Do You Use This Crafty Kimura Entry?
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Weird Kimura From Top Half by Tom DeBlass
Who is Tom DeBlass? Tom DeBlass is many things. He is one of the most sought after instructors in the grappling world right now. He is a world class grappler and former mixed martial artist. He is an exceptional instructor. He has a huge social media following from his technique breakdowns and advice on relationships, transformation, adversity and training. Tom DeBlass is many things and world class in all of them.
Tom has many accomplishments in grappling and mixed martial arts. He has fought in both the UFC and Bellator. He is a 3x ADCC veteran, Fight To Win Pro Main Event Winner, 2016 ADCC North American Champion,2016 ADCC American Nationals Absolute Champion, ADCC NY Super Fight Champion,2015 Black Belt World No Gi Masters and Absolute Champion, 2014 ADCC North American Champion, 2013 Black Belt No Gi Pan American Champion, 2013 Black Belt No Gi Worlds Bronze Medal, 2009 ADCC North American Champion, 2009 Black Belt No Gi Worlds Bronze Medal, 2007 Brown Belt No Gi Worlds Champion, 2007 Brown Belt Pan American Champion, 2007 Brown Belt American Nationals Champion, 6X Grappler’s Quest Expert Champion and member of the New Jersey Martial Artist Hall of Fame.
DeBlass’ education and teaching ability is also exceptional. Tom earned his black belt from legendary ADCC and MMA veteran Ricardo Almeida in just over six years. There are many testaments to his exceptional teaching ability. His first black belt is the great Garry Tonon. Gordon Ryan is Tonon’s first black belt. Tom is a former elementary school special education teacher. This experience has honed his ability to take complex concepts and make them understandable to even the novice grapplers. Another testament to his teaching ability is his academy Ocean County Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has over 350 students and 20 black belts. Additionally he has an empire of affiliates around the world.
Let Tom DeBlass fix your half guard. Click Learn More!
It is also worth noting the Tao of Tom’s social media presence. He has many great quotes from training to adversity, transformation and life. Here is a great quote from Tom on transformation, “The last 4 weeks I have dedicated to changing myself. Every day I have been praying, asking God to help me in the areas of life where I struggle. Regardless how successful you may think you are, there is always so much room for improvement, always. I am nowhere close to where I want to be, but every day I am getting better. It is a conscious effort that I must put in, but I feel myself becoming a better person.”
In this video Tom explores a kimura entry from top half guard. The beautiful thing about this entry is that it is available when our opponent goes for the under hook. Jiu Jitsu 101 tells us to battle the under hook from bottom half guard. This Kimura entry uses that fundamental Jiu Jitsu and turns it to an advantage for the top player. Before Tom explores too deeply into the technique, Tom states that it is absolutely crucial for the bottom player to do everything perfectly. He continues that, in Jiu Jitsu, inches are miles and even small mistakes can lead to very bad outcomes. When your opponent reaches for the under hook several things happen at once. The far side arm comes over and blocks it. The nearside arm catches the wrist. If the wrist is not available then Tom states the forearm is a fine substitute. While this is happening Tom also switches his hips. The far side leg comes under his opponent’s leg. Also, the near side leg steps up. Tom locks in his Kimura grip. Note how the finish for this Kimura is a little bit different. He squares his hips back. He pulls the wrist to the mat and walks the elbow toward the head and then pulls the shoulder up for a quick tap. This sequence is a fine example of using our opponent’s natural reactions against them for a quick submission.
This video is a fine example of Tom’s ability to breakdown technique and principles in a manner that is applicable to everyone from the white belt to black belt. Without a doubt, we can all refine our game with the information provided. Tom DeBlass is certainly many things. Beyond Jiu Jitsu technique, he sets an example on how to run an academy and our mindset for training, transformation, adversity and life in general. The Jiu Jitsu community is lucky to have people like Tom DeBlass.
Learning to fight from half guard will not only help prevent your guard from getting passed. It will also give you a strong attacking guard. Tom DeBlass' DVD / On Demand Series Half Domination will give you the tips and skills to control and win from the most dynamic position in grappling.
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