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.
If you walked in to class and Professor asked you to pick the topic to work on, what would you choose?
For me, it would be anything takedown related. I’ve been very focused on stand up grappling for the past couple of months and loving it! Anything to learn or drill from judo or wrestling is fine by me.
What’s the most unexpected lesson/skill jiu jitsu has taught you—on or off the mats?
Mine would the ability to talk in front of people. Always hated that growing up and would do anything to avoid that situation. Slowly transitioned to teaching and now don't even think about that in front of a class.
What is your strategy on how you set goal post for tracking progress/improvements? For higher belts, has this process continued to evolve or has it remained the same? Is there anyone who just approaches each drill, each training an each roll as they occur and just live with the results vs looking for progress?
Jesse made me think today about if thinking about progress and working towards it actually hinders our ability to maximize the moment?
Adult Program Curriculum - 10/12/25
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)
B (Thur/Sat)
* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes
**** Four Stripes
Adult Gi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 23:
Knee on Belly Attacks
Adult NoGi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 23:
Side Control Escapes
Adult Gi Study with Professor Russ:
Passing trouble shooting, bring your challenges. Let’s make it an interactive night!
Striking with Coach Johnny:
Boxing: Numbers (1-4)
Kickboxing: Numbers (1-4)
Combo: The Bas
❗❗** Announcements **❗❗
PROMOTION CEREMONY
When: Saturday, November 15th @ 11AM
Kids Program Curriculum - 10/12/25
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 5
Mat Chat: Community and Team
Kids Fundamentals:
Week 5
Mat Chat: Community and Team
Teens Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)
B (Thur/Sat)
Kids Intermediate:
Week 18 - Back Control Escapes
Takedown: Bearhug Escape (with arms)
Kids Advanced:
Week 18 - Back Control Escapes
Takedown: Collar Drag
Kids Competition Class:
Week 13 - Escaping - Escape to Top or Guard
Drill 1: Top Control Escape (trap, bridge, roll)
Drill 2: Side Control Escape (re-guard)
Drill 3: Back Control Escape (bridge) - Keep Hooks
Mat Chat: Mental Preparation
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week: 11
Boxing: Numbers (1-4)
Kickboxing: Numbers (1-4)
Combo: The Bas
Mat Chat: Traits of Successful Leaders
Question of the week! Is it ever a mental challenge to train hard with someone you are friendly with? How do you find that balance between pushing yourself and others while still being a good training partner?
Adult Program Curriculum - 10/5/25
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)
B (Thur/Sat)
* One Stripe
** Two Stripes
***Three Stripes
**** Four Stripes
White Belt Must Know
Adult Gi Intermediate - Week 22:
Kimura Locks from Side Control
Adult NoGi Intermediate - Week 22:
Chokes from Side Control
Adult Gi Study with Professor Russ:
Passing Lasso Guard
Adult NoGi Study with Coach John:
Tarikoplata (legs Kimura) and Armlock from North South
Striking:
Boxing: Single Punch Series
Kickboxing: Hook, low kick, hook, switch kick
Combo: The Dekkers
❗❗** Announcements **❗❗
TAP CANCER OUT TEAM COMPETITION
When: Saturday, October 11th
Where: Oak Lawn Pavilion in Oak Lawn
Register HERE
POST COMPETITION TEAM DINNER
When: Saturday, October 11th @ 6PM
Where: PEPE’S Mexican Restaurant in Tinley Park
RSVP HERE
PROMOTION CEREMONY
When: Saturday, November 15th @ 11AM
Tap Cancer Out Tournament is coming up fast! Here are some things you need to do before then as well as some important dates and deadlines.
Immediately!
Create a login and fighter profile on Smoothcomp ! This should include information such as name, age, rank, and academy.
RSVP to the team dinner at Competition Team Dinner | ROL Academy
Tuesday 10/7 - Registration Closes
Friday 10/10 5pm-6:30p OPTIONAL EARLY WEIGH IN
Friday 10/10 - Last night to fundraise and earn perks for $1000 or less. You can pick up your swag when you arrive at the tournament in the morning. If you raise $2k and earn a gi, they will email you and have it shipped to you.
Saturday 10/11 - COMPETITION! Team dinner at 6!
Let me know if you have any questions!!!
Good luck to all our fighters! Thanks to everyone for your support!
Kids Program Curriculum - 10/5/25
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 4
Mat Chat: Self-Defense
Kids Fundamentals:
Week 4
Mat Chat: Self-Defense
Teens Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)
B (Thur/Sat)
Kids Intermediate:
Week 17 - Back Control Escapes
Kids Advanced:
Week 17 - Back Control Escapes
Takedown: Collar Drag
Kids Competition Class:
NO CLASS--TAP CANCER OUT TEAM COMPETITION
Kids/Teens Striking:
Week: 10
Boxing: Single Punch Series
Kickboxing: Hook, low kick, hook, switch kick
Combo: The Dekkers
Mat Chat: Be Real. Be Reliable.