SIMS Martial Arts Academy | 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Waterloo

SIMS Martial Arts Academy | 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Waterloo was founded by Gary Meek, a second-degree black belt under Eddie Bravo who brought over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience to the Monroe County area. Gary’s background in martial arts spans more than four decades, beginning under the tutelage of his father, a senior master in Taekwon-Do. Prior to opening the Waterloo location in early 2024, he operated a successful 10th Planet school in O’Fallon for a decade. His broad training includes JKD, Kali/Silat, boxing, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and Krav Maga, which he integrates into his instruction to deepen students’ understanding of technique and application. The academy focuses exclusively on the no-gi 10th Planet curriculum, emphasizing the system’s unique submission grappling style developed by Eddie Bravo. Classes are organized by age and skill level, with programs for kids starting at age 5 in the Tiny Twisters class, where safety and foundational movement are prioritized before introducing submissions. Older children and adults train in the Mat Monsters and Teen/Adult Jiu Jitsu classes, where technique progression and positional control are emphasized. Gary leads the instruction personally, maintaining a laid-back but technically precise approach that encourages students to develop their skills collaboratively. Training options include regular open mat sessions open to all adults, allowing practitioners to drill and roll outside of structured class time. The facility is wheelchair accessible, supporting inclusivity. While the academy is rooted firmly in the 10th Planet no-gi system, the curriculum’s cross-training influences and Gary’s extensive martial arts background provide students with a broad perspective on grappling and self-defense.

Amenities