Breaking Down the Jiu Jitsu Lineage of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu

Introduction: Why Lineage Matters in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu is a sport built on tradition, innovation, and the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. While every practitioner carves out their own path, understanding where techniques originate and how they evolve provides deeper insight into the art. At 10th Planet Denver, widely recognized as the number one No-Gi Jiu Jitsu gym in Denver, Coach Conor Heun embodies a lineage that traces back through some of the most influential figures in grappling history, from Eddie Bravo to Mitsuyo Maeda. This series will explore that lineage one master at a time, illuminating how their contributions have shaped the way we train and compete today.

Located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, 10th Planet Denver is a premier destination for No-Gi Jiu Jitsu practitioners looking to refine their game and develop high-level grappling skills. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced competitor, training under Coach Heun provides a direct link to the innovative techniques of the 10th Planet system.

Who is Conor Heun?

Before diving into the giants of the past, we start with the man who carries this knowledge forward at 10th Planet Denver. Conor Heun is a decorated Jiu Jitsu black belt under Eddie Bravo, a former professional MMA fighter, and a dedicated coach known for his aggressive, technical, and forward-thinking approach to grappling.

Early Life & Martial Arts Background

Born with the heart of a warrior, Heun’s journey through combat sports is a testament to perseverance. Initially diving into wrestling, he developed a solid foundation in takedowns and positional control—skills that would later integrate seamlessly into his Jiu Jitsu game. Transitioning into mixed martial arts, Heun tested his mettle in organizations such as Strikeforce, showcasing his ability to apply Jiu Jitsu in high-pressure environments.

Training Under Eddie Bravo

Heun’s transformation into a 10th Planet black belt was not just about mastering techniques—it was about embracing an entirely new way of thinking about Jiu Jitsu. Training under Eddie Bravo, the founder of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, he absorbed a system designed specifically for No-Gi submission grappling, where flexibility, control, and innovation reign supreme.

Bravo’s approach, which broke away from traditional Gi-based Jiu Jitsu, revolutionized how grapplers approach guard retention, attacking from unconventional positions, and setting up submissions. Heun took these principles and made them his own, refining his game into an aggressive yet technical style that defines his instruction today.

What Makes Conor Heun’s Jiu Jitsu Unique?

1. Hybrid Approach to Grappling: His background in wrestling, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu makes him a well-rounded instructor who understands both the sportive and combative applications of grappling.

2. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Specialist: As a product of the 10th Planet system, Heun’s game is built on fluid transitions, aggressive attacks, and submissions that work in both Jiu Jitsu and MMA.

3. Wrestling Base & Mental Toughness: Heun’s deep wrestling foundation gives him an edge in takedowns, scrambles, and positional dominance. Combined with his relentless work ethic and mental resilience, he embodies a warrior mindset that inspires his students to push beyond their limits.

🔥 Looking for the best martial arts training in Denver? 10th Planet Denver is consistently rated as the number one No-Gi Jiu Jitsu gym in Denver, offering elite-level instruction under Coach Conor Heun. Take your grappling game to the next level! Contact us at 10thplanetdenver@gmail.com or visit us at 6161 W 44th Ave Suite 150, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Legacy in Motion

As we explore Heun’s lineage, we will see how each instructor before him influenced his game and, in turn, how he passes that knowledge down to his students. From Eddie Bravo’s revolutionary No-Gi approach to the classic teachings of Jean Jacques Machado, Rickson Gracie, and Mitsuyo Maeda, this series will dive into the techniques, philosophies, and innovations that shaped generations of grapplers.

Next week, we begin with Eddie Bravo—the innovator, the strategist, and the man who built an entire Jiu Jitsu system outside the traditional framework. Stay tuned.