What’s something a great Jiu-Jitsu coach has taught you that had nothing to do with a technique?
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!
Kids Program Curriculum - 10/4/26
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 5
Mat Chat: Community and Team
Kids/Teens Fundamentals:
Week 5
A
Osoto Gari ⭐⭐
Arm Lock from Closed Guard ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Arm Lock Defense (stack) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
B
Osoto Gari ⭐⭐
Rev Arm Lock from Closed Guard
Pendulum Sweep from Closed Guard ⭐⭐⭐
Kids/Teens Intermediate:
Week 8 - Guard - Pass
(THURSDAYS NOGI)
Takedown: Osoto-gari
Step Through
Kids Competition Class:
Gi uniform
Positional Training and Sparring
Tap Cancer Out Tournament on Saturday!
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 2
Boxing: The Jab
Kickboxing: Rear Round Kick - Southpaw
Combo: The Sticks Combo
Mat Chat: Decide Your Goals
Adult Program Curriculum - 10/4/2
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
Osoto Gari ⭐⭐
Arm Lock from Closed Guard ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Arm Lock Defense (stack) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
B
Osoto Gari ⭐⭐
Rev Arm Lock from Closed Guard
Pendulum Sweep from Closed 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
NoGi Study with Coach John:
Bottom Side Control Escapes
Tricep Post Escapes and Entries into Octopus Guard
Striking with Coach Johnny - Week 2:
Boxing: Straight Punches (Jab - Cross) - Numbers (1-4)
Kickboxing: Body Kicks on Thai Pads - Two Punch Series
Combo: Two-Thirty Drill
Fitness with Professor Thomas:
❗❗** Announcements **❗❗
TAP CANCER OUT TEAM COMPETITION:
WHEN: Saturday 10/10
WHERE: Oak Lawn Pavilion (9401 Oak Park Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453)
WORKSHOP WITH COACH DAN:
WHEN: Saturday October 17th @ 11am
Gi Uniform
Free - No Experience Necessary
GRADUATION EVENT:
When: November 7th @ 10am
Kids Program Curriculum - 9/27/26
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 4
Mat Chat: Self-Defense
Kids/Teens Fundamentals:
A
Side control escape (single leg)
Kimura Lock from Side Control
Kimura Lock from North South
B
Side control escape (single leg)
Transition from Side to Top (step over)
Top Control Escape (ankle drag)
Kids/Teens Intermediate:
Week 7 - Guard - Pass
(THURSDAYS NOGI)
Takedown: Osoto-gari
Kids Competition Class:
Gi uniform
Little Kids - Game Day
Big Kids - Positional Training
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week 1
Boxing: Stance, Guard, Movement
Kickboxing: Roundkick (Fundamentals)
Combo: The Sticks Combo
Mat Chat: How You Think Is Everything