Hi everybody. I was wondering where does your jiu jitsu come from? Live training, classes, seminars, You Tube, or high level matches, UFC etc.? Or a combo?

For me, it’s teaching, mat time, ROL-TV, and You Tube.

The mats push me to improve, but teaching it is what really makes it stick. It forces me to explain it, feel it, internalize it. You Tube is a point of reference for me. Sometimes I find something new, other times I don’t. But either way, it shows me where I’m at in my jiu-jitsu.

Here’s to a healthy new year on the matts. 

Whats a great way to get your child/student motivated to continue training Jiu Jitsu when they don't want to come? 🤔💭

Kids Program Curriculum - 1/4/26

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 11

• Arm Lock from Top Control

• Mat Chat:  Sharing Jiu Jitsu

Kids Fundamentals:
Week 11

• Arm Lock from Top Control

• Top Control Escape (ankle drag over)

• Mat Chat: Sharing Jiu Jitsu

Teens Fundamentals:
A

• Standing Head Lock Defense (no strikes)

• Side Control Escape (belt grip)

• Side Control Escape (single leg)

B 

• Head Lock Escape (lean forward)

• Head Lock Escape (lean backward)

• Transition from Side to Top Control

Kids Intermediate:
Week 30 - Top Control - Escapes

• Takedown: Single Leg Takedown (inside trip)

• Top Control Escape (neck control)

• Top Control Escape (front foot post)

Kids Competition Class:
Week 10  - Playing for Points

• Mat Chat: Understanding Points

Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 11

• Boxing: Numbers (1-5)

• Kickboxing: Numbers w/ Round Kicks

• Combo: The Bas Combo

• Mat Chat: Traits of Leaders

Adult Program Curriculum - 1/4/26

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 Gi Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)

• Standing Head Lock Defense (no strikes)***

• Side Control Escape (belt grip)**

• Side Control Escape (single leg)****

B (Thur/Sat)

• Head Lock Escape (lean forward)

• Head Lock Escape (lean backward)

• Transition from Side to Top Control

* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes 
**** Four Stripes

White Belt Must Know

Adult Gi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 6:

• Single Leg Takedown setups and entries

• Attacks from Top Control

Adult NoGi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 6:

• Single Leg Takedown Setups and Entries

• Escapes from Top Control

Adult Gi Study with Professor Russ:

• Lasso Attacks Part 2

Striking with Coach Johnny -  Week 11:

• Boxing: Back 'em Up Drill, KO Drill

• Kickboxing: Block/Parry/Counter Front Kicks and Round Kicks

• Combo: The Bas Combo

❗❗** Announcements **❗❗

Chili Potluck

• When: Saturday, January 11, 2026

• Bring your favorite Chili, share with everyone, train a little and have fun!

UFC NIGHT

• When: Saturday January 24th

• Bring a Dish to share!

FULL EVENT LIST HERE

New Years Resolutions 

With 2026 here, what is a jiu jitsu based New Year’s resolution for you? Attend a certain number of classes? Compete in a competition? Try to get to a certain stripe or perhaps a new belt? Or simply focus on and master a certain technique?

For me, I have really tried to grow into the competition aspect, competing in several competitions now over the past couple years. It wasn’t until my most recent competition that I was able to secure a gold medal. My resolution is to compete in at least 3 competitions this year alone, with gold as the goal. 

Fundamental moves and guards still are dominant and most important for growth.  However, it is fun to change it up and also a way to get a bump with some quick success...sometimes.  What is an unconventional submission/guard that you have success with?

The first one that pops in my head is the Tarikoplata or Octopus Guard.  Either one isn't something every person uses or has even heard about.  I have played around with both and still use both in my game today.  

Adult Program Curriculum - 12/28/25

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 Gi Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)

• Rear Naked Choke Defense**

• Rear Naked Choke (RNC)***

• Arm Behind the Head Choke

B (Thur/Sat)

• Front Bear Hug Defense

• Guillotine Choke from Guard

• Turtle Escape - Knee Grip

* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes 
**** Four Stripes

White Belt Must Know

Adult Gi Intermediate with Professor Thomas:

• Open Training

Adult NoGi Intermediate with Professor Thomas:

• Open Training

Adult Gi Study with Professor Russ:

• Attacks from Lasso Guard

Striking with Coach Johnny -  Week 10:

• Boxing: Back 'em Up Combo, Two-Thirty Drill

• Kickboxing: Block/Parry/Counter Front Kicks, Round Kick into Front Kick, Touch & Chop Drill

• Combo: The Hemmers Combo

❗❗** Announcements **❗❗

Holiday Schedule:

• 12/31 9AM Open Mat

• 1/1 CLOSED
  

Chili Potluck

• When: Saturday, January 11, 2026

• Bring your favorite Chili, share with everyone, train a little and have fun. We will select the best one after the Open Training

FULL EVENT LIST HERE

Kids Program Curriculum - 12/28/25

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 10

• Trap, Bridge, Roll

• Mat Chat: Jiu Jitsu History

Kids Fundamentals:
Week 10

• Trap, Bridge, Roll

• Keylock from Top Control

• Mat Chat: Jiu Jitsu History

Teens Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)

• Rear Naked Choke Defense

• Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

• Arm Behind the Head Choke

B (Thur/Sat)

• Front Bear Hug Defense

• Guillotine Choke from Guard

• Turtle Escape - Knee Grip

Kids Intermediate:
Week 29 - Top Control - Escapes

• Takedown: Single Leg Takedown (inside trip)

• Top Control Escape (hip Escape)

• Top Control Escape (butterfly)

Kids Competition Class:
Week 9  - Playing for Points

• Mat Chat: Understanding Points

Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 10

• Boxing: The Single Punch Series

• Kickboxing: Lorek Combo “Lumberjacks” - Hook, Low / Hook, High / Hook, Switch

• Combo: The Deckers Combo

• Mat Chat: Be Real, Be Reliable

On December 13, 2025, RŌL Academy had the pleasure of hosting a special workshop with Tim Jurgovan, centered around one of the most dynamic and demanding control positions in Jiu Jitsu: knee-on-belly. The workshop explored the position from a complete systems perspective, beginning with mobility, balance, and pressure, and progressing into effective attacking sequences.

Now available on RŌL TV -  https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-12-13-tim-jurgovan

If you could only pick one to train.  Jiu jitsu for self defense or the sport side of Jiu jitsu which would you chioose?