Draft:Tom Astarita
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Tom Astarita is an American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, coach, and martial arts instructor known for his creation of The Baratoplata Blueprint, an instructional system centered on the baratoplata submission. He gained widespread recognition in 2024 for a dramatic and successful application of his signature submission during a live grappling event, which included a sealed-envelope prediction of the exact finishing move.
Early Life and Background Tom Astarita began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his youth and rose through the competitive ranks while studying and coaching in New Jersey. He received his purple belt in 2023 from coach and BJJ black belt Sean Yadimarco, under whom he trained extensively.
He is based in Austin, Texas, and alongside teaching, he has produced digital instructionals and worked closely with his twin brother, Dean Astarita, to develop seminar content and teach at affiliated gyms across the country.
The Baratoplata Blueprint Tom Astarita is best known for developing The Baratoplata Blueprint, a detailed instructional focused on the baratoplata—a shoulder lock submission incorporating the arms and legs. The instructional breaks down entries from multiple positions, transitional pathways (including spin-through sequences), and finishing mechanics.
At Main Character Jiu-Jitsu 5, a 2024 grappling event, Tom created a viral moment when he walked into the venue holding a sealed envelope. The envelope, which he handed to event organizers before the match began, contained a written prediction: "Baratoplata"
During his match, Tom successfully executed a baratoplata submission and secured the tap from his opponent. The envelope was opened after the match to confirm the prediction, prompting widespread reaction from spectators and social media coverage. The moment was widely interpreted as a blend of promotional flair and technical mastery, reinforcing the legitimacy and focus of his instructional system.
The system is offered both digitally and through in-person seminars, often bundled with Tom's twin brother's instructional, Fear the Reaper, which focuses on leg entanglements and submissions.
Teaching and Seminars Tom regularly teaches seminars at BJJ academies across the U.S., including appearances at gyms such as VOW Jiu-Jitsu, Bodega BJJ, and B Team New Jersey. His events often feature live drilling of baratoplata entries, Q&A sessions, and exclusive access to his instructionals.
References
[edit]https://jiujitsu.thinkific.com/products/courses/baratoplata