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Name: Tom DeBlass
Current Rank: Black Belt under Ricardo Almeida
Notable Achievements:
No Gi World Champion (2015 black Master 1 absolute, 2007 brown)
Pan American Champion (2008 brown)
ADCC American National Absolute Champion (2016)
ADCC American Trials Champion (2016/2014/2009)
Professional Grappling League Super-Fight Winner (2014)
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie Sr. --> Helio Gracie --> Carlos Gracie Junior > Renzo Gracie > Ricardo Almeida > Tom DeBlass
Tom DeBlass is a well-respected figure in both the grappling and MMA communities. He has produced high-level athletes like ADCC veteran Garry Tonon and has competed in prestigious organizations such as the UFC and Bellator. He started his martial arts journey at the age of 5 with taekwondo and later found his calling in jiu-jitsu.
Tom DeBlass Biography
Tom DeBlass Biography
Early Life: A Martial Arts Prodigy
Early Life: A Martial Arts Prodigy
Born on May 14, 1982, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Tom DeBlass was destined for a life in martial arts. He began his journey at the tender age of 5 with Taekwondo, dedicating 13 years to the art and reaching the level of red belt—just one step away from black. However, his athletic pursuits were not limited to martial arts; he was also a standout track and field athlete, specializing in long jumping.
A Career-Altering Injury
A Career-Altering Injury
Tom's promising track and field career came to an abrupt halt at the age of 18 due to an injury. This setback led him to seek another outlet for his competitive spirit, and he found it in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Initially starting at Eric Colon's gym, Tom eventually switched to Ricardo Almeida's academy, where he would earn his black belt in just 6 and a half years.
Competitive Achievements
Competitive Achievements
Tom DeBlass has an illustrious competitive career in both BJJ and mixed martial arts (MMA):
No Gi World Champion (2015 black Master 1 absolute, 2007 brown)
Pan American Champion (2008 brown)
ADCC American National Absolute Champion (2016)
ADCC American Trials Champion (2016/2014/2009)
Grapplers Quest National Champion (2013)
Professional Grappling League Super-Fight Winner (2014)
He has also competed in prestigious MMA organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator.
The Coach and the Mentor
The Coach and the Mentor
At the age of 24, Tom opened his own academy, Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu (OCJJ). From this gym, he has produced several high-level grapplers, including ADCC veteran Garry Tonon and World Masters champion Jen Allen Russell.
Technique and Style
Technique and Style
Tom competes in the Super Pesado (100kg/221lbs) and Ultra Heavyweight (+100kg/221lbs) divisions. He is particularly known for his expertise in footlocks, a technique that has served him well in both BJJ and MMA.
Legacy and Influence
Legacy and Influence
Tom DeBlass is not just a competitor or a coach; he's a multifaceted martial artist who has made significant contributions to both BJJ and MMA. His journey from a young Taekwondo practitioner to a world-class BJJ black belt and MMA fighter is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and love for martial arts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tom DeBlass
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tom DeBlass
General Information
General Information
Q: Who is Tom DeBlass in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
A: Tom DeBlass is a highly respected figure in the grappling community. He earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Ricardo Almeida and has had impressive competitive runs in both BJJ and mixed martial arts (MMA). He is also known for coaching high-level athletes at his Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.
BJJ Achievements
BJJ Achievements
Q: What are some of Tom DeBlass's notable achievements in BJJ?
A: Tom DeBlass has won multiple titles including:
No Gi World Champion (2015 black Master 1 absolute, 2007 brown)
Pan American Champion (2008 brown)
No Gi Pan American Champion (2013 black)
ADCC American National Absolute Champion (2016)
ADCC American Trials Champion (2016/2014/2009)
Q: What is Tom DeBlass's favorite position or technique in BJJ?
A: Tom DeBlass's favorite position is Footlocks.
Training and Background
Training and Background
Q: How did Tom DeBlass get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Tom DeBlass started training martial arts at the age of 5 with taekwondo. He later transitioned to jiu-jitsu at the age of 19 to fulfill his competitive cravings after an injury ended his track and field career.
Q: Who were some of Tom DeBlass's main instructors?
A: Tom DeBlass's main instructor has been Ricardo Almeida, under whom he earned his black belt in 6 and a half years.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Q: Has Tom DeBlass competed in MMA?
A: Yes, Tom DeBlass has competed in prestigious MMA organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator.
Q: What is Tom DeBlass's weight division?
A: Tom DeBlass competes in the Super Pesado (100kg/221lbs) and Ultra Heavyweight (+100kg/221lbs) weight divisions.
Q: What is Tom DeBlass known for in the coaching realm?
A: Tom DeBlass has produced several high-level grapplers from his academy, OCJJ, including ADCC veteran Garry Tonon and World Masters champion Jen Allen Russell.
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