"Where Have You Been?"

[@garrybutterfieldfilms4501]

We really appreciate all the kind words from every single one of you, Tom and I can't believe how many positive messages came through. Within a couple hours of the video going live we had OVER 50 POSITIVE MESSAGES! Think about that, I live on YT and every single comments section on every single channel is a toxic waste land...not here ! As it stands we have 81 comments all wishing Tom the best and can't wait for us to start uploading regular again. THANKS. We see you, we love you. Tom and I are f**king pumped for 2023. LETS GO!! -Garry-

[@Airborne19D20B42BP]

I think that's a testament to who Tom is and his channel. I have never met Tom let alone trained with him but he's had a huge positive impact on my BJJ journey. I think it stems from his attitude and his approach to training that ultimately we are all in this together by nature of stepping onto the mat. You can rise by stepping on top of others, or you can rise by pulling others to where you are and by being humble and positive to your training partners regardless of where either of you are at on your journey. I have come to love the idea that every time we slap hands or bump fists it's our opportunity to leave an offering on the mat...What kind of offering are you going to leave? I know that besides learning techniques from Tom, he has also shaped my outlook on how I train and who I want to be as a training partner to others. Respect and gratitude to you Tom and your team.

[@mattyjungblut9842]

LETS GO BRANDEN..!!!!! 😆😆

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful stream of positivity and encouragement. Garry and I are excited for 2023 and I wish you all the best on and off the mats and thank you all for the support not just now but over the last 6 years! 🙏🥋🥰

[@CarMad97ci]

Fuck yes! Much love ❤❤❤❤❤

[@JamieShogun1973]

Thank you guys for all your help . You’ve got all our support and confidence that you will recover stronger!

[@jolier1313]

1 year later?! Please come back. 😢😢😢

[@StormBred]

Hope to hear from the channel soon. Even if it doesn't, you've provided me and thousands of others with more than anyone could ask for to help progress our BJJ journey.

[@globalcruiser]

Hang in there mate. You are loved.

[@ChichKrav]

I literally wondered about this Chanel yesterday and this one year old video pops up. Apart from that freaky occurrence, I hope you come back bigger and better. Your videos are always entertaining and extremely informative!

[@jamesmejia2955]

I hope you continue to recover swiftly coach Tom! Focus on the mend, we will be here waiting for your new content when your fully back. Rest, recover and know we are here for you

[@jamienorton786]

Just saw this now mate. You are legend, I hope you are healing well and life is treating you kindly now. That's a tonne to go through. Thanks for all the amazing teaching you very generously shared here. Godspeed, Tom

[@jeffreagan2001]

Anyone who receives a black belt from the Machado brothers is a special person. The years of dedication to achieve what you have done in jiu jitsu is inspiring. I hope that all goes well in your road to recovery. Your videos are a great help to us all who have been attempting to learn jiu jitsu.

[@garethjolnir4656]

Jaw dropped seeing you in the sling. Started rolling 3 years ago and your channel had been my go-to. All the best prof, get well soon, take care of yourself (mentally also), and hope to see you on the mat again soon. Much love

[@andrewsoss7962]

Hope you are healing up, Tom. You are an excellent teacher. Thanks for the hours of instruction. Best wishes.

[@jpjp3873]

Hey coach Tom. Hope you’re doing OK. It would be nice if you would at least put out a short video on your progress. Best wishes. 😊

[@germanshep2008]

Man that sucks to hear Tom you where always my go to when I was training, some of the best bjj videos on you tube

[@Jitsover50]

Hey I forgot about your channel since it hasn't been getting recommended to me for a while. I miss your content and wish you a speedy recovery sir!

[@conquerandwin]

Get well. Didn't know you like shooting. What calibers do you like using?

[@patrickmcinerney9491]

Hey! Some random guy in Oklahoma has benefited from your instruction. However seemingly small, you've made a real impact in my life. Thank you for that! Here's to your recovery!

[@esoteric3655]

Get well soon! Will still be here when you get back!

[@pmaracucho]

Hello Tom & Garry, my Jiu-jitsu journey started a little over 5 months ago. I have been watching your videos and applied so much of what you teach with success and I had no idea this had happened to you. I still have 90% of your channel to catch up to (right now I’m only looping the beginner videos) and even though you’re down (not out) you still teach me moves every day. So take your time, heal right, we will be here waiting for you when the time is right to come back. Thank you for everything you have done and will do in the future for the sport. Blessings on blessings, Paul.

