There is a special subset of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners who work to perfect their techniques and develop their BJJ games to test themselves in the competition arena.  It has been said that approximately 10-15% of the people in the world training BJJ,...

Imagine if you will, a particularly tough night at BJJ class.  You walked out feeling destroyed.  Maybe during class, you struggled to perform a drill your coach used to set up the technique.  Whether it's half guard or the berimbolo, the first time...

Tom DeBlass is no stranger to competition.  As a perennial competitor with IBJJF world titles, three ADCC appearances, a winning MMA record that includes fights for both the UFC and Bellator promotions, and many other superfight appearances, he has tested himself against some...

BJJ is an extremely creative martial art by nature.  No two arm locks or leg locks are exactly the same, even by the same BJJ practitioner.  Training jiu jitsu teaches you to be a problem solver because when you find yourself stuck in...

Tom DeBlass is one of the most widely known jiu jitsu black belts, competitors, and instructors on the planet.  With over 100,000 followers between his Facebook and Instagram accounts, he has become one of the most influential instructors and motivators in the BJJ...

Tom DeBlass has been a black belt for over 9 years now.  He recently received the third degree on his black belt, awarded to him by his longtime instructor Ricardo Almeida, himself the very first black belt from the legendary Renzo Gracie.  Not...

The average student walking into their first BJJ academy probably chose this academy because of a number of common reasons.  Perhaps this was the closest academy to their home or work.  Maybe it's the only academy in their town.  They might even have...

If you aren't training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu yet, first off, what are you waiting for?  Do a little bit of research and reach out to local gyms or academies in your area and try your first class.  Don't be afraid to reach out...

Recently, ADCC and UFC veteran Tom DeBlass took to social media to address the age old question of whether or not jiu jitsu competition is necessary to be promoted and ultimately earn your black belt.  There are a wide variety of stances on...

In the journey to black belt, you will spend many, many hours and years on the mats honing your skills.  Over that time, many things can impact your ability to remain at the same BJJ academy or gym you may have started at. ...

The reasons that a person may walk into a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy and gym can be as varied as the people themselves.  There is really no standard reason, although there are a number of common threads.  Many people are looking for a...

Helio Gracie, the patriarch of the Gracie family, who alongside his brother Carlos is most often credited with refining and marketing the martial art now known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, died in 2009 at the ripe old age of 95 years old.  He...

In the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, the 50/50 guard is a relatively new style in the last decade or so with the rise in it's use in the competition arena, though it has not developed without it's share of controversy.  Like...

Anyone who finds their way into a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy and onto those mats can speak to what a unique and life-changing activity BJJ can be.  Your first few classes may be a whirlwind of heavy breathing, confusion and fatigue but at...

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an amazing physical activity that can offer endless benefits to all practitioners regardless of age, gender or physical attributes.  But make no mistakes about it, the core of jiu jitsu is in the arena of self defense.  BJJ is...