10th Planet Jiu-jitsu San Francisco

San Francisco, United States

5

Closed now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 415-583-9136
Website:
10thplanetjiujitsusf.com
Address:
261 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94103
b/t Erie St & South Van Ness Ave
Mission
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 mi16th Street Mission
0.4 miMarket St & South Van Ness Ave
0.4 miMarket St & Van Ness Ave
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
By Appointment Only
No

Today

Today 7:30 am – 8:30 am
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Francisco) 06:08 Thursday, 26 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am – 8:30 am
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am – 8:30 am
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 am – 8:30 am
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Born and raised in San Francisco, Denny Prokopos has been teaching Jiu Jitsu since the age of fifteen and has coached and trained with successful fighters such as Frank Shamrock and Jake Shields. He is passionate about teaching Jiu Jitsu because he genuinely believes it helps people in a myriad of ways.

The academy offers a very friendly and supportive training and learning environment. Upper belts can regularly be found training with and helping beginners with enthusiasm and encouragement. Being a no-​gi academy the students generally don’t wear belts denoting rank and many have commented how refreshingly non-​hierarchial the social environment is at 10th Planet SF.

The Kids’ 10Th Planet Jiu Jitsu Spartans classes take place at our academy on Monday & Wednesday 430 to 520 p.m. and Saturday 130 to 220 p.m. All kids classes are open to ages 8 — 14.

History

Established in 2008.

After winning the No-​Gi World Championships as a Brown Belt in 2007, Denny Prokopos thought it the perfect time to open the first exclusively no-​gi Jiu Jitsu academy in San Francisco as well as the first 10th Planet school in Northern California.

Two years later Denny was the first to be promoted to black belt under Master Eddie Bravo who founded 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.

Denny can be found daily on the mat teaching, training and sharing his passion for the art with his friends and students.

In May 2015 Denny Prokopos began the very first No-​Gi Kids Jiu JItsu program in San Francisco. It’s named 10Th Planet Spartans and is offered to Kids ages 8 — 14 on Monday & Wednesday 430 to 520 p.m. & Saturday 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. at 10Th Planet SF.

Come on in for your first class.

Meet the Business Owner

Denny P.

Business Owner

Denny can be found teaching both adults and kids, training and socializing with his friends, students and community daily at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu SF including his new kids 10th Planet Spartans classes.

He looks forward to meeting you when you take your first class.

Drop by to say hello and to learn ‘the gentle art’ of Jiu Jitsu.

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21 reviews of 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu San Francisco

