Tom Wortman started his jiu-jitsu journey under Sam Joseph at Buckhead Jiu-Jitsu in Atlanta, GA in 2016. He earned his black belt in 2022 from Gui Mendes and Tainan Dalpra at Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ) in Costa Mesa, CA. Tom has been an active competitor in the Master’s (30+ yo) division throughout all the belts (white through black). He is also a frequent participant at BJJ Globetrotter camps.
Tom and his wife (and dogs) are modern-day gypsies due to his wife’s career. This offers the unique opportunity to train throughout the United States including prolonged stops in Anchorage, AK, Indianapolis, IN, and Medford, OR where he’s had the privilege of teaching and sharing the art of jiu-jitsu. Tom has trained at academies in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland (DMV), Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia (DMV), and Washington.
Tom’s current jiu-jitsu goals include sharing his passion for jiu-jitsu through teaching, mentoring, and training in all 50 of the United States. Long-term, Tom would like to travel, teach, and train at academies and camps outside of the United States. Finally, Tom is hoping that sharing his jiu-jitsu journey will inspire, entertain, and enlighten other “not so young” athletes throughout their own grappling adventures.
Competitive Highlights
IBJJF Colored Belts (blue, purple, brown):
- Spoiler alert
Black Belt:
- JJWL Worlds: 2024 Gold
- JJWL San Diego: 2023 Gold
- JJWL California (Orange County): 2023 Gold
- IBJJF Atlanta Open: 2023 Gold