Kevin Gibbs Promoted to Black Belt at 10th Planet Oakland

Longtime 10th Planet practitioner Kevin Gibbs was promoted to black belt by 10th Planet Oakland founder and head coach Michael Hillebrand on December 16, 2024.

The promotion was particularly meaningful because Kevin and Hillebrand’s history goes back many years. The two were longtime friends and training partners dating back to their days training together at 10th Planet San Francisco.

But friendship didn’t make the promotion come any faster.

Hillebrand maintains a demanding standard for black belt promotions at 10th Planet Oakland, and Kevin spent approximately a decade at brown belt before receiving his black belt. His documented training history stretches back more than 17 years, including years within the 10th Planet system.

That standard is intentional.

At 10th Planet Oakland, a black belt is meant to represent a deep technical understanding of Jiu Jitsu developed through years of training, problem solving and time on the mat. Personal relationships don’t change the level expected before someone receives the rank.

For Kevin, the promotion represented the culmination of a journey that began long before 10th Planet Oakland existed and included years training alongside Hillebrand at 10th Planet San Francisco.

After roughly ten years wearing a brown belt, Kevin Gibbs finally earned his 10th Planet black belt.

Congratulations to Kevin on a well-earned promotion and an incredible milestone in his Jiu Jitsu journey.