[@reginaldanglin4264]

Alhamdulillah Brother you're getting well. Asalammualaikum. Wish u well professor. Just take it easy, jiu-jitsu not going anywhere Inshallah. So heal yourself mate. Much love from Chicago Brother.

[@jpjp3873]

Happy new year coach Tom! I hope you’re getting better.

[@lzkams]

First thought that came to my mind after seeing the bit with "where have you been?" was you saying "ok guys it finally happened, I got arm barred by a white belt, you never know when it's going to happen...". But jokes aside, it's really pleasant to see you smiling despite all the troubles that you faced. I wish you a steady recovery!

[@AllKindzzzz]

Even though you're not able to roll, your older videos are a constant reference for me every day. Keep on keeping on prof Tom, see you back on the mats soon!

[@michaelcabz]

Coach Tom it’s been a year. How are you? Any improvement? I wish you the very best.

[@BretSiakel]

Glad to see you. It’s not just the old subs. I started just this year. While you were out you were still helping. Thank you for that. On recovery, It’s a journey. The hardest part are those first steps. I’m proud of you for picking up those pinkies! In the same way you’d be proud of me nailing an escape you demonstrated. Thank you and welcome back. Can’t wait to see what you bring with Tom 2.0!

[@secularpilgrim1372]

Just saw this after working my way through your back catalogue. Speedy recovery brother! Also, I'd like to add. You don't owe us or anyone anything! Please do whatever you need to do to function again and put yourself first. 🙏

[@BlackGold-fc7tu]

We still miss you man

[@BadlyDrawn7]

Best from Nebraska, Tom. Hope you're healing.

[@MadtownMaine]

Hope you're doing better..... any chance we can get an update? We miss your instruction sir.

[@sirtrevis]

Ah. Jeez. You are an excellent teacher, Sir. May your life be a boon to you.

[@Mephistoau]

Good to see you back mate. Sorry to hear that you've been having such a rough time, but it's awesome to see that you've still got that positive attitude. Keen to see the new layout, I appreciate that you've still got the urge to pick up the journey and get back into everything. Stay well man (and Gary!)

[@garrybutterfieldfilms4501]

Cheers brother

[@shanepayne8990]

I like your intensity and positivity. Rooting for your big time recovery!

[@Loveyourneighbor770]

Dang, sorry to hear. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@lp115]

Get Better Tom, we appreciate all the knowledge you share with us. God Bless.

[@ryanede3447]

Get well soon! We all take health for granted. It really hit home when you said before you accident you were out of balance. Get back in good health and get in that balance you talked about, step by step day by day!!!! Look forward to seeing you roll on soon! OSS!

[@tadhgmcmahon1808]

Hi there Prof Tom,just a white belt guy here to say hope your doing good now,you are a strong guy to have kept at it,you will get there,and I look forward to continuing to watch your videos,you are a born Coach,take care Sir.

[@Jsola0040]

Hope your recovery is going well! Besides providing a wealth of bjj knowledge, you radiate positivity and great outlook on life, wishing you the best always!

[@rafaelkrauss]

I hope your recovery are going well buddy! Just passing by to wish you to keep strong!

[@straighttrippin]

Coach Tom I've been watching for five years and have always appreciated your lessons. I am legally blind and have to wear boxing headgear and safety glasses to protect my eyes but I feel so blessed that I still have the opportunity to train. I totally understand the feeling of having it taken away from you, but there is always a way back. I look forward to seeing you on the mats once again and learning more of what you have to share. We appreciate you!

[@sterlzd.657]

Aloha Professor Tom. Started training almost two years ago and your instruction and just general mindset and attitude has helped me so much in my training and in life. I’m 27 and suffered a massive heart attack this past year from an artery dissection (didn’t know if I was gonna make it out) but your videos got me through my hospital stay and recovery. I hope your recovery goes wonderful and I know you’ll come back stronger than ever. I hope one day I can fly down and share the mats with you. Much Aloha from Hawai’i.

[@edbroggi]

Hope you get better soon prof. Tom miss your videos.

