On August 11th, we had the privilege of hosting Professors Thomas and Celest Cronin for a dynamic and insightful seminar at our academy. Professor Thomas, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, led the session with a deep dive into the Triangle Choke — breaking down both the setup and execution in a way that was clear, precise, and immediately applicable. His step-by-step approach covered key details on positioning, angle adjustment, and finishing mechanics, ensuring participants of all levels could improve their effectiveness with this iconic submission.

The entire event is available now on RŌL
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-08-11-thomas-cronin

On June 28, 2025, Coach Mike Mahaffey returned to RŌL Academy for a highly anticipated seminar focused on the key principles of base — both in standing positions and on the ground. With his deep understanding of balance, posture, and control, Mike guided students through a hands-on experience that emphasized how proper base can dictate the outcome of nearly any exchange in jiu jitsu.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-06-28-mike-mahaffey

🚨 New Videos Just Added to RŌL TV! 🚨

We’ve just released two new technique-focused videos on RŌL TV, both diving into the details of the single leg take down — one of the most effective and essential takedowns in grappling.

The first video breaks down the foot lift method, a clean and efficient way to off-balance your opponent by elevating the leg and disrupting their base. It’s a great finish that requires minimal strength and works well in both gi and nogi.

The second video focuses on the foot block finish, where you use your own foot to block your opponent’s remaining leg and guide them to the mat. It’s a smart option when your partner is defending or trying to pivot out.

Both variations are incredibly useful and can be applied to a variety of situations. Watch them, drill them, and take your take downs to the next level 💥

Let us know which one you like best!

Single Leg - Foot Block
Single Leg - Foot Lift
ALL NEW VIDEOS

Over the past few months, I’ve been diving deeper into some of the broader concepts in jiu jitsu — stepping back to look at the ideas that connect everything we do on the mats. You may have noticed more videos focused on strategy, positioning, and overall awareness.

I’m excited to share a few brand-new concept videos that I think will add real value to your training. Each one breaks down a fundamental principle that shows up across multiple positions and scenarios.

Inside Control
Over-hook vs Under-hook
Arm Drags
ALL NEW VIDEOS

These aren’t just techniques — they’re tools for understanding timing, control, and decision-making on a deeper level.

Check them out and let me know what you think — your feedback helps shape what I create next. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and let’s keep learning together!

Recent addition to the RŌL TV Library

The gift wrap position is one of the most powerful control points in jiu jitsu, and it opens the door to a variety of high-percentage chokes and submissions. Once you’ve secured your partner’s arm across their body and locked your own arm behind their head, you create a dominant angle that limits their movement and exposes their neck.

On May 31, 2025, Adam Maslach led a focused Gi Seminar on one of the most essential — yet often overlooked — tools in grappling: the underhook. With his signature attention to detail, Adam broke down how the underhook functions as both an offensive and defensive anchor across multiple positions, including the clinch, guard, and passing scenarios.

Throughout the session, attendees explored how proper underhook mechanics can neutralize pressure, create angles, and lead directly to dominant transitions or submissions. Adam emphasized timing, grip efficiency, and body positioning to make the underhook not just a frame, but a pathway to control.Whether working from half guard or standing engagements, the seminar drove home one clear message: whoever wins the underhook often wins the exchange. Practical, positional drills reinforced the concepts, giving participants actionable tools to take back to their training.

This seminar is now available on RŌL TV.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-05-31-adam-maslach

On June 23, 2025, Arman Fathi—Gracie University and 10th Planet’s only dual black belt—led a high-level seminar focused entirely on the Twister, one of the most iconic submissions in the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. The seminar broke down the Twister’s core mechanics, entries from various setups like lockdown and truck, and detailed transitions from the back. Fathi’s teaching style balanced technical depth with practical application, offering insights that bridged fundamentals and competition-level execution.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-05-23-arman-fathi

On May 21st, 2025, RŌL Academy welcomed Adam Maslach for a dynamic seminar dedicated to straight and folding ankle locks—two potent and often underutilized submission options in both gi and nogi grappling. Drawing from his extensive competition experience and technical precision, Adam delivered a focused and highly detailed exploration of lower limb control, leg entanglements, and the breaking mechanics that make ankle locks effective at the highest levels.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-05-21-adam-maslach

ROL TV is proud to introduce new additions to our ever-growing instructional library, featuring an insightful and highly practical series by Professor Russ focused on the straight ankle lock — one of the most fundamental yet powerful submissions in Jiu Jitsu.

The DLR X Sweeps series by Professor Russell Usauskas offers a comprehensive exploration of the De La Riva (DLR) guard transitions into X-guard, a pivotal concept. This series emphasizes the fluidity between guards, showcasing how to effectively off-balance opponents and create sweeping opportunities. By integrating the DLR hook with X-guard entries, practitioners can disrupt their opponent’s base, leading to successful sweeps and positional advancements. Professor Russ’s instruction delves into the mechanics of grip control, hip movement, and timing, ensuring that students grasp the nuances of each transition.