Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez has officially announced his retirement from professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition – doing so immediately after capturing gold at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship 2025.
Martinez has long been one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, competing across major promotions worldwide and playing a central role in the rise of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.
As part of the affiliation’s first wave of elite competitors, he helped establish its reputation at the highest level while also mentoring the next generation, including standout names like Keith Krikorian and PJ Barch.
While Martinez has competed less frequently in recent years, he made the trip to Las Vegas to represent 10th Planet one final time at No-Gi Worlds.
Entering the Master 3 super-heavyweight division, he faced a deep bracket of 18 black belts in their early 40s.
Martinez fought through four matches to claim the title, earning his second no-gi world championship at the masters level.
He relied exclusively on 10th Planet’s signature rubber guard in every match and finished all four opponents with the Carni – a distinctive omoplata variation that has become synonymous with his style.
After winning the final, Martinez placed his black belt on the mat, a traditional gesture in Jiu-Jitsu signaling retirement from competition.
While many athletes later reverse such decisions, Martinez’s role as head coach of a thriving academy and his long-term impact on the sport suggest this chapter may truly be closed.
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