So, to every one of you who cast your vote, trained with us, shared your story, or brought your kids and families to our gym, we want to thank you. This award means the world to us because it comes from the Bastrop community we serve and love every single day. Thank you to the members who dragged a friend in for a trial class, which is how most people start jiu jitsu tbh. Thank you to the parents making the 4:30 kids class shuffle after school pickup. Thank you to the folks who left us a Google review, all 114 of them. And thank you to the other businesses in this county who send people our way, because in a town this size that happens more than outsiders would guess.
We built this here on purpose. Rei spent five years stationed at Camp Swift before retiring out of twenty years in the Army Infantry, and when he was done, he didn’t go looking for a bigger market. He opened the gym in the town that had already become home. Being voted the best at anything in Bastrop County means more to us than being somewhere in the middle of the pile in Austin.
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What The BEST Martial Arts Gym Award Means to Us
Being named the best martial arts gym in Bastrop County is a recognition of the work, heart, and consistency that our entire team and students have put into Airlock since day one.
Over three years, we’ve poured our energy into building the best martial arts gym in Bastrop (in our opinion). A gym where:
- People feel welcome, not intimidated in their no-gi jiu jitsu classes in Bastrop
- Beginners and seasoned practitioners train side by side
- Kids grow in confidence and kindness, not just in technique
- And No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is seen as a tool for growth
From our adult No-Gi BJJ program to Muay Thai & kickboxing striking classes, self-defense classes, and our kids martial arts programs, we’ve aimed to create a space where Bastrop locals could thrive, grow, and push their limits. Check out our schedule.
Real Stories from Our Members
“10th Planet Airlock has some of the most professional and profoundly caring coaches that I, and my two boys (9 and 6) have ever had the pleasure of learning from. They have truly become like a second family. Such a great community of individuals showing up, and putting in the work to be better! Thank you Airlock team for leading by example!”
– Kirby K., member since 2023
“Airlock 10th planet BJJ is an amazing gym. My daughter and I have been training here for almost two years. Really has been awesome to see this place grow! The kids class is next level and my 7 year old daughter absolutely loves it! It’s dialed in. If you’re looking to join a BJJ gym in Bastrop and train this is the place. The culture is spot on great group of people and families. Coach Rei, Tyler and Andrea really have created an outstanding space to train and learn. I love it and have learned so much from the Airlock 10th planet crew. Really cant say enough about how amazing this gym is.”
– Adam P., member since 2024
“I’ve had an awesome experience training at 10th Planet Airlock! The culture and energy here are on another level. The coaches and members make you feel welcome from day one, and the motivation you get from everyone around you is unreal. Not only has it helped me improve my health and confidence, but I’ve also found a new passion for learning and growing these skills. Couldn’t recommend this place more – such a solid community to be part of!”
– Trey S., member since 2025
What Changed Between the 2025 Award and This One
The award is a nice way to mark a year. But here’s what happened this year…
Airlock After Dark turned one year old. Every Thursday at 7, a visiting instructor teaches brand new curriculum on our mat and then everybody rolls. After Dark hit its first anniversary in October, and the list of people who have taught one is over forty names deep across something like fourteen different gyms, mostly black belts. We pay every guest who comes in, and it’s still free and open to anyone in the community who trains, member or not.
The Muay Thai program grew up. Striking went from a side offering to a real part of the academy this year, three nights a week under Coach Mark Geiger, teaching technical striking. The room filled up accordingly.
The kids program outgrew itself twice. This is the one that still surprises us. Kids jiu jitsu got popular enough that two age groups stopped being enough, so we split into three: Tiny Astronauts for ages 5 to 8, Lil’ Astronauts for 8 to 11, and Flight Crew for pre-teens and teens from 11 to 16. Two of the three are full. If you’ve been thinking about getting your kid in, make it happen asap.
Packed mats, most nights. Three years ago, there were evenings with three people on the mat. Now there are classes where finding a spot to warm up takes a minute. That’s the best thing on this list.
And we threw some parties. Between the anniversary seminar, the open mats and the nights that just turned into hanging around the gym talking, a decent amount of this year was people choosing to be in the building when they didn’t have to be. That’s the part that makes a gym into a community rather than a business.
What Makes Airlock the BEST Martial Arts Gym in Bastrop?
1. An Unmatched Coaching Team
Our instructors, including two 10th Planet Black Belts Reinaldo Villa and Chris Bennett, bring years of real-world experience in No-Gi grappling, competition, and coaching. They’re invested in every student’s growth, so they’re not just looking for wins.
Our striking program is led by Coach Mark Geiger, who has over fifteen years of training and competing behind him, has cornered professional fighters, and is a 10th Planet Tucson brown belt under Anthony Birchak, the same professor who promoted Chris.
2. A Culture of Fun through Challenge
From the moment you step onto the mats, it’s clear: we train hard, we respect each other, and we grow together. That’s what sets us apart in the Bastrop martial arts scene, and it only gets better the more our community grows.
3. Real Results
Whether your goal is to get fit, learn self-defense, compete, or just find something new, our students walk out stronger, skilled, and more confident. Plus, they connect with a real community of people who care.
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Looking for the Best Jiu Jitsu and Martial Arts Gym in Bastrop County?
If you found us by looking for the “Best Jiu Jitsu Gym in Bastrop” or the “Best Martial Arts Gym in Bastrop County”, then you’re in the right place.
We offer:
- Beginner-friendly No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai & kickboxing striking classes
- Self-defense training for all ages
- Youth martial arts programs
- Competition prep for serious grapplers
And more than classes, we offer community, accountability, and challenge. Whether you’re a Bastrop native or just moved to town, we’d love for you to visit and experience it for yourself.
Come Celebrate With Us: Try a Free Trial Class
We always offer FREE trial classes for new and experienced practitioners:
- Adults new to jiu jitsu
- Families with kids interested in martial arts (ages 5+)
- Anyone curious about jiu jitsu or Muay Thai training
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Final Thoughts
Thank you again, Bastrop, for believing in what we’re building here at 10th Planet Airlock. This award is for every student who’s stepped onto these mats and given their best.
We’re just getting started. Twice now.
