Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Vazquez
Hi Manny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Elmwood Park, Illinois right outside of Chicago. I started wrestling in high school when I was 14 years old which gave me my first taste of combat sports, a year later I started training MMA and was hooked. A month after graduating high school I started my MMA career and ended turning pro at 19. I’ve gotten the chance to fight for some of the biggest MMA promotions such as Bellator MMA, Legacy FC, and Combate Global. It’s been a crazy ride.
Aside from actively competing I began my career in law enforcement, working as a patrol officer and defensive tactics instructor. When I wasn’t working or competing I spent most of my time training and helping teach classes at 10th Planet Lombard. I was the received my black belt under Omar Ocasio in 2021. I was looking at opening my own jiu jitsu academy and after taking a trip to Greenville to visit my good friend Sergio Lopez and I fell in love with the Upstate. Shortly after Sergio and I started game planning the gym and I made the move out to start 10th Planet Greenville. Fast forward 3 years and 10P Greenville is thriving and we have our second location, Easley Grappling Club, blowing up as well under Sergio’s leadership. We’re insanely proud go how far things have come, the lifelong relationships we’ve made, and the amazing Jiu Jitsu community we’ve grown into.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business is extremely rewarding, but smooth is the last thing I’d call it. We went into opening our school with no background in business, so we’ve learned a ton through trial and error. You learn skills along the way and how to problem solve. the day to day is a bit of a grind as well but I’m lucky to have great people around me to help lighten the load and make our school into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
10th Planet Greenville is a Jiu Jitsu academy that makes effective martial arts approachable for everyone. Our members come from all walks of life and we offer several classes geared towards both the competitive athlete and the hobbyist looking to get in shape while learning a fun and valuable skill. No matter what your goals are you’ll have an incredible team of people behind you every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1othplanetgreenville.com
- Instagram: @10thplanetgreenville