[@deezimmerman2463]

I wish you fair winds and a speedy recovery.

[@Valech0]

oh you cant be serious. i just found this gem of a channel and now there hasnt been a new vid in a year ;_;

[@TJ-mc6er]

Your determination is inspiring. I look forward to seeing your journey back to the mat. I’m pulling for you. Thanks for all you do for the BJJ community.

[@pmartialartsx]

Just realized this was posted a year ago. Anyone know how he is doing now?

[@arshakh1]

So sorry to hear that. I miss your great training videos. Get well soon. Miss you.

[@dersatansschuh4426]

I wish you the very best, both for your physical and mental health. Greetings from the other side of the world my friend.

[@livebeforeyoudie9984]

Hello my friend, I used to watch your videos years ago when I trained in jiujitsu and then I had a major life change so I did not watch your videos in years. Today I randomly thought to check to see what you are you doing on your channel. I am surprised and so sorry to hear you have had so many bad life experiences happen to your life and body. You still smile through the pain which shows your character. You inspire many people and I know you will be back better than ever. You have my respect and prayers.

[@Airborne19D20B42BP]

Man so bummed to hear this.... Stay positive Tom... Had to learn this lesson myself this summer with an injury....you can quit or you can adapt and keep moving forward on the journey. Ossss

[@Thecelestial1]

I’m glad you’re still with us!

[@beaubremner9758]

Hey Professor.. just stopped by to see how the rehab is coming along. Would love to see regular videos again and see you back on the mat!

[@alfredomogavero5765]

Man I saw this last video of yours a while ago. Now that I am going back to training after 1 month summer break I'm back at watching your instructional videos that I saved in my playlist and I must say they are among the best and I kinda felt I had to thank you. The butterfly guard pass you posted was just golden, I must say it. I hope all is good for you and I hope you'll be back stronger than ever. Much respect and all the best to you.

[@aaronsmith230]

Take your time and recover buddy! You’ve provided us with a lifetime of lessons, techniques and wisdom. This channel made my entrance to jiu-jitsu much smoother and alleviated some of the anxiety with joining my gym. You’re a beast and we’ll all be here for you!

[@tbonepenuelas2510]

Hope for a speedy recovery!!!

[@andyciarla6053]

I'm very sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident as I have been an avid MTN bike rider myself for over 37 years and ride multiple times a week, weather permitting. I'm 62 yrs old and live in USA, Colorado and I just signed up for BJJ on January 1st of this year after my step son ( who has trained for 5 yrs and is a purple belt) talked me into it. I found your KZbin videos very helpful and I'm glad I have an ample library of them to watch until you are fully healed and back on the mat. I know this is just a temporary setback for you. Keep that wonderful attitude of gratitude you have, put God first and pray and this will all be behind you before you know it. Listen to your body and all will be fine. Best wishes and prayers are with you.

[@theegupper]

Thats going to be quite a recovery story when your done with rehab, people like yourself that hit speed bumps and kept cruising are what makes the world a better place. Until your back dig into those ballistics and know that you have positively impacted people all over the world. Thanks from one of those people!

[@crazycasy]

So glad I found this channel, been playing catch up watching videos fro 6 years back etc, just today decided to see whats current, and this came up, unbelievable inspiration and energy... my brother in law just overdosed last week and you always reminded me of him, never give up, he never gave up its his luck just ran out, humpty dumpty can only put himself back together so many times, skateboarding teaches you about failure better than anything and i was a skateboarding quitter, but jiu jitsu is similar and it saved my life from addiction, started when i was 38 , addiction and bad back kept me off the mats for 7 years, been clean for almost 10 years got my L4 L5 fused, been back on the mat 4 years going very slow training on average one day a week, covid derailed me too, but im 53 now just got my purple belt and am training 2 days a week now god willing.. wish you all the best on your journey back to a fully functional strong body, peace Tom

[@danielahlm8932]

I hope for a continued recovery and rebuild. This channel is one of few I return to continuously (others being Roy Dean, Ivan Vasylchuk and Evolve MMA) because the instructions are short, concise and clear but still with the necessary detail. Very pedagogic. So again I hope things will get better and be sure to stay safe.

