Coming off that stellar takedown and Americana don’t exist workshop, with coach Dan Bianchi. My BJJ question of the day is… When you’re setting up a takedown, what do you focus on first—grips, posture, or distance? Tell us why!
Myself, I focus on connection maybe too frequently. That being grips of some kind or connections collar tie wrist etc. However after that amazing workshop and fantastic uke (lol). I would have to say I need work on all three. They all need to be equally distributed.
Kids Program Curriculum - 10/18/26
Welcome to a New Week in the Kids Program!
Each week in our Kids Program, we're building confidence, discipline, and focus as we dive into new techniques and skills on the mats. From mastering fundamental movements to developing more advanced concepts, every class is designed to help our young athletes grow both in Jiu Jitsu and in life. We’re all about learning, teamwork, and, of course, having fun along the way! Get ready for an exciting week of training and improvement!
Little Kids:
Week 7
Mat Chat: Respect
Kids/Teens Fundamentals:
A
Single Leg from Clinch
Bull-rider / Step Thru Pass from Open Guard
Transition from Side to Top Control (knee slide)
B
Single Leg from Clinch
Grip Breaking / Arm Drag (up or down)
Body Lock Pass from Open Guard
Kids/Teens Intermediate:
Week 9 - Side Control - Escapes
(THURSDAYS NOGI)
Takedown: Bearhug Escape (without arms)
Kids Competition Class:
NoGi uniform
Physical challenge week- balance, strength, explosiveness, flexibility, and proprioception.
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 4
Boxing: Jab-Cross
Kickboxing: The Step Kick - Southpaw
Combo: The Switch It Combo
Mat Chat: Never Stop Learning
Adult Program Curriculum - 10/18/26
Welcome to a New Week in the Adult Program!
Each week, we’re building skills and exploring techniques designed to deepen your understanding and elevate your practice on the mats. From refining foundational movements to mastering advanced concepts, our focus is on cultivating confidence, control, and creativity in every position. Get ready to train hard, support your teammates, and push yourself as we dive into another week of growth and discovery!
Adult Fundamentals Jiu Jitsu:
A
Single Leg from Clinch ⭐⭐⭐
Bull-rider / Step Thru Pass from Open Guard
Transition from Side to Top Control (knee slide)
B
Single Leg from Clinch ⭐⭐⭐
Grip Breaking / Arm Drag (up or down)
Body Lock Pass from Open Guard
* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes
**** Four Stripes
White Belt Must Know
Adult Jiu Jitsu with Professor Thomas:
BLOCK 10
Standing: Double Legs and Single Legs
Concept: Turtle Shoulder Control → Crucifix Setups and Attacks
NoGi Study with Coach John:
Pin Escapes
Mount Kipping Escapes
Striking with Coach Johnny - Week 4:
Boxing: Parrying Straight Punches & Synch Up Flow
Kickboxing: Blocking Round Kicks / Numbers with Round Kick
Combo: Dutch Drill - Complete
Fitness with Professor Thomas:
❗❗** Announcements **❗❗
GRADUATION EVENT:
When: November 7th @ 10am
What’s something a great Jiu-Jitsu coach has taught you that had nothing to do with a technique?
On September 12, 2026, RŌL TV hosted a focused Jiu-Jitsu workshop with John Kats dedicated to one of the most essential skills in grappling: escaping side control. The workshop broke down the fundamental principles and techniques needed to defend effectively and work your way out from underneath a controlling opponent.
Participants explored the importance of proper framing, defensive positioning, and understanding how to create space when trapped on the bottom of side control. John emphasized the mechanics behind effective escapes, demonstrating how to use frames, body movement, and strategic positioning to disrupt an opponent's control and create opportunities to recover guard or improve position.
Seminar is now available on RŌL TV
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-09-12-john-kats
What’s the best piece of advice a higher belt gave you that you only appreciated years later?
A lot pop into mind, but one that sticks out is "You should look into bottom half guard and look up Lucas Leite Coyote Guard." That moved me initially to giving into half guard.
Kids Program Curriculum - 10/11/26
Welcome to a New Week in the Kids Program!
Each week in our Kids Program, we're building confidence, discipline, and focus as we dive into new techniques and skills on the mats. From mastering fundamental movements to developing more advanced concepts, every class is designed to help our young athletes grow both in Jiu Jitsu and in life. We’re all about learning, teamwork, and, of course, having fun along the way! Get ready for an exciting week of training and improvement!
Little Kids:
Week 6
Mat Chat: Bullying
Kids/Teens Fundamentals:
A
Side Control Escape (butterfly hook)
Butterfly Sweep from Half Guard
Butterfly Pass (drive the bus)
B
Side Control Escape (butterfly hook)
Transition from Half Guard to Back Control
Arm Drag from Half Guard to Back Control
Kids/Teens Intermediate:
Week 9 - Side Control - Escapes
(THURSDAYS NOGI)
Takedown: Bearhug Escape (without arms)
Kids Competition Class:
Gi uniform
Competition Review
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 3
Boxing: The Cross
Kickboxing: The Step Kick
Combo: The Switch It Combo
Mat Chat: Get Out of Your Own Way
Adult Program Curriculum - 10/11/26
Welcome to a New Week in the Adult Program!
Each week, we’re building skills and exploring techniques designed to deepen your understanding and elevate your practice on the mats. From refining foundational movements to mastering advanced concepts, our focus is on cultivating confidence, control, and creativity in every position. Get ready to train hard, support your teammates, and push yourself as we dive into another week of growth and discovery!
Adult Fundamentals Jiu Jitsu:
A
Side Control Escape (butterfly hook)
Butterfly Sweep from Half Guard
Butterfly Pass (drive the bus)
B
Side Control Escape (butterfly hook)
Transition from Half Guard to Back Control
Arm Drag from Half Guard to Back Control
* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes
**** Four Stripes
White Belt Must Know
Adult Jiu Jitsu with Professor Thomas:
BLOCK 10
Standing: Double Legs and Single Legs
Concept: Turtle + transitions to back
NoGi Study with Coach John:
Side control pin escapeS
Roll through escapes and overall review
Striking with Coach Johnny - Week 3:
Boxing: Hooks (Lead - Rear) - Single Punch Series
Kickboxing: Cross-Lead Kick - Walking Round Kick
Combo: Dutch Drill - Part 1
Fitness with Professor Thomas:
❗❗** Announcements **❗❗
WORKSHOP WITH COACH DAN:
WHEN: Saturday October 17th @ 11am
Gi Uniform
Free - No Experience Necessary
GRADUATION EVENT:
When: November 7th @ 10am
What has changed in Jiu Jitsu game in last few years?
What’s is a favorite match that you love to watch? it could be a strictly BJJ match or an mma fight that had high level Jiu Jitsu.
One of my favorites is Amanda Leve beating Gabi Garcia. The lead up to that match was tense and it was a shocker when Amanda won!