- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
10th Planet Jiu-jitsu San Francisco
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Martial Arts Martial Arts [Edit]
Valencia Street Muscle333 Valencia St, Ste 100
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission
(650) 784-1839
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Tue, Thu 5:30 pm - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu San Francisco
32 reviews in English
-
Review from Michael H.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
This school is amazing. Very friendly atmosphere, the level of training is out standing. Denny Prokopos is a world class Jiu Jitsu player and a world class teacher. He is incredibly detailed and will teach you basics moves as well as very slick and high level high percentage moves.
Great school
Best Instructor
Great atmosphere
Very fair price -
Review from James T.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Took a few classes with Adam through a groupon that I bought several month ago. He is a very good teacher. Constant attention to detail and friendly attitude. A very good workout is included with the Jiu Jitsu training. I liked it a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for an intense martial arts and core training!
-
Review from Intron D.
Vallejo, CA
5/19/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I love the 10th planet system. When I looked up Eddie Bravo, I was a fan of his immediately. I've been to his school as well, nice man.
Denny, is just as good & respectful. Even though I showed up to my first class late, he made a point of greeting me.
I was again blown away & reminded why I fell in love with 10th planet in the 1st place. Showing moves that you couldn't imagine but was able to pick up & learn right away.
Everyone there was also very polite and introducing themselves during the free sparring session at the last part of the class.
It was clean but with about 2 dozen people it was kinda small.
My goal is to achieve my black belt & represent 10th planet.
My only complaint is the location, considering I live about an 30 minutes outside the city.
I still give it 5 stars because it's so good, I'm willing to make the drive. -
Review from David S.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2010
Yo, tenth planet is the shizznitastic. Are you like me and want to learn jiu-jitsu without the hassle of getting your favorite gi wrinkled? Then look no further. Other places in SF treat no-gi like it's a leisure activity akin to bumper pool or canasta. A way to break up the monotony of gi classes once or twice a week. Here it's no-gi everyday, and it's intense.
Denny is a really inspirational and effective teacher. You will be humbled when you start, but you will get better, and let's face it, that's one of the best feelings in the world. -
Review from robin b.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2010
Been training here for 4-5 weeks and its definitely been worth it -
* This is a no-gi school
* Very family like atmosphere - Denny and everyone are very helpful when you have questions - no ego even tho I got flying triangled. If you're a lady, definitely a lady friendly place
* Denny takes the time to personally provide you with your successes, improvement areas, next steps, etc.
* World class instructor in Denny - very technical and detailed teaching - Denny walks you through step by step the flows or techniques of the week and gives you time for questions
* I researched other schools and definitely the best pricing in the city and great hours for those who work late. Most gyms start at 6 or 630 pm, but classes at 10th planet start at 7pm. For early birds, you can go to the Tues/Thurs 530pm class or the Saturday class
* Theres people at all levels in the class, and therefore, you get some good sparring in. I'm a white belt, but roll with blue, purple, etc. belts and Denny (black belt), which definitely improves my game
* I noticed that clean mats is a high priority at the gym - thoroughly cleaned everyday
* Drilling is key - one big plus here is the emphasis on drilling the flows and techniques learned in class. This is the only way that you will get the moves down cold and mix it in within your game
* Denny teaches you some pretty slick and relevant flows and techniques but also makes sure you learn your basics - This way, in a given class, whether youre a white belt or black belt, you are still learning and picking up new things
* If you heard and love the rubber guard, this is the place to be
* You burn like a gazillion calories, letting me eat candy, but still maintain my weight
go check it out! -
Review from Christopher L.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2010
Denny is the best teacher I have ever had and I wish my work/school schedule allowed me to attend more classes. I can be shy, but Denny treats you like family whether you go everyday or come once a month and always makes you feel welcome even if his student population is steadily growing
I've been to a few other mma/bjj places and I never felt comfortable and felt like all they really cared about was my money or trying to lock me into a contract.
That being said, like someone else posted parking can be a real bitch sometimes. -
Review from Alex F.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/13/2010
No-gi Jiu-jitsu at it's best.