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Great instructor! Will train you at your own speed and other higher ranking students are very helpful and patient because they know they were once doing baby steps! Highly recommended for kids. My son was one of the original kids started at that school and enjoyed it because of the welcoming atmosphere!
Place rating: 5
Lihue, HI
Great place to train Jiu Jitsu. Top level Black Belt Intructor.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Can’t say enough good things about this school! I’ve been training with Denny for close to two years now and I can’t get enough of 10th Planet SF. Not only is Denny a World Class Black belt but he is also an amazing instructor (something that is very rare in my experience in combat sports/​Martial arts). He does a fantastic job of explaining in detail all the different movements and techniques so that a person walking off the street with zero training or a seasoned competitor both fully understand what is being taught and how to use it.
Also the atmosphere is the gym is extremely welcoming to all. Denny does a outstanding job of leading my example so that there is no ego or other negative aspects sometimes associated with combat sports athletes. I came from another academy in SoCal and was immediately treated like a friend which is what I consider everyone at this school. From Jimmy at the front desk to one of the many blackbelts, everyone is there with a smile and eagerness to help you get better. Whether is be for you next MMA fight, self defense or even just to get in better shape, this is the place to check out!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Best place to train in SF. One of the top no-​gi gyms in the country, and some of the nicest guys in the game.
Place rating: 5
Cambridge, MA
I was traveling in SF to see family, and had the fortunate opportunity to train here. Paul taught the morning class. He was very helpful and welcoming. I really liked the warm atmosphere of the students.
I had a lot of fun and will definitely train here again!
Place rating: 5
Wichita, KS
A big thanks to the guys at 10th Planet! I was visiting family this week and decided to drop in. I’m a white belt with mostly gi experience. But they welcomed me and made me feel like one of the family right away. This was a daytime class around the holidays so class size was relatively small — but perfect balance for learning technique and getting a variety of rolls.
And I got both foundational technique and personalized tips and advice from the beginning. They have a very friendly atmosphere but they get down to business.
I observed a passion for jiu-​jitsu and huge mutual respect. The facility is spotless. Truly a pleasure. I’ll be back.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Denny is a world class teacher and Eddie Bravo’s 1st black belt under the 10th planet system. He cares very much about his students and is always trying to teach concepts in a very fluid way. The breadth of his knowledge doesn’t only apply to jiu jitsu and he keeps his classes fun and functional for jiu jitsu as well as self defense.
I trained here for about a month before moving away 7 years ago. Fast forward to two weeks ago I moved back to the city and hadn’t seen Denny since then. The first thing he said to me is: «You use to have longer hair».
That’s 7 years boys and girls and who knows how many countless students that have trained and come in and out.
There’s a wide variety of class options through the day, a wide variety of skill and size, and everyone is super chill and patient even with a turd like me that hasn’t been on the mat in a long time.
If you come during the middle of the day classes are smaller and it’s like you’re getting privates!
TL:DR: Denny is smart as fuck, technical, ACCOMPLISHED, cares about his student, and everyone is super nice and helpful. If you wanna learn specifically no-​gi jiu jitsu, I couldn’t recommend a better place or teacher.
Place rating: 5
Calistoga, CA
I live a couple of hours north of SF and I began taking Jiu Jitsu classes about six weeks ago, so I’m very new to the game. Recently, I have had to go down to SF once a week for work related reasons, which had caused me to miss my local Jiu Jitsu classes. Taking the opportunity of being in the vicinity, I decided to drop by 10th Planet on Van Ness to see if I can get some instruction, to maybe help me with my very fledgeling Jiu Jitsu game, and so as not to lose too much time being away from the matt.
What I found was a hidden gem. Very modest on the outside, the gym itself is very clean, spacious, and even has a shower if you need to take a class and wash up before going back to work!
But, even more than the facility itself, the vibe of the teacher, Hasam, and the other students was warm and inviting. I went to a daytime class, so the class size was very small. I imagine the matt would be packed in the evenings; but, for me the class was almost like a private lesson; just a couple of other guys and myself. Hasam took time to give patient answers to my most basic questions, even though the other students had much much more experience than me. Even the other students were helpful; after sparring they gave pointers to my technique and shared experiences of their own journey in Jiu Jitsu. It really felt like I found a group of friends who are looking out for each other and who are interested in helping each other succeed.
I’m looking forward to the next several weeks that I will be having to travel to SF; it will give me an opportunity to visit 10th Planet; who knows, maybe after my work stint in over I’ll continue to come down. So far, it certainly seems worth it!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
This school is totally worth the money, which I think is very reasonable for the level of knowledge the trainers posses and quality of training they provide. Everyone is super professional and friendly. People come hear to train, blow off steam, joke and learn. A lot of guys give you tips along the way. Danny is very talented JJ practitioner and also is a very good teacher. I like the way classes are setup and the how he provides enough directions during drills and if necessary stops by and corrects you if you doing something wrong. All the guys here are athletes, no weirdos or thugs. They take hygiene very seriously, which I am a big fan of. The new location is a little small, but still worth it for me.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I’ve been training at this school under Denny for almost 5 years. I started here as a complete beginner and from day 1 everyone was incredibly welcoming. I really can’t say enough good things about this place — training here has become a huge part of my life. Denny is legit as it gets: he trains and competes at the highest level, he shows up to coach his students at every competition, and he genuinely cares about everyone’s progress and well being. If you’re looking for a place to train, come check us out!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I cannot say enough great things about 10th Planet SF. I’ve been going here for three years. When I started, I was at a low point in my life but jiujitsu really helped turn it around and give me confidence. It has become more than just a workout. I have found a community of friends and really amazing people. There is a great environment that fosters learning. Denny, the teacher/​owner, is a awesome. He is really helpful and encouraging. 10th Planet’s jiujitsu style is innovative and more modern than traditional styles. I highly recommend 10th Planet Jiu-​jitsu San Francisco.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Top instruction, great atmosphere, CLEAN. Denny runs a great jiu-​jitsu program that I suggest to anyone who’s interested should try out.
Place rating: 5
Lincoln, CA
Denny is one of the best instructors I have had the privilege of learning from. His attention to smallest detail is unparalleled in the BJJ world and he makes certain you not just understand the move but why it is a valuable position and will take time to fully understand all the ins and outs of it. If you are in the San Francisco area you owe it to yourself to drop in and see for yourself.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
If you are interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the gi/​kimono and without the BS attitude, I recommend 10th planet SF
Of course I am bias since I have been training under Denny Prokopos for 9 years now. I am a brown belt under Denny. It’s taken me this long to write a review, lol

