Keith Krikorian - Top 10th Planet Black Belt

Keith Krikorian is a competent BJJ grappler and a black belt from the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He was born in San Diego, USA. He is also an ADCC veteran and is recognized for his fast-track submission. He got his black belt in BJJ under Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez.

At the age of nine, Keith first started boxing and competed for several years. He got his initial martial arts training under Shannon Gugerty. Keith also participated in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and freestyle wrestling. During the rise of his BJJ profession, Keith also trained under Walel Watson and Richie Martinez of the 10th Planet. Both Walel and Richie supported Keith in getting his BJJ’s success.

His main goal was to compete in mixed martial arts by developing expertise in MMA. With his progressive practices, he became a professional athlete in submission grappling. Ultimately, Keith found his way to the 10th Planet Freaks.

Keith started making waves in the BJJ circuit with his exceptional grappling performance at the ADCC United States Trials. Later, he also received an invitation to the 2019 ADCC World Championships.

Keith Krikorian secured the purple and brown belts through sheer hard work. In October 2020, he was promoted to black belt under the 10th Planet’s black belt Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez. Keith always gained appreciation from Martinez for their excellent performance on the mats.

Upon awarding Keith his black belt, Richie Martinez praised the budding talent in the following words:

It's quite challenging to mention just one top fight of Keith Krikorian. He defeated various professional athletes in his career. Keith’s victory over Ben Eddy was the major turning point in his BJJ career. In the 2021 East Coast Trials Championship, Keith was declared the winner based on points. A later year, Keith also secured victory at the WNO competition where he faced Gabriel Sousa.

In the 2023 Tezos WNO 20: Night Of Champions, Keith Krikorian competed against Diogo Reis. Both BJJ athletes attempted multiple submission attempts, but Diogo Reis earned his ticket to the finals by winning the match via the referee’s decision.

In 2022, Keith Krikorian competed against Gian Mastrolorenzo in the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds in the lightweight division. Gian Mastrolorenzo attempted the leg locks against Keith. But Keith defeated him and won with Heel Hook. Ultimately, Keith made his way to the quarterfinals.

In the 2022 ADCC East Coast 66kg semi-finals, Keith Krikorian faced Gianni Grippo. Both showcased their incredible grappling skills, but Keith Krikorian scored a last-minute submission over Gianni Grippo.

Match 3. Keith Krikorian Vs Max Rohskopf Full Fight

Match 12. Ethan Crelinsten vs. Keith Krikorian

Keith Krikorian vs John Battle || Sub Spectrum 7

Shugyo Invitational Episode 4: Josh Bacallao vs. Keith Krikorian Max Rohskopf vs. Ethan Crelinsten

Photo Credit: @keithkrikorian