10P V I L L A I N S | 1 TEAM, 1 MISSION.

Head Coach - Mike Wilson

My name is Mike Wilson, I’m a 1st-degree 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, with over 16 years experience navigating the world of Jiu Jitsu and MMA. Being a Coach has been my path for over a decade now, and leading 10th Planet Whittier is my #1 focus heading into 2025!

My Journey: I began training in 2009, under the guidance of Marcelo Perdomo and former UFC Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante at the world renowned — Brazilian Top Team. Progressing & competing through every belt rank in the Gi (Kimono), I sought to deepen my understanding of the martial arts landscape.

This quest led me to joining 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in 2015, where I immersed myself in the realm of MMA (mixed martial arts) under my Coach & Mentor — Casey Halstead. Coach Casey has coached and cornered numerous elite UFC, ADCC, BELLATOR, & PFL athletes out of 10th Planet Las Vegas and is widely considered one of the World’s most elite coaches.

In 2016, I made the move to Las Vegas, fully dedicating myself to training under Coach Casey full time and taking on the role as Head Coach of 10th Planet Downtown Las Vegas. After venturing into MMA competition over the next several years during my time in Vegas, the honor of earning my 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt came in July 2019.

Coaching Experience: I have held the privilege of guiding and preparing exceptional athletes in their fight camps and corners such as — Joe Benevidez, Lance Palmer, Natan Levy, Tim Elliot, Ben Saunders, Ashlee Evans-Smith, and a plethora of other top-tier UFC athletes.

During my time in Vegas, I was exposed to world renowned MMA coaches such as Robert Follis & John Wood, where I gained valuable insight into some of the most important aspects of sport. Game planning strategy, technical nuance, & mental preparation is just a bit of what has shaped my approach to coaching. I’ve continued to harness my teaching experience by leading Team USA Grappling at the 2021 UWW World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia as Team Coach.

Since opening the doors of 10th Planet Whittier in April 2023, I have focused on building one of the most formidable competition teams in Southern California. Notable accomplishments include Team Titles at the 2 top Jiu Jitsu organizations in the world:

  • Nov 2024 | 1st Place JJWL Pan American Championships | NOGI Team Title

  • Feb 2025 | 3rd Place IBJJF OC Open | NOGI Team Title

My weekly training regimen includes training under the guidance of Justin “JFlo” Flores, (Olympic Judo Coach for Team USA at the ‘21 Tokyo Olympics) since September 2020. I also regularly train 2x weekly at Functional Patterns Costa Mesa, & make regular visits to 10th Planet HQ under the guidance of Master Eddie Bravo.

Join the Villains as we embark upon a journey of learning and growth in the Art of Grappling at
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Whittier! C/T=R

Why train at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Whittier?

What Sets Us Apart?

At our academy, we're not just teaching martial arts; we're crafting a dedicated approach to learning that is driven by innovation and effectiveness.
Are you tired of doing mindless repetition and unenthusiastic line drill warm ups, that have little to no connection to actual Grappling?
At 10P Whittier we take an ecological dynamic approach to learning, where we blend the 3 most effective grappling arts: Wrestling, Judo, and Jiu Jitsu.

The 10th Planet Whittier Experience:

Expect to delve into a curriculum that integrates the best elements of Wrestling, Judo, and Jiu Jitsu. You'll be guided by instructors with over a decade of teaching experience, drawing from their extensive training with renowned coaches and elite fighters. Our classes are not just about techniques; they're about learning a mindset that promotes continuous improvement and a deep understanding of the art of grappling.

Traditional Approach:

  • Route repetition of a movement pattern - to perfect that pattern.

  • Cannot be de contextualized - you are only learning to be effective in this very specific context

  • Repeat same thing over and over - no allowance for creative interruption

  • Lack of organizational learning - overshadowed by an overwhelming amount of instruction/details

  • Suggests it is the movement itself that is the magic*

Ecological Approach:

  • Task based - an outcome we want

  • Allowing the body to organize around the most efficient way to achieve the desired outcome

  • Creating the outcome, not the movement

  • The outcome is the goal, how you get there is variable

  • Suggest how we go about solving the problem is the magic*

Innovative Techniques:

You'll explore a dynamic range of techniques that draw from the strengths of wrestling, the finesse of judo, and the intricacies of Jiu Jitsu. This fusion allows our students to excel in various grappling scenarios, competitions, as well as being able to adapt to different opponents and real life situations.

Adaptive Training:

Our classes are designed to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our Beginner Course is dedicated to giving you the tools necessary to have a foundation built upon principles and concepts that will serve you well as you continue your journey. We prioritize individual growth and development, ensuring that each student progresses at their own pace, while experiencing a challenging yet supportive environment.

Join us and experience the difference that a blended approach to training can make in your journey towards mastering the art of Grappling.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Students should arrive with clean bodies, gear, and breath. Use the mouthwash provided if needed.

    • Leave your shoes on the shoe racks inside the mud room before entering the gym. Dirty shoe soles are the main culprit in Gyms contracting skin infection outbreaks.

    • Use the foot wash station before entering into the academy. The stations are fully disinfected and sanitized daily in order to minimize bacteria being introduced into the academy and onto the mats.

    • Clean set of training gear must be worn for each class taken. Never wear the same gear 2 times in 1 day.

    • No leaving in sweaty training gear. MUST bring dry top/bottom to change into after class. This minimizes bacteria transfer between personal vehicles & gear that should be only worn in the academy.

    • No training with any skin irregularities. We expect our students to check their skin daily and inspect for any signs of skin infections. Ask your instructor what warning signs may appear like if you are ever unsure.

    • Finger/toe nails must be trimmed and filed before every class. Do not trim your nails inside the academy.

    • We have a shower for members, please use it immediately after class. Alternative: Wipe down with tea tree oil based body wipes (Defense Soap) until you shower at home asap. This is extremely important in order to minimize the risk of transmitting skin to skin bacterial/viral infections.

    • Following these standards & protocols will help ensure a clean and safe environment for all.

  • What to wear:

    Males: Shorts (no zipper/pockets) and compression top/rashguard.
    Compression undergarment or spats required.
    2 layer mandatory rule for bottom layer. Must wear shorts over spats. Cup optional.

    Females: Leggings and compression top/rashguard.
    Compression undergarment sports bra required.

    What to bring:

    - Water

    - Change of clean clothes for after practice

    - Bag to secure your things

    - Small towel for sweat

    - Large towel & soap (if you want to shower)

  • Jiu Jitsu is very rewarding! You should expect to get tired, sweaty, all while having a great time and learning to defend yourself. Remember that consistency over time equals results! C/T=R