Tom DeBlass talks to BloodyElbow.com about his martial arts career and his new role as ADCC North American Trials organizer.
When it comes to grappling, there are few people more influential than Tom DeBlass. DeBlass, a former World No-Gi champion, two-time ADCC trials winner, and a two-weight Ring of Combat champion, has been at the forefront in popularizing jiu jitsu in the New Jersey area. And after an illustrious competitive career, he is about to try his hand at promoting.
DeBlass' martial arts journey began through pain. Following a highly successful high school athletic career as a long jumper, he was recruited to compete at a collegiate level.