Michael Hillebrand Wins Double Gold at 2012 Gracie Worlds

Years before founding 10th Planet Oakland, Michael Hillebrand was competing as part of the early 10th Planet San Francisco team under Denny Prokopos.

At the 2012 Gracie Worlds, Hillebrand competed at purple belt and captured double gold, winning the Middleweight division before advancing through the Absolute division.

Hillebrand finished every match by submission in under 60 seconds, with 10th Planet founder Eddie Bravo and Denny Prokopos in his corner throughout the run.

After winning his weight class, Hillebrand advanced through the Purple Belt Absolute division alongside teammate Adam Sachnoff. With both 10th Planet San Francisco athletes reaching the top, the teammates split the Absolute final, giving Hillebrand his second gold of the tournament. Contemporary 10th Planet records list Hillebrand as the Middleweight champion and Hillebrand and Sachnoff as the Purple Belt Absolute winners.

The tournament became an early milestone in Hillebrand’s competitive career and part of the experience that would eventually shape his approach to coaching and athlete development.

Years later, Hillebrand would go on to become a 10th Planet black belt under Prokopos and eventually found 10th Planet Oakland.