has revolutionized the way we think about jiu-jitsu for MMA. His success in the jiu-jitsu community, with the growth of the Ten Planet Jiu-Jitsu Association and his recognition as a respected instructor, solidifies his place as a true icon in the sport.

Eddie Bravo’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring jiu-jitsu practitioners and showcases the power of passion, innovation, and dedication. With his empire firmly established, Eddie Bravo continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of jiu-jitsu.