Tom DeBlass

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    Tom DeBlass is an accomplished American Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, submission grappler, coach, and former mixed martial artist. A third-degree black belt under Ricardo Almeida, DeBlass has established himself as one of the most successful American no-gi competitors of his generation, while also building a reputation as a respected instructor and mentor through Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Jersey.

    Born on May 14, 1982, in New Jersey, DeBlass began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu after a background in taekwondo and athletics. He rose through the ranks under Ricardo Almeida, earning major titles at both coloured belt and black belt level before transitioning into a successful career as a professional grappler, MMA competitor, and coach.

    DeBlass is best known for his achievements in no-gi grappling. He is a three-time ADCC North American Trials Champion (2009, 2014, and 2016), making him one of the few athletes to win the prestigious qualifier on three occasions. He has represented the United States at the ADCC World Championships and has earned victories in numerous elite submission grappling events.

    His IBJJF accomplishments include winning the 2013 No-Gi Pan American Championship at black belt, the 2015 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship (Master 1 Absolute), and bronze medals at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships as a black belt. Earlier in his career, he captured the 2007 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship at brown belt, the 2008 IBJJF Pan American Championship at brown belt, and placed third at the 2007 IBJJF World Championship.

    Away from competition, DeBlass founded Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he has coached numerous high-level competitors, including ADCC veteran and ONE Championship star Garry Tonon. He is also widely recognised for his instructional content, seminars, and contributions to the growth of submission grappling worldwide. In addition to his coaching career, he previously competed professionally in Bellator MMA and the UFC and currently serves as Vice President of Grappling for ONE Championship.

    Major Achievements:

    • Three-time ADCC North American Trials Champion (2009, 2014, 2016)
    • ADCC World Championship Competitor
    • IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Champion (Black Belt, 2013)
    • IBJJF No-Gi World Champion (Master 1 Absolute, 2015)
    • IBJJF No-Gi World Champion (Brown Belt, 2007)
    • IBJJF Pan American Champion (Brown Belt, 2008)
    • IBJJF World Championship Bronze Medallist (Brown Belt, 2007)
    • Multiple-time Grapplers Quest Champion