Team Member

Coach Tom Clerici is one of the primary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coaches at Duncan MMA and plays a key role in developing both our competitive team and daily training programs. A BJJ Black Belt, Tom trains and teaches with a deep respect for the fundamentals and a strong understanding of what it takes to perform at a high level. He regularly coaches athletes at competitions, helps guide the competition team, and leads the early morning 6:00 AM Jiu Jitsu classes, where dedicated students start their day on the mats.

Tom began his Jiu Jitsu journey while stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea as a young officer in the United States Air Force. What began as a way to train and challenge himself quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Over the years he earned his black belt under Professor Steven Bongiorno, Professor Jay Regalbuto, and Professor Chris Massie, continuing to refine his knowledge of both gi and no-gi grappling.

Throughout his coaching career, Tom has helped prepare athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport, many of whom have gone on to compete in events such as the ADCC World Championships and Trials, IBJJF World and Pan Championships, EBI Invitationals, as well as many local and national tournaments. He has also helped prepare both amateur and professional MMA fighters, bringing a well-rounded grappling perspective to competition training.

Tom teaches both gi and no-gi Jiu Jitsu, with a coaching philosophy centered on mastering the fundamentals and applying high-percentage techniques. His goal is to give every student practical, reliable skills—whether they are training for competition, self-defense, or personal development. His classes are known for their technical depth, disciplined structure, and welcoming environment for both serious competitors and hobbyists.

As a veteran himself, Tom especially enjoys working with active duty military, reservists, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Outside the gym, he lives in Kingsport with his wife and their three children, and remains committed to helping build a strong martial arts community both on and off the mats.