Geo Martinez, one of the most creative figures in no-gi jiu-jitsu, has officially announced his retirement from competition.
Martinez, who made the transition from professional breakdancing to grappling in 2011, built a reputation for his unorthodox style and major accomplishments, including a win over Jeff Glover at EBI and a fourth-place finish at ADCC 2015.
In an interview during the CJI Quintet tournament, Martinez explained his decision:
I’m running a gym full-time, and I’ve been competing for a long time.
I’m getting older, and I have some injuries here and there.I think it’s just time for me to focus on my gym and my students.
Martinez spoke openly about the grind of professional competition:
When you’re a competitor, it’s like you’re always on the grind. There’s never a rest time.
You’re always getting ready for another tournament.
Though stepping back from the spotlight, his love for the sport remains strong:
Now it’s more about just the passion and just the love of the game.
Martinez’s final appearance came at the Quintet event, where he proudly represented 10th Planet one last time.
A black belt under Eddie Bravo since 2014, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and artistry that will continue through his students and his gym.
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