Tom DeBlass

Tom DeBlass (born May 14, 1982, in New Brunswick, New Jersey) is a highly respected elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, veteran mixed martial artist, and one of the most influential coaches in modern grappling. Known for his impassable guard, ferocious leg locks, and outspoken, motivational leadership, DeBlass has spent over two decades anchoring the East Coast BJJ scene.

Athletic Beginnings and BJJ Rise
Before finding Jiu-Jitsu, DeBlass was a competitive track and field athlete, specializing in the long jump. When a severe injury cut his track career short at age 18, he transitioned to martial arts to fulfill his competitive drive.  

He began his formal BJJ journey under Ricardo Almeida, progressing rapidly through the ranks. DeBlass earned his black belt in just six and a half years, establishing himself as a powerhouse in the Super-Heavyweight and Ultra-Heavyweight divisions.  

Competitive Accolades
DeBlass has fought and won at the highest levels of both grappling and combat sports:  

Grappling Champion: He is a multi-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, No-Gi Pan American Champion, and a 3-time ADCC North American Trials Champion.

Mixed Martial Arts Veteran: DeBlass successfully transitioned to professional MMA, capturing titles on the regional circuit before competing on the sport’s biggest stages, including the UFC and Bellator MMA.  

Coaching Legacy and “Ocean County JJ”
While his competitive resume is extensive, DeBlass’s legacy is arguably most defined by his success as a teacher. At the age of 24, he opened Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu (OCJJ) in New Jersey, which grew into a legendary breeding ground for world-class talent.  

DeBlass is the man responsible for creating and molding several elite figures in the sport, most notably serving as the first major coach and mentor to Garry Tonon, and by extension, helping lay the groundwork for the future waves of elite submission-only grapplers.

Today, DeBlass remains a prominent author, instructional creator, and global seminar leader, widely regarded as a pillar of martial arts community leadership and mental fortitude.