Every competition team circles a few dates on the calendar.
For 10th Planet Poway, August 8–9 have been circled for months.
That weekend, the team will head to the IBJJF San Diego Summer International Open with athletes competing for individual gold medals and valuable academy points. While every competitor wants to stand at the top of the podium, the larger goal is the IBJJF San Diego Adult & Masters No-Gi Team Championship.
Championships aren’t built during tournament weekend.
They’re built in the training room.
Every hard wrestling round, every competition class, every positional sparring session, and every late-night roll has been another step toward stepping onto the mats in San Diego prepared for whatever challenge comes next.
A Style Built for Modern No-Gi
No-Gi grappling has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Today’s best competitors aren’t defined by one signature technique—they’re defined by their ability to adapt.
That’s one of the reasons the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu system has become so respected throughout submission grappling. Founded by Eddie Bravo, the system emphasizes creativity, transitions, and connecting positions rather than relying on a rigid sequence of techniques. Learn more about the system on the official 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu website or read our article on the history of the system to see how it has influenced modern No-Gi grappling.
At 10th Planet Poway, those ideas are part of everyday training.
Competitors are encouraged to understand why techniques work, not simply memorize them. A defended takedown becomes a front headlock. A failed guard pass becomes another passing sequence. A scramble becomes an opportunity to attack the back or find a submission.
The objective is simple: keep creating problems until your opponent runs out of answers.
If you’d like to experience that style yourself, learn more about our Adult No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Program and how we prepare students of every experience level—from complete beginners to experienced competitors.
Wrestling Changes Everything
Watch any high-level No-Gi tournament today and one trend becomes obvious.
The competitors who dictate where the match takes place often dictate the outcome.
That’s why wrestling has become such an important part of training at 10th Planet Poway.
Rather than treating wrestling as a separate discipline, the academy blends takedowns directly into passing, scrambling, and submission attacks. A clean single leg isn’t the finish—it’s the beginning of the next exchange. The goal is to control the pace, force reactions, and stay one step ahead.
Our Wrestling Program is designed specifically to complement No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, helping students improve their takedowns, hand fighting, balance, and mat awareness while developing skills that transfer directly into competition.
Whether a competitor prefers to wrestle aggressively, attack from guard, or pressure from the top, having strong wrestling fundamentals creates more opportunities to win.
Coaching That Creates Competitors
Talent helps.
Great coaching builds champions.
Head coach Kevin Berbrich has built a culture that encourages athletes to think independently rather than rely on memorized sequences. Students learn concepts, timing, reactions, and decision-making so they can adapt when matches don’t go exactly as planned.
Tournament matches are unpredictable.
A favorite takedown might fail.
A scramble might create an unexpected opportunity.
The score might force a completely different strategy.
Kevin’s coaching philosophy prepares students for those moments by teaching them to recognize opportunities instead of chasing predetermined techniques.
Alongside him is Joshua Jackson, whose attention to detail gives competitors another advantage.
Joshua has spent countless hours studying the IBJJF ruleset, positional scoring, advantages, penalties, and match management. He even completed the official IBJJF Referee Certification, giving him a unique perspective on how matches are evaluated and scored.
That knowledge becomes incredibly valuable during close matches, where one decision—or one advantage—can determine the outcome.
Learn more about Kevin, Joshua, and the rest of the coaching staff on our Meet the Instructors page.
Preparing for the Challenge Ahead
Every academy entering the IBJJF San Diego Summer International Open will have talented competitors. The difference often comes down to preparation.
At 10th Planet Poway, competition training goes beyond simply getting more rounds in. Athletes spend time working on tournament-specific scenarios, managing the pace of a match, starting from difficult positions, and understanding how to make smart decisions under pressure. Every detail matters when the margins between winning and losing can be a single advantage or one well-timed takedown.
While medals are the immediate goal, the bigger objective is continual improvement. Competition provides honest feedback. It exposes strengths, reveals weaknesses, and gives athletes a clear direction for what to improve next.
That mindset has helped create a culture where competitors challenge one another every day, knowing that everyone in the room gets better together.
More Than a Tournament
The IBJJF San Diego Open is another opportunity for 10th Planet Poway to represent its students, coaches, and community on one of the biggest stages in Southern California.
Regardless of the final standings, the academy will arrive with a team prepared to compete with confidence, creativity, and relentless effort.
The goal is simple:
Compete hard.
Support your teammates.
Trust the preparation.
Then let the results take care of themselves.
Ready to Train with 10th Planet Poway?
Whether your goal is to compete at the highest level or simply learn No-Gi Jiu Jitsu in a fun, welcoming environment, everyone starts the same way—by stepping onto the mats. Contact us today to schedule a trial class!
At 10th Planet Poway, we offer programs for beginners, hobbyists, competitors, adults, and kids, all taught by experienced coaches who are passionate about helping students improve.
If you’ve been thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu, there’s never been a better time. Come experience a class, meet our team, and see why so many students throughout San Diego choose 10th Planet Poway for No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Muay Thai.
We look forward to seeing you on the mats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the IBJJF San Diego Summer International Open?
It’s an IBJJF-sanctioned tournament open to competitors of all belt levels and ages, held in San Diego. Athletes earn individual medals plus academy points that count toward team titles like the No-Gi Team Championship.
Q: Do I need prior wrestling experience to compete in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
No. Wrestling fundamentals are taught as part of No-Gi training at the academy — you don’t need an outside wrestling background to start competing.
Q: What’s the difference between Gi and No-Gi competition at IBJJF events?
No-Gi matches are contested in rashguards and shorts instead of the traditional kimono, which changes grip strategy, pacing, and scramble dynamics. (Their linked “Gi vs. No-Gi” article covers this in depth.)
Q: How long does it take to prepare for a first competition?
This varies by student, but most academies recommend a dedicated 6–8 week camp of competition-specific classes, wrestling, and live rounds before a first tournament.
Q: Can beginners or hobbyists watch/support the team even if they’re not competing?
Yes — team support is described as part of the culture (“support your teammates”), and spectating a teammate’s matches is a common way beginners get exposed to competition before trying it themselves.
Q: What should I bring to an IBJJF tournament as a competitor?
Typically: IBJJF-compliant rashguard/shorts, mouthguard, ID, registration confirmation, and a change of clothes. (Worth confirming exact requirements with the coaching staff before the event.)
Q: How are matches scored in IBJJF No-Gi rules?
Points are awarded for takedowns, sweeps, guard passes, mount, and back control, with advantages breaking ties — which is why the article notes Joshua Jackson’s IBJJF Referee Certification is valuable for match strategy.
Q: Is 10th Planet Poway’s program only for competitors?
No — the academy also serves hobbyists, fitness-focused students, and kids, alongside its competition team.
Related Reading
Continue exploring No-Gi Jiu Jitsu and competition training with these articles from our blog:
- The History of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
- Gi vs. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Which Is Right for You?
- What Is Grappling in MMA?
- Explore More 10th Planet Poway Blog Articles
About 10th Planet Poway
Located in Poway, California, 10th Planet Poway offers world-class No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Kids Martial Arts programs. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn practical self-defense, or prepare for competition, our experienced coaching staff is committed to helping every student reach their goals.