At 10th Planet Sf you get a world champion black-belt instructor in the groundbreaking 10th Planet system that is there every day, personally leading every class. I have never seen a jiu-jitsu instructor take his students as seriously and as personally as Denny does. Nor have I seen anyone coach his students through the often complex and hard to grasp technique as well as he does.
On top of that, you get an awesome group of people. The atmosphere in 10th planet is extremely conducive to learning - everyone trains hard, real hard, but it's a largely ego-free environment with everyone jumping in to help each other learn and progress. As a result, I haven't seen any serious injuries, something I cannot say for the other places I've trained. You will be pushed to (and sometimes past) your limit and you will come out healthier than when you came in.
Ever since I've started training with Denny, I have made new friends, my game shot through the roof, and I'm enjoying jiu-jitsu more than I've ever had before. It doesn't get any better than this.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/17/2008
10th Planet SF is absolutely awesome. It has everything you really want from a Brazilian jiujitsu… Read more »
-
-
Review from Tomas A.
San Francisco, CA
3/9/2008
The head instructor is Denny Prokopos, one of Eddie Bravo's top students from 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu in Hollywood, CA. Denny is a phenomenal no-gi grappler and dedicated instructor. For those that want to learn the 10th Planet JJ system from one of Eddie's best students, this is a great opportunity at an affordable price. Even if you train at another martial arts gym, this will add to your ground game, and students from other schools are always welcome.
The 10th Planet system is an innovative, no gi style of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) popularized by Eddie Bravo. BJJ popularized fighting from the guard position; however, fighting with a gi is very different than without a gi. Without a gi, you have no cloth to grab and control your opponent. If your opponent is punching you, this complicates your predicament: how do you control your opponent (w/o a gi), minimize getting hit, and mount an offensive attack (all from your back)? The 10th Planet JJ system addresses this and other problems in a systematic, comprehensive way.
10th Planet JJ is a great way to get physically fit at any age while learning practical skills. If you're a competitive fighter, Denny will supercharge your no-gi submission grappling game. -
Review from pete t.
Chicago, IL
9/12/2010
This place is awesome
P.T.G. -
Review from Matteo D.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2010
I joined the beginning of last year with the intent of having a hobby that would keep me in shape. Now I'm 25-30lbs lighter, flexible in ways i never would've guessed, and just a lot healthier overall. Jiu jitsu is great. Really really great. I'm totally grateful for everything this place has given me.
this summer I tested what i had learned in some tournaments.
check out my highlights- http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Brontis O.
Corona, NY
9/8/2008
I was on vacation in San Francisco for a week and saw there was a 10th Planet school nearby so I tried a class out. I was instantly impressed with the quality of the moves I learned. I've been studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 3 years in NYC and I've read Eddie Bravo's books and practiced with a friend, but being there in an actual class and learning first hand from an accomplished instructor in the 10th Planet system was an incredible experience. Denny is cool and fun. He doesn't waste time with BS and calls things honestly. It felt that he truly wanted me to learn the techniques and gave me credit for the skills I already owned. This prompted me to ask for a private lesson before my flight back to NY which Denny happily agreed to.
The private lesson was something I wont easily forget. He shared great techniques, helped me refine some moves I already had, and gave me an honest critique on my skills.
If you get the chance, take a private lesson from Denny. The price is more than fair and it will improve you game significantly.
Highly recommended for both new and current Jiu Jitsu practitioners. -
Review from C. M.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
Wow. Cant say enough about these guys. Incredible JJ experience they are funny everyone is super friendly and its like a family. Travis was instructing last night and he did a kick ass job. I felt like I was a part of the gym already we were bullshiting talking about fighting and playing Catan before the class started. Once it was go time we warmed up and started a basic tech drilled for a bit then moved on to a more complex tech he broke it down step by step in order to ensure we were all doing it correctly. Then we did a situational sparring thing, that was good as well it really helped with body awareness! Then we had an open rolling session that lasted 5 minutes a pop...intense esp for a guy who has not rolled in a hot minute. Of course I over work myself and have to run and pray to the porcelain god. But I recovered and everyone laughed haha Back on the east coast we would all talk about Mr. Bravo and what it would be like to meet him I think this place is a good start in that direction. I cant wait to meet Denny everyone speaks so highly of him! Travis was sick I can tell he is very talented int he sport and at instruction. I super excited to go back!
