FOUNDER

Tom DeBlass is a native of New Jersey. Helping bullied children is one of his biggest passions. He is a world renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. He has hundreds of students in his own Academy, Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and 55 affilate Tom DeBlass schools in 5 different continent's. He travels the world teaching seminars.

Tom is a former No Gi World Champion, and a 3x ADCC Trial North American champion. His passion however has never been competition, it's been helping people. Being successful in competition just made his voice be heard. He wrote a best selling book called 'How you Bear it". Within this book Tom recalls how he was bullied as a child and even molested. Tom has a deep care for the underdog and is passionate to serve and protect. With his voice touching all corners of the world, and so many people on board with him including his partner Mr. Fowler, he knows change is coming.

CO-FOUNDER

Shawn Fowler grew up in Colorado as well as California. You will now find him in between Texas, California and Nevada regularly. Working with inner city youth to become successful has been one of his biggest pushes. Even with all the odds against him as a kid, he was able to enlist in the military and even attend college, ultimately attaining his Masters Degree in Technology Management. Shawn has been an Executive for DoD now for 31 years to include military time. Shawn is the owner and founder of HONU BJJ based of San Diego, CA., FIVE GRAPPLING, FIVE FORWARD FOUNDATION, as well as his work with ADCC.

Shawn was an active competitor for many years, but now finds his time dedicated to those in need. After prepping a program for the last couple of years called PROJECT BULLY, Tom approached Shawn about Buddies for Bullies and he was immediately on board. Together, these two look to make a real change for those being bullied.

VOLUNTEEER

Kenny is a First Degree Black Belt under Tom Deblass. When Tom came up with the idea for Buddies over Bullies, Kenny was first in line to support the cause.

VOLUNTEEER

Eric Lund was born and raised in northeast Ohio and now resides in Texas. He currently heads up a real estate investment company and is the Chairman of the Lund Family Foundation. In his foundation work, Eric has focused the foundation’s efforts on bringing hope to life for those who have experienced domestic violence, for individuals who have been victims of human trafficking, and for kids who are at risk in everyday life. Prior to this, he founded a drug development company that grew to have locations in 4 countries and focused on cancer research. He ran this company for 23 years before selling to a global investor. He now spends much of his time mentoring business owners, consulting for biotech companies as a strategic advisor, and doing foundation work. Eric and Tom have been close friends for several years, and when Tom called about Buddies Over Bullies, he didn’t hesitate to jump in and support everything that B.O.B. is committed to doing. Bullying is an epidemic, and fighting it has to be an all hands on deck effort.

VOLUNTEER

Hayden Martz in a native of Maine, and has lived on the coast of Maine his entire life. He is a graduate of South Hope Chistian School and Liberty University with a degree in Management Information Systems. Hayden is a first degree black belt under Tom Deblass. He is the owner/head instructor of Flow BJJ in Maine, and the founder of the Flow Sub Only grapping promotion.