Lots of commotion has been stirred up in the BJJ community, after a recent NAGA tournament allowed for a transgender athlete to compete in a female division.
A part of the Jiu-Jitsu community is against allowing such instances from taking place in martial arts, simply due to physical differences between males and females.
And, well, Tom DeBlass is on the same boat.
He shared that he spoke with Mo Jassim, ADCC Head Organizer, about allowing transgender athletes to compete in the female divisions at the ADCC Open and Trials.
Here is his conclusion:
We are absolutely not, in any circumstance, allowing natural born males to compete against natural born females.
Grappling is a combat sport, physicality and bone density play a huge part.
We must make sure we do all that we can to keep our athletes safe.
DeBlass emphasized that he doesn’t have “anything against” transgender people.
But rules are rules:
I have no problem using pronouns; he, she, they, them. I will call you anything you’d like.
However, you must compete in the gender you are born.
View this post on Instagram
What are your thoughts? Should transgender submission grappling athletes be allowed to compete in female divisions?
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
đź’Ą What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
đź’ 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.