-
Review from Chris O.
2/28/2009
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 :) -
Review from Adam S.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2010
great school, great teacher, great students. Denny is the best teacher I have ever had. If you want to learn NOGI Jiu Jitsu this is the place to go. He has already made me a world champion in less than 2 years. It is also one of the cheapest schools in San Francisco.
-
Review from Dan W.
San Carlos, CA
8/14/2008
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 -
Review from Michael W.
San Mateo, CA
8/12/2008
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! :-) -
Review from Sean M.
Burlingame, CA
3/13/2008
Started training here last week. Awesome, hands on learning enviornment.
-
Review from Kevin G.
San Leandro, CA
9/30/2009
I've been training here for about half a year now. My game has vastly improved since training at 10th Planet. Denny is a great teacher who truly cares about how his students are improving. He is also now the first and currently only Black Belt under Eddie Bravo. This is the best place in the bay area for no gi BJJ, and has one of the best 10th planet competitors as its head coach.
-
Review from Paul N.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2008
1) The system: 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu is unparalleled in terms of effective no-gi submission grappling. If you're looking to become a skilled no-gi player, you've found the right place. Eddie Bravo picked up on the principle of specificity and built his system from there. If you want to be the best greco-roman wrestler, would you start out training judo? No, of course not. Specificity is where its at. The 10th Planet game works so well because the system was designed with no-gi in mind. Something not so easily said for a lot of schools where the no-gi game is simply an after thought. Now-a-days, I think a lot of Brazilian schools are content to rest on their laurels, while the 10th planet guys are constantly innovating and exploring new facets of grappling.
2) The Instructor: Denny is patient, kind, funny, and one bad mofo. Now those qualities alone would justify training at his school, however, he also happens to be an amazing teacher. He breaks things down into easily digestible steps and constantly monitors his students' progress. In most sports, and in combat sports in particular, there tends to be a division between great practitioners and great teachers. Rarely do you see someone that is both. Denny is both. On top of that, the guy is a Jiu-jitsu encyclopedia. You're not just getting the 10th planet system here, you're getting the reader's digest of jiu-jitsu. The best of the best, packaged into a nice neat volume for ease of reference, and updated on a continual basis.
3) The School: The club is great. Everyone is humble and approachable. There's no ego trips (those get checked right quick), and people are willing to work with you to help you get better. The price is more than reasonable. I'd expect to pay 50% more at many other Jiu-jitsu gyms in the area (and I'd expect to see the instructor 50% as often too). The location works well for me, as its real close to BART.
5 Stars. -
Review from Hasad F.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2009 4 photos
I really can't say enough great things about this school.
I've trained at a few schools and all were great in their own right but 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu SF is the best for me for several reasons.
First, Denny has a systematic teaching plan. Each week he chooses a few interrelated moves, starting with the simplest and progressing to the more advanced and complex. These exercises are generally repeated throughout the week and each day I understand the nuances that little bit better. Every move is always demonstrated at least four times to ensure that everyone understands, and questions and clarifications are always welcomed.
Second, Denny regularly teaches all of his own classes. He is there each and every day with us, and on the occasion when he has to miss a class he has a great assistant instructor in Travis Magalit, with whom he works closely to ensure that we stay on the proper training routine. There's no going through the motions here. Both Denny and Travis give their students their all at every class. You can tell these guys love teaching and care about their students.
Lastly, I'd like to mention the social aspect and camaraderie of this school. Again, I've met great people at every school I've attended but I'm especially pleased with the peer-support and quality of training partners I've encountered at 10th Planet S.F. -
Review from Big D.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2008 1 photo
Awesome no-gi Jiu Jitsu taught by World Champion, Denny Prokopos. Denny has just opened his own 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu here in San Francisco. I've been going since he opened - a couple of weeks, now. We here in the Bay Area are very fortunate to have this unique style taught by one of the innovator's top students.