In fact, Denny has been teaching me Jiu Jitsu since he was 16 and a purple belt. He has the ability to teach to all levels and ages and does so in a relaxed, but professional manner
10th planet is also one of the cheapest in SF and does not require a gi. Denny does not charge for belts, or belt promotions. There is no elitism or weird idol worship. What you see is what you get
From the moment you meet Denny, you will know he lives and breathes Jiu Jitsu and loves to teach
Whether you want to compete in Jiu Jitsu, learn a self defense system that can save your life, get confidence in yourself, or have fun while loosing weight. I did and still do. I am a longtime bartender and have ended many confrontations safely with my Jiu Jitsu
You will get all of that at 10 planet
See you on the mat!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I visited 10th Planet JJ to get some rolls in during a visit to the city. I loved the place. I got outstanding instruction from Denny. Denny, his brother, and the rest of the crew made me feel like it was a home mat, very welcoming and encouraging. Truly an academy feel — zero egos and a positive atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back when I visit the city again. Thanks everyone at 10th Planet JJ SF.
I also caught some really endearing moments between Denny and one of his kids class students, where Denny went out of his way to tell the kid how awesome the kid was just by being himself. It’s one of those awesome moments where you know that’ll stick with the kid for the rest of his life. Really cool moment and one that captures the ethos of how Denny leads the academy.
Place rating: 5
I have been training Jiu Jitsu for 5 years and Denny at 10th Planet San Francisco is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in any subject or topic. He’s thorough, he cares about his students and the way they perform and carry out the techniques but also, who they are as people and I’m proud to be able to call him a friend. Denny also competes currently in major tournaments at the highest level and is always evolving his Jiu Jitsu by staying active in the competitive circuit so his instruction is at the edge of innovation of the sport.
He has created some amazing students who have also become teachers, so if San Francisco is out of the way for you there are also other 10th Planet schools close by, one being in Walnut Creek and the other in San Mateo, both head instructors come from Denny’s original SF academy.
Come train whether you’re a seasoned Jiu Jitsu practitioner looking to elevate your no-​gi game or someone who doesn’t know what that first part of the sentence means. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu welcomes all!
Place rating: 5
Halver, Germany
I was visiting San Francisco for half a Year in 2014 and found an amazing atmosphere at this place. Denny and his team are very welcoming and I quickly felt like part of the team.
Everyone in this gym makes you feel welcome and tries to help you to improve from the first minute you enter the place.
I have already been training Jiu Jitsu in multiple gyms before I came to the U.S. and I think the coaching style of Denny is very unique. He breaks down and explains the techniques in great detail such that no matter your level, you will leave the mat with more knowledge every single time you step on it.
Denny’s Team also makes sure that the place is VERY clean. They are putting a big focus on cleaning the mats regularly and making sure that nobody walks bare foot outside of the mat.
All in all I highly recommend to check out this place if you are in the Bay Area and think about doing BJJ. I at least know that it will be one of the first places I will return to, when I am in SF again.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I attended first class in September 2012 – I’ve enjoyed training at the gym ever since. Before attending, I had very little knowledge about martial arts training. I had no background, nor was I interested in MMA or grappling. I was very positively surprised the BJJ training also included yoga stretches and techniques, which has greatly benefitted my additional yoga practice.
Another area that I didn’t expect to work on was my ego. I’m convinced that through BJJ practice, you will enhance your emotional awareness off the mat. I noticed my levels of stress lowered and I became a little bit calmer. BJJ helped me to dig into proper nutrition and healthy recovery, which hasn’t always been the case prior.
My teammates at the gym are very kind and happy to help new students. Only after a few months, I felt that I belonged to this community – which means a lot to me.
Denny is a phenomenal, world-​class instructor that I am extremely grateful for. He is very generous with his knowledge and approachable to those seeking his advice.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I love this place. Denny Prokopos is a great instructor who truly cares about his students. As a high level competitor in the lighter weight classes, he draws on a wealth of experience and technique that are particularly effective for smaller grapplers like myself. He’s already great at teaching and running a class, but in true 10th Planet style he’s constantly refining his approach every single day.
There are great workout partners of all levels. For beginners, the 6 – 7 class is perfect for getting the basics and learning the culture. The location is close to the 16th/​Mission Bart station and several bus lines, so it’s easy to get to.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I’ve been training jiu-​jitsu for almost nine years now. When I moved to San Francisco a little over a year ago, I was looking for an academy to call my home. SF has lots of great jiu-​jitsu options, but I had always leaned towards no-​gi grappling for many different reasons. Considering this, as well as the great reputation Denny and 10th planet has, I decided to try this academy out. I was not disappointed. I signed up immediately and have called it home ever since.
In addition to the level of instruction and experience Denny provides, the overall environment at the academy is fantastic. I’ve trained at several different academies in my time, and the overall mood and atmosphere of the members is what really determines the experience. The men and women that train at 10th planet are all people that are very easy to get along with. No egos, attitudes or meatheads. And yet the level of competitors is extremely high. This academy is run the way an academy should be run. Also Denny teaches the vast majority of classes — unlike other schools where the instructor whose name is on the door doesn’t even teach class regularly.
For all levels of experience I would highly recommend 10th planet SF.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I have been training at 10th planet SF now for nearing on 9 months. Much the same as all the other glowing reviews, I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Denny is a standout instructor and a great guy in general. He is patient and a wealth of knowledge with achievements to back it up. The students are also easy going and welcoming, so the environment is competitive, yet safe and positive.
Since moving to the city from Australia and starting from scratch with no prior grappling experience, I have learned so much in such a short period of time, yet it is also humbling to know that the learning curve is steep and constantly evolving.
I can already tell this is a hobby that I will continue to enjoy for many years. If you are looking to train no-​gi jiu jitsu in SF, this is the place to go.