Grappler Profile: Eddie Bravo

Introduction

Eddie Bravo, born Edgar Cano on May 15th, 1970, is a renowned name in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Known for his inventiveness and his unique, sometimes controversial, approach to BJJ, Bravo has made substantial contributions to the evolution and understanding of the grappling arts. The Los Angeles native’s conception of “10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu” known for its emphasis on no-gi grappling, and the development of unconventional techniques, has added an interesting dimension to the sport.

Grappling Career

Growing up, Bravo had been a passionate follower of both American wrestling and music. He juggled between playing in bands and developing wrestling skills with his high school mates, and it wasn’t until his early 20s that he first stumbled upon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Skeptical at first about BJJ’s effectiveness, he attended a class on the insistence of a friend. After just one session, which saw him repeatedly submitted by a practitioner much smaller than him, Bravo was sold on BJJ.

He began training under Jean Jacques Machado, a prominent figure in the BJJ world and one of the famous Machado brothers; eventually earning his black belt from him in 2003. His career entered the spotlight when he competed in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship, a prestigious tournament that draws the world’s best grapplers.

Major Achievements

Bravo has a slew of accomplishments under his belt, but a few stand out per their significance in his career:

• 1999 – North American Trials Winner, paving the way for his participation in the ADCC.
• 2003 – Defeating Royler Gracie at the ADCC, an upset considered one of the biggest in the history of the tournament.
• 2014 – Rematch against Royler Gracie at Metamoris 3, securing a draw.
• Founding 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, a network of BJJ schools promoting no-gi grappling with focus on unusual techniques.

Apart from his accomplishments in BJJ, Bravo is known for his unique philosophical approach towards the martial art. He deviated from traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by creating his system that emphasizes no-gi grappling and downplays the use of the gi – the traditional BJJ uniform.

Moreover, Bravo is also known for his promotion of various conspiracy theories, including flat earth theory, which caused contention within the BJJ community and beyond. His popularity also extends to television where he’s made appearances on popular shows like The Joe Rogan Experience.

Eddie Bravo’s Innovation: Combat Jiu Jitsu

Eddie Bravo, a trailblazer in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, revolutionized the sport by founding Combat Jiu Jitsu (CJJ). His vision was to merge BJJ’s technical grappling with the realistic combat elements of strikes. CJJ reflects Bravo’s dedication to evolving martial arts, ensuring BJJ remains a practical self-defense system while enhancing its competitive excitement. This bold move by Bravo has left an indelible mark on the martial arts landscape, cementing his legacy as an innovator.

For more on CJJ check out our Complete Guide to Combat Jiu Jitsu.

Conclusion

Eddie Bravo’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is characterized by constantly challenging norms and breaking boundaries. His approach in the sport has revolutionized no-gi grappling and presented it as a viable alternative to traditional gi-based BJJ. Regardless of the controversies surrounding him, there’s no denying that Bravo’s impact on the sport of BJJ is profound, and his innovative techniques will continue to be practiced and studied by future generations of grapplers. His story is awe-inspiring for aspirants and his contributions build a stronger foundation for the sport as it continues to grow worldwide.

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Brian

My name is Brian and I'm a purple belt in BJJ. I train at GFTeam in Burnaby, Canada. My mission with this site is to inspire, educate and learn together with grappling enthusiasts around the world.