A video that has been circulating on social media has left thousands of people speechless, including one of the most well-known names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Tom DeBlass, a world-renowned BJJ champion and coach, took to his Instagram page to respond to a deeply disturbing clip that was sent to him showing a young boy being violently attacked by a much larger aggressor. His response, however, was not just one of outrage. It was one of action.
In his post, DeBlass described what he saw in graphic but honest terms. A boy, barely half the size of his attacker, was slammed headfirst into a wall.
The child dropped to the ground, grabbing his throat and crying in pain, before being stomped on.
As if that were not enough, the aggressor then soccer-kicked the boy in the face as he walked away. Bystanders stood nearby filming the entire incident, laughing and making comments in the background.
“It made me sick,” DeBlass wrote. “This is not kids being kids. This is cruelty.”
A Champion Steps Up
Rather than simply condemning the attack online, DeBlass made a direct and personal offer to the family of the victim.
He pledged to personally fly the boy out to his academy, spend time with him, train alongside him, and provide the kind of support and mentorship that could help the child rebuild his confidence after such a traumatic experience.
He ended his message with a heartfelt call for the boy’s parents to reach out to him directly.
The post quickly gained nearly 4,000 reactions and hundreds of comments from people across the country who were equally disturbed by what they had seen.
Community Reacts With Outrage and Emotion
The comment section reflected the wide range of emotions that the video triggered in people who watched it or simply read DeBlass’s account of it.
907timmeh wrote, “There needs to start being accountability for the bystanders filming and laughing,” a sentiment that resonated with many who felt that the people standing by were just as responsible for allowing the attack to continue.
Kristinalynevangelistamcgourn asked the question that was on many minds, writing,
“Please tell me this video was sent to the local police and charges were made.”
Wheelermedicine went even further, stating,
“I saw this one. I’d go as far as saying it could be seen as attempted murder. Absolutely disgusting.”
Bayoumac, a parent of three boys who train in martial arts, added a broader perspective on the state of public schools, saying, “Public schools are freaking horrific for small or nerdy type kids. And most schools absolutely turn a blind eye to it.”
Perhaps the most touching response came from ra_sol_the_mc, who wrote,
“It hurts me beyond words to see our young ones going through such extreme trauma. Yet it’s beautiful to see you directly extend your helping hand and heart to them.”
As of now, it is unclear whether charges have been filed or whether the family of the victim has reached out to DeBlass.
What is clear is that his message struck a nerve with thousands of people who believe that this young boy deserves far better than what he experienced that day. The hope is that he finds the support and healing he needs.
