Tom DeBlass is speaking out after learning that a former affiliate instructor was arrested on charges connected to a relationship with a 16-year-old.
In a post shared alongside Danielle DeBlass, DeBlass identified the instructor as Estevan Martinez, who was arrested while serving as head instructor at Bully Me Now in Florida. DeBlass made clear that his own gym had already cut ties with that location before this incident came to light, for an unrelated reason.
“Another degenerate in Jiu-Jitsu. Estevan Martinez was just arrested for relationships with a 16-year-old while he was a head instructor at Bully Me Now, in Florida. I removed Bully Me Now as an affiliate a long time ago, for a totally different reason than this. It was no hard feelings, just at the time it was better. I’m fairly certain when the owner Victor was made aware of this, he fired Estevan and called the cops. They haven’t been Tom DeBlass BJJ for a long time now,” DeBlass wrote.
He then turned his attention to the roughly 80 affiliate gyms operating under his name worldwide, warning that any instructor found engaging in similar conduct would be reported immediately.
“And fair warning, I have close to 80 affiliates worldwide. If it ever comes to my awareness an instructor in one of my affiliates does something like this, it will go beyond being handed to the cops. 10000%. Owners, keep your eyes open and please pay attention to the interaction your instructors have with your young female students. This alone, in my opinion, is imperative. They should also have an immense fear for their well-being, knowing what would happen if you find out. Blessings,” he added.
The post drew a strong response from followers, many of whom called for stricter vetting of instructors across the sport. One commenter suggested background checks and fingerprinting should be required for Jiu-Jitsu instructors, similar to requirements already in place for those working in public schools.
A freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience covering a wide range of topics, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and well-researched reporting. He studied at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a strong foundation in journalism and communications. Martin is a 10th Planet BJJ brown belt and has been training for approximately 10 years and a keen follower of submission grappling.
