Richie Martinez

The "Boogeyman" of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu

Name: Richie Martinez

Current Rank: Black Belt under Eddie Bravo

Notable Achievements:

1st Place NAGA Phoenix, AZ (2014)
1st Place NAGA Las Vegas, NV (2014)
2nd Place IBJJF World No-Gi Championship (2016 Master 1)
2nd Place EBI I Invitational (2014)
2nd Place Onnit Invitational (2015)

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie (Senior) --> Hélio Gracie --> Carlos Gracie Júnior --> Jean Jaques Machado --> Eddie Bravo --> Richie Martinez

Known as "Boogeyman," Richie Martinez is a former breakdancer who transitioned to jiu-jitsu and quickly rose to prominence. He and his brother Geo Martinez are known as the "Freak Brothers" in the jiu-jitsu community. Richie is a top representative of the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Academy and has his own gym in San Diego.

Richie Martinez Biography

Early Life: From Breakdancing to BJJ

Born on July 28, 1984, in Oceanside, California, Richie Martinez, better known as the "Boogeyman," had an unconventional start in the world of martial arts. Raised by a single mother, a former Mexican actress and Miss Los Angeles, Richie and his younger brother Geo Martinez were initially drawn to the world of breakdancing. They became well-known figures in California's B-boying scene before grappling caught their attention.

The Turning Point: A Brother's Influence

Richie's journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began in 2011 after watching his brother Geo dominate at the Gracie Nationals tournament. Inspired, Richie joined the 10th Planet Vista academy, where he trained under Sean Bollinger. Despite living far from the academy, Richie's dedication was unparalleled. He would travel once a week for formal training and spend the rest of his time drilling techniques at home with his girlfriend.

The 10th Planet Journey

Midway into his blue belt, Richie started training under Eddie Bravo, the founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, at the team's headquarters. Under Bravo's tutelage, Richie's grappling skills soared, and he even ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2013. Richie and his brother Geo became known as the "Freak Brothers" in the grappling circuit, a nod to their breakdancing background.

Achievements and Style

Richie's grappling record is impressive:

1st Place NAGA Phoenix, AZ (2014)
1st Place NAGA Las Vegas, NV (2014)
2nd Place IBJJF World No-Gi Championship (2016 Master 1)
2nd Place EBI I Invitational (2014)
2nd Place Onnit Invitational (2015)

His favorite techniques include the Japanese Necktie and Omoplata, and he competes in the 77kg/170lbs weight division.

The 10th Planet Freaks Academy

Richie and Geo eventually opened their own 10th Planet Freaks gyms, with Richie's located in San Diego and Geo's in Oceanside, California. It was at the grand opening of the San Diego academy on January 3, 2015, that Richie was awarded his black belt by Eddie Bravo.

Legacy and Influence

Richie Martinez is more than just a competitor; he's an innovator and an inspiration. His journey from breakdancing to becoming a top representative of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and passion for martial arts. Whether he's competing, coaching, or running his academy, Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez remains a compelling figure in the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Richie Martinez

General Information

Q: Who is Richie Martinez in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
A: Richie Martinez, also known as "Boogeyman," is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo. He is one of the top representatives of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the current competitive no-gi scene. Richie is also the brother of another accomplished jiu-jitsu competitor, Geo Martinez, and together they are known as the "Freak Brothers."

BJJ Achievements

Q: What are some of Richie Martinez's notable achievements in BJJ?
A: Some of Richie Martinez's main achievements include:

1st Place NAGA Phoenix, AZ (2014)
1st Place NAGA Las Vegas, NV (2014)
2nd Place IBJJF World No-Gi Championship (2016 Master 1)
2nd Place EBI I Invitational (2014)
2nd Place Onnit Invitational (2015)

Q: What is Richie Martinez's favorite position or technique in BJJ?
A: Richie Martinez's favorite techniques are the Japanese Necktie and Omoplata.

Training and Background

Q: How did Richie Martinez get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Richie Martinez was inspired by his brother Geo's success in BJJ and decided to join him at the 10th Planet Vista academy. Initially, he trained once a week and practiced at home with his girlfriend, eventually progressing to a blue belt level.

Q: Who were some of Richie Martinez's main instructors?
A: Richie Martinez initially trained under Sean Bollinger at 10th Planet Vista. Later, he trained directly under Eddie Bravo, the head coach of 10th Planet, who awarded him his black belt.