JitsCast #23 features one of the top 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu representatives in the very first generation of their competitors to reach the highest level, Richie Martinez. Not only did Martinez become one of the first thirty 10th Planet black belts back in 2015, but he is also a veteran of virtually every professional grappling promotion around. He competed at the very first EBI event in the welterweight division and after earning a silver medal there, he immediately became a sought-after competitor all around the world. Since then, Martinez has gone on to represent his team at Metamoris, Polaris, Quintet, and many other major events.
We spoke to Martinez about his very first experiences training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu, because he actually has a unique experience as a former breakdancer. He explained how that background actually helped him learn the sport, along with some of the difficulties he experienced during his time as a white belt. He also talked about his time as an MMA fighter and how that has shaped his abilities as a coach, as he has taught quite a few MMA fighters alongside his Jiu-Jitsu team. Martinez then spoke about the 10th Planet affiliation as a whole, picking out some of the competitors to watch out for in the next generation.
10th Planet has been Martinez’s team since he first started the sport and he’s one of a tiny of handful of competitors to represent them in multiple team grappling events. Martinez talked about his experience as a member of their Quintet team, and also his time representing the USA on Polaris Squads. Martinez finished off by looking at his own personal competitive future, discussing one major match that’s right on the horizon now. He will be facing BJJ legend Xande Ribeiro at WNO 27, so he discussed both his preparation and predictions for the match just a matter of days before it takes place.
JitsCast #23 with Richie ‘Boogeyman’ Martinez is now available to watch on the official JitsMagazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