[@beaubremner9758]

You’re an inspiration Tom.. so good to see you back and the whole community looks forward to seeing you rebuild and get back yo your best. As someone whos had a shit 2 years (ive had 2 heart attacks at 35 years old) im a huge advocate for men speaking openly about the tough times and raw videos like this are amazing to see. Much love to you, your kids and gary behind the camera! Get well soon buddy

[@mr.saturn7833]

Hope you make a full recovery. I’ve been grappling for over six years, and your videos have helped every step of the way. I wish you the best for this upcoming year and beyond.

[@frankgarguilo2734]

God bless Coach Tom. Just got purple a few months back. Routinely get smashed by lower belts. Thank you for reminding us all about perspective. I wish you well in your recovery.

[@briankayaker1]

I’m more excited for what this channel with bring than ever before! You seem like an amazing person with so much new wisdom to share! Cant wait!

[@jamesmoore1144]

Praying for a quick and uneventful recovery.

[@seanreese311]

I hope you continue to heal. I recently started my jiu jitsu journey at 52 years old. Part of the inspiration to do so is from your videos and your teachings, they make me feel like I can do this incredibly hard thing. Thanks for the update, I wish you well and look forward to more videos in 2023.

[@zhuzhitsu]

Good to see you back. Wishing you a full recovery, the very best of health and looking forward to seeing more of your videos in 2023!

[@seacebedo]

You have inspired my jiu-jitsu since i started 3.5 years ago. Your infectious smile, even when talking about all the trials you've survived this year, is one of your best qualities and what keeps me coming for more. God bless you, professor! Keep on recovering. We'll be here when you get back.

[@A1ianT0rtur3]

Miss you buddy, hope you recover soon! I appreciate your videos and hope you're doing well.

[@tunedmultimedia1842]

Glad to see that you remain inspired and grateful. Thank you for your contribution to the JJ community. Your attitude and approach have inspired me. Can’t wait to see what’s in store! 🤙

[@PjackM92]

Spirit unbroken! Much** love and respect. Wishing you a max recovery

[@paulwoolley2262]

I used to get regular feeds and wanted to check one of your old instructionals and came across this one. Yours are among the best. I hope you are recovering well. I'm 75 and started bjj a couple of years ago. The things I've learned as I have got older is that recovery takes time, so slow is fast and that the mental effort to exercise is what gets harder as you get older. Thanks for the inspirational video. Love your enthusiasm.

[@justaname935]

dang I am really sorry to hear that. When I first started watching this channel I was going thru some bad times. Thank you for sharing. It gives me strength

[@sixthgearchill7956]

Hope you’re doing better brother! Your videos have been such a huge help to me

[@kendallhall1582]

Sorry to hear about the bad stuff. But its good to see you again. Im grateful for all the content you've put out, its helped me learn alot. I wish you a swift recovery.

[@robertschwarberg80]

you are such a role model for many here. Apart from jiu jitsu, it is above all your unique style that inspires me so much about you. I've learned a lot from there over the years. I wish you only the best and that you achieve everything you set your mind to. On and off the mat. Thank you for the countless great videos and your opinion that you openly express to the outside world. Bye for now

[@jasoncronin9145]

Glad to hear you're on the mend. I know how much it sucks to physically not be able to pick up your kids and the mental toll that takes. Looking forward to the new content when you're back at 100%!

[@davidhunter1960]

I still think about him and wish him well

[@nevarj]

Hi Tom & Garry. Very jaw dropping to see this as the latest video; I wish you both the best physical & emotional recoveries, should you need any more positivity. Best of luck - I look forward to seeing you back and burning when you're both ready.

[@akvideos0909]

Wow. Glad to hear you are on the mend. Thanks for all the amazing content.

[@ukaszb5694]

Hey, just to drop some good wishes here. Just a white belt struggling in his 30s to learn BJJ. And I also had 2 surgeries in 2022, now starting almost from scratch. Get well, hope you'll also get your life in line. Your videos have been great help and a laugh for me. Wish I had such a great professor in my city.

[@ianlevers8450]

Glad to see your back Coach Tom, get well soon! 👊💪👍

[@XBlades909]

Sorry to hear that coach! Been watching your vids off and on for a couple of years, always loved the explanation, very detailed on specific positions. It has helped me review my flaws in the game, and refine it. 2023 will be your year and many more years to come. wish you speedy recovery to good health and good fortune. Juijiteiro from California!

