One might say that Tom DeBlass wears a lot of hats in the BJJ world.  He is a jiu jitsu black belt under the illustrious Renzo Gracie lineage, earning it directly from Renzo's first black belt Ricardo Almeida.  He runs a thriving BJJ...

December 15th and 16th, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, the World IBJJF Jiu Jitsu No Gi Championships will take place.  This is the 12th year of the event, starting back in 2007.  The registration for the World Championships was on...

Rolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu typically entails intervals of short to medium length time in which grapplers engage at a relatively high level of intensity. There is a popular notion that by rolling at the academy at higher intensities, we are simulating our...

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...

We start training BJJ for a wide variety of reasons. Maybe we want to get into better shape, lose weight, and improve our health overall.  Perhaps we are looking to learn some self defense concepts and techniques, increasing our overall confidence.  Whatever the...

When it comes to training or competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are few cardinal sins worse than having your guard pass.  Your guard, or legs and hips is your first line of defense and if you're able to keep the enemy at...

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...

We spend a lot of time working techniques in the laboratory that is the training mats at our academies against training partners who are essentially allowing us to work out technique.  Very rarely does the execution of a specific technique or submission look...

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...

Tom DeBlass is one of the most beloved BJJ competitors, instructors and coaches out there today.  With a perfect blend of world class technique and instruction, along with life changing motivational wisdom and fitness advice, he currently finds himself sought for seminars and...

It seems that there are as many approaches to diet and nutrition as there are Gracie family members.  Take a look at the local bookstore or on Amazon and you will find literally thousands of books on the topic.  Google the word "diet"...