Tom DeBlass has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Derek Moneyberg’s rapid black belt promotion, calling out the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community for wasting energy on gossip instead of growth.
In a recent post, the veteran grappler expressed disbelief at how much outrage the promotion has generated, noting that if the reports about Moneyberg’s training schedule are accurate, the timeline isn’t as absurd as people claim:
It blows my mind how many people are losing their minds over Moneyberg getting his black belt in 3.5 years.
From what I’ve heard, he trained privates two hours a day, six days a week.
DeBlass made it clear that he’s uninterested in the drama, emphasizing that obsession over someone else’s journey reflects misplaced priorities:
If someone getting their black belt in 3.5 years bothers you that much, you might want to ask yourself why.
That’s not what’s hurting our sport.
According to DeBlass, the real problems plaguing jiu-jitsu lie elsewhere — in poorly managed schools, neglected beginners, and a culture that values gossip over progress:
What truly hurts Jiu-Jitsu are schools that neglect their white belts, owners who don’t understand how to run a real business, and people who waste energy gossiping instead of growing.
Reflecting on his own experience, DeBlass said he earned his black belt in 5.5 years, competing and succeeding heavily at brown belt before the promotion.
But he acknowledged that training volume and context matter:
If the guy legitimately trained two hours a day, six days a week for 3.5 years, his mat time wasn’t far off mine.
And let’s be honest – he’s a middle-aged man, not a full-time competitor.
The standard isn’t the same.
Ultimately, DeBlass urged practitioners to stop fixating on others and focus inward:
Focus less on what someone else is doing and more on your own Jiu-Jitsu.
That’s where your energy belongs.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