[@marshallw4492]

Godspeed and wishes for all the best for you Tom. Happy to see you are on the road to recovery.

[@nickcrang8333]

Hope you’re well onto the road to recovery now Tom and sorry to hear you’ve been going through the wringer. Whether or not you do get back to posting videos I really appreciated the ones you and Gary have made. Always had great info and great vibes. All the best to you both

[@animanaut]

Get well soon! I had a pinched nerve when i was younger and could not walk for a very brief time. one of the more scarier things ever happened to me for sure. Wish you good progress on your road to recovery! Funny timing: just bought some 1kg dumbells myself to bullet proof my shoulders.

[@ah64Dcoming4U]

Have come back to see how you're going. Hope you are recovering well. Small steps. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@matthewcrawford4216]

Ouch! Sobering for sure. Dang that is not a small thing you’ve been working through but many large things physically, mentally and emotionally. Praying for your quick recovery. I’ve really appreciate the content you’ve made for years. It’s been a huge help I’m my journey learning Jiujitsu.

[@adrianescalantejimenez141]

I love this channel, i really love the tom's videos, great instructor, please keep it up! More videos!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@jmaciel2]

Thank you for sharing. I wish you a fast and full recovery. I mis your instructional videos and I strongly believe you will get back on the mat as soon as prodigally and mentally possible. Thank you professor

[@Sophathsem]

All the best in your recovery! I've only been watching your video's for wee bit... They sure are helpful and help me reinforce what i have learned in my academy. Looking forward to your new uploads.

[@shawnmccuen6908]

God speed and healing, Professor . And to be honest, lots of love. You were a huge part of me starting my jiu-jitsu journey. I'm horrible at taking time to heal. The jiu-jitsu addiction has been so strong that I always find myself back on the mats way too early.

[@samueldennett983]

Good to see your face Tom! Sending heaps of love. Thanks for everything you do for us. Rest up, fix up and we'll see you when you're ready bro.

[@ruddoscookin]

Damn!!! So sorry to hear that Coach Tom. Best of luck with your recovery. I love your videos and have watched them for years. I'm still looking forward to visiting SA and dropping by South Coast BJJ. All the best and hopefully you're back at it sooner rather than later. Cheers, Mike from Perth

[@nutritionalrevolution]

Take your time and heal up brother. Miss you and cannot wait for you to get back. Praying for you

[@beatvandal]

I was really moved by this. I'm new to Jiu-Jitsu, been training a bit under a year and I've found your content to be some of the best for supplementing mat experience. You've helped me. I sincerely wish you all the best for the next stages of your recovery and looking forward to more of your evolved teachings

[@pongomb]

I use your instructions as you really give great pointers in a calm way. Sorry to see you injured, keep your head up and you will be stronger. Keep up the videos man!

[@Sibak01]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Professor Tom, I was wondering what had happened to you as I religiously watched your videos. I know how hard it is when facing into multiple injuries and how it can impact your psyche and training. All the very best, know you will be come back stronger, look forward to seeing you back on the mat in time.

[@TonyBananas18]

Hang in there coach Tom, the best is yet to come! You have no idea how many people you have positively impacted with your videos! Whether it be a frustrating week of BJJ or just being stumped on how to preform a technique, your videos always are an uplifting take on BJJ!

[@AtotheK17]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I’ve really enjoyed watching your videos. I’m a 40yr old who just started my BJJ journey.

[@garethlawson795]

just watching this video now. thanks for your candidness. its easy to forget that people on YT have lives outside of it. I'm going through something similar at the minute with my relationship, and you are right that you wouldn't wish it on anyone. All I keep thinking is to keep going, it cant last forever! Keep up the good work guys, and come back stronger

[@Davidtheinfidel]

Wow, I am so sorry to here about this. I just looked you up again today after I have been away for over a year and found this video. I wish you continued healing.

[@nukeronaldo]

Hope you are back on the mats soon Tom, miss your teaching, the way you explain bjj is probably the best I’ve seen. ❤

[@hsienliang]

we all feel our mortality after an injury, all the best for your recovery and will keep on supporting you guys when the content comes back