“I Can’t Ask for More” – Tom De Blass Hails Partnership With Evolve MMA to Help Address Cyber Bullying Through Buddies Over Bullies

Submission grappling and MMA icon Tom DeBlass is working tirelessly to put an end to bullying.

To that end, the multiple-time ADCC and 11-fight professional MMA veteran has founded Buddies Over Bullies (B.O.B.) – a rapidly expanding non-profit organization that works in the fight against both in-person and online bullying against children.

‘Parents need to get involved with their children’s lives’- Tom DeBlass

With respect to cyberbullying, DeBlass and the organization he leads emphasize parental oversight:

“Parents need to get involved with their children’s lives. Many times, things are happening on social media that the parents don’t know about, and I don’t think it’s a breach of privacy for parents to want to be involved in their child’s life regarding social media.”

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B.O.B. teaches children anti-bullying tactics, often using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a way to equip kids with valuable self-defense skills and instill a sense of confidence that wards off bullies. 

The organization has already partnered with over 400 BJJ academies worldwide, recently adding the famed Singapore-based Evolve MMA – the largest martial arts gym in Asia.

DeBlass and his partnership with Evolve MMA

DeBlass spoke about the partnership with Evolve MMA and what it means to B.O.B.:

“I think being partnered with Evolve MMA is fantastic. They are the biggest martial arts school in Asia. I love Evolve’s vision, and I love what they give back to the community, so to team up with the biggest martial arts school in Asia, I mean, I can’t ask for more, I’m super thankful for that. and I just think it’s incredible. it’s an instant win for me, to get my vision out in Asia.

“I’m thankful that Evolve wants to be part of this. It means that Evolve shares my vision and believes it. and you always want people to share your vision. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire community to make a change, and I believe there’s power when people come together.”

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A father of two and BJJ instructor to hundreds of children, DeBlass understands just how harmful bullying can be.

For those struggling with bullies, his message is simple:

“My advice for those being bullied is to know that I understand it’s hard right now, but hard times will get better. Never give up, don’t quit, many people love you, we care about you, we want to see you do well, this too will pass, don’t listen to negativity, those who are bullying are suffering in their own right too, and they need help as well. So focus on martial arts, get involved, and stay around people who care about you. And have faith and confidence that things will get better.”