Galactic Grappling: 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu finds market in Albuquerque

Fifteen years ago, Nate Harris was living a life that was not reflective of who he wanted to be.

Harris admits he wasn't focused on his health or any sort of career.

He was depressed, binge drinking and chain smoking. He didn't like the person he saw when he looked in a mirror. Harris lacked purpose and was seeking a change .

That change came in the form of jiu jitsu.

Harris tried a class at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in an effort to take control of his life. Six months after he stumbled into the gym, he was competing in the sport.

Years later, Harris is the owner of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Albuquerque. He hopes to provide others with transformative tools to improve their lives.

"Once I found jiu-jitsu, I felt like I was operating on a higher plane of existence and consciousness," Harris said. "I found something worth dedicating myself to."

Harris began training at the gym casually as a form of working out. He could have found his fitness journey through a jog around his local park or a regular gym but, "other sports were not fun or engaging for me growing up."

"I am a very tactical person so I need something that is going to stimulate me," Harris said. "Jiu-jitsu requires a lot from you, but anything that requires that much will reward you with purpose, confidence, and drive.

"There is an inherent humility to take from the sport. It helps you find who you are". Harris said.

Harris, who is from the Midwest, said he worked unfulfilling jobs before getting hired to work the front desk at 10th Planet.

Soon, the gym became the center of his life. He kept learning new skills as both an athlete and got certified to teach.

"I would not be here if I did not step foot in 10th Planet all those years ago," he said. "Every single good thing in my life and about myself came from the 10th Planet."

In 2006, Harris moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. After trying out the 10th Planet gym in 2008, he was hooked.

Once he realized there were no jiu-jitsu schools that taught the "no-gi" style that 10th Planet is known for in Albuquerque, Harris knew he had to change that. "No-gi" jiu-jitsu is a style created by the creator of 10th Planet, Eddie Bravo.

Bravo wanted to create a style of grappling that was not dependent on the grips of the gi, which is a traditional robed uniform used in jiu-jitsu.

10th Planet "pushed against boundaries in a sport that was based all around tradition," Harris said.

When he came to Albuquerque and realized there were no jiu-jitsu schools in town that taught the "no-gi" style, he sought to fill the gap .

"Jiu-jitsu is a group of people on the mat sharing an experience," he said.

Harris called Bravo, who agreed Harris could open a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Albuquerque.

The gym opened Jan. 1, 2023 at 237 Eubank Blvd NE 87123.

Harris said he had help from other 10th Planet gym owners.

"The 10th Planet family is a tight-knit community that offers support and advice whenever you need it" Harris said. "Jiu jitsu gym owners are usually former athletes turned dedicated coaches".

The support from the community has given him inspiration to continue training, working on himself and elevating the gym to new heights.

Heather Brownell is the teacher of the women's only jiu-jitsu class on weekends. Her goal is to instill confidence in the women and give them the skills to protect themselves .

"As a woman, I feel safer knowing I have the skills to defend myself. This has helped build my confidence," Brownell said.

Brownell has made deep connections with the women in class and they have formed a powerful bond over their pursuit of strength and athleticism.

Harris hopes that people find inspiration from his story to push forward and try something new.

"I want everybody to leave happier than when they walked in and before they started coming here," he said.

10th Planet offers classes for ages 4 and older and all levels of experience. Donnie Bryan, who teaches beginners' and young children's classes, said he loves working at 10th Planet.

"Not to sound cliché, but it's my dream to be here. I have a 4 year old who comes sometimes and he has a blast," Bryan said.

Bryan said he is doing something worthwhile with the kids.

"Even if they decide they don't want to stay in the sport, we set a good basis for kids, and I think that is really important," he said.

One of the members of the children's class, 5-year-old Axel Lufkin, looks forward to. When children started flooding in for the start of class, Axel Lufkin was bouncing around saying hello to her fellow classmates and teachers.

"I like the games we play and my best friend comes here, too," she said. "My coaches are really nice to me."

Lufkin's mother, Amanda, said the gym has become important to her three daughters .

"I wanted to put my kids in something that builds confidence," she said. "I have two older daughters who also come to the gym. They take the women's class and seeing their confidence grow has been amazing,"

She added: "The community here is super supportive. My kids never feel uncomfortable and they have sweet, supportive women teaching them. The kids all hang outside of the gym, too."

For a sport many associate with toughness, Harris said there's a strong sense of community at the gym.

"There is a togetherness here," Harris said. "Everybody is welcome and everybody can learn."

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