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.
May 26
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.
June 03
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.
July 09
• Edited (Jul 17, 2025)
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!
September 05
On August 25, 2025, RŌL Academy had the honor of hosting Professor Felipe Simplicio for a special seminar focused on the De La Riva X sweeping system. Felipe brought world-class knowledge and broke down this complex guard in a way that was easy to understand and apply. He guided us through the fundamentals of establishing strong grips, maintaining balance in the position, and then layering in high-percentage sweeps designed to off-balance and control even the toughest opponents.
The entire event is available now on RŌL TV
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-08-25-felipe-simplicio
September 29
• Edited (Sep 30, 2025)
We’ve just added powerful new techniques to the RŌL TV library! You can now dive into detailed videos covering Heel Hooks, Ankle Locks, and Aoki Locks.
October 02
We’re excited to feature a new video series on RŌL TV with Professor Russell Usauskas, focusing on the fundamentals and sweeps from the 50/50 guard. This position is often overlooked at the foundational level, but Professor Russ breaks it down in a way that’s simple, effective, and easy to understand.
November 10
The new series featuring Professor Scott Burr dives deep into the art of Connection in Jiu Jitsu, exploring how subtle adjustments in posture, distance, and timing can transform your effectiveness both standing and on the ground. Rather than isolating techniques, Scott focuses on the relationships between positions—how movement, pressure, and structure connect seamlessly across transitions.
October 24
The De La Riva Guard Series by Professor Felipe Simplicio offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Jiu Jitsu’s most dynamic open guard systems. Known for its versatility, the De La Riva guard allows practitioners to create angles, off-balance opponents, and transition fluidly between attacks. In this series, Felipe breaks down key sweep mechanics—emphasizing posture disruption, hook control, and grip strategy to unseat even the most stable opponents.
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/de-la-riva-guard-by-felipe-simplicio
October 13
On October 4th, 2025, RŌL Academy had the pleasure of hosting a powerful seminar led by Professor Jesse Walker. The session focused on advanced control concepts, diving deep into one of the most overlooked yet essential details in Jiu-Jitsu — the difference between traction and tension of the arm. Professor Walker broke down how these two forms of control create entirely different outcomes, influencing leverage, grip efficiency, and the ability to maintain dominance during transitions. His teaching style blended precision with practical application, giving students valuable tools to refine their understanding of positional control and submission setups. The energy on the mat was electric, and the insights shared left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.