Each class is taught in a systematic and methodical manner. Prokopos is a very thorough instructor. He demonstrates each move three times each at a slow pace, explaining the details as he goes. He then switches angles so that the students can see it from each side so they don't miss any details.
Next, we practice drilling the new move on each other repeatedly so we can begin to memorize it. The last half-hour is finished by having open sparring. Great classes. Great prices. Great instruction. -
Review from travis m.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2008
This gym has an inviting atmosphere and very friendly training partners. World class trainer and very affordable prices.
-
Review from Scott E.
Burbank, CA
7/7/2010
If you want to train no-gi and you live close to this gym, you are very lucky. Denny is a great guy and a great intructor. I came in from out of town and all the students were welcoming and didn't try to hurt me.
-
Review from Coleman M.
Berkeley, CA
10/20/2008
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. -
Review from Shane C.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2008
Awesome. Great training partners and a great instructor. No macho bullshit you'll find at alot of bjj schools. Denny will show you everything he knows and encourages qestions. He hides nothing from you. He is very committed to his art (ju jitsu) and the progression of it. Its a very positve enviorment. This is the place if you are thinking about learning bjj. I highly recomend to come in for a free class, and you will be hooked. Very affordable prices.
-
Review from Anthony P.
San Mateo, CA
11/2/2009
Denny is a great teacher of the 10th planet system of no gi jiu jitsu, and his wrestling background makes him that much more versatile and knowledgeable. He shows every move carefully, answers any questions, and knows every move he shows down to the most careful of details, making him a very patient and approachable teacher. The amazing thing is that Denny is a young guy that will continue to grow as a jiu jitsu player AND teacher, despite already being a black belt.
The gym itself is a good size, and every one I rolled with with showed no ego. There's a decent amount of street parking, but that can fluctuate depending on how many gym-goers there are (it's part of Valencia Street Muscle). The rates are very fair compared to other gyms, and he's up front about it all, which is on his website (something I like since other schools sort of force you to call or show up before they tell you/pitch their school). If I had a little more money and a fully operating shoulder, I'd be back there (don't worry, I re-activated and old injury mostly due to my labor-intensive job).
No gi jiu jitsu is a great martial art that will get you in awesome shape, and Denny is the type of teacher you want. -
Review from Mario T.
Daly City, CA
12/8/2009
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.
-
Review from Alan C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/6/2009
My review from November seems to have disappeared, so here it is again:
"10th Planet SF is everything you could ask for in a Jiu Jitsu gym. Whether you've been grappling for years, or just starting out, Denny is the epitome of what an instructor should be. He's very clear, patient, attentive, smart, and wants all of his students to succeed. Not only is he a world champion - he's a class act.
In group classes, Denny teaches the components of the 10th Planet system, step-by-step, with intricacy, precision, and repetition so we get it right. He also goes one step further to provide individualized attention to each of his students on a nightly basis. We roll every night, which forces us to put theory into practice, and thus constantly evolve our ground game. Mix all that in with a great group of training partners and a very fair price, you can't beat this place.
So, for anyone who's willing to train hard and commit to no-gi Jiu Jitsu, 10th Planet is the place to be."
UPDATE: 10th Planet SF just got new mat space! Same location at Valencia Street Muscle, but about twice as much space as before. It used to get really crowded, but the new space completely takes care of that.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/27/2008
10th Planet SF is everything you could ask for in a Jiu Jitsu gym. Whether you've been grappling… Read more »
-
-
Review from Brendan l.
Pipe Creek, TX
10/28/2010
Denny is excellent at what he does. He is incredibly skillful, very giving and willing to share everything he knows to get his students to be the best they can. Rare for some teachers in the martial arts. The atmosphere of the school is positive, helpful, and respectful. Not a lot of ego here. I would say an excellent blend of discipline and fun. It is also a positive atmosphere for women.
-
Review from Michael M.
Daly City, CA
11/4/2009
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!
-
Review from Oliver C.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2008
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.
-
Review from quentin l.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2009
Awesome. Had my first class here today and this place rocks. Denny is very attentive to details and watches each student. Pricing is the best in the city (I think). If you want to study no gi jiu jitsu, this is definitely the place to go.
