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

Question of the week! Do you have a specific pathway in your mind you are trying to follow when you start a roll with someone? For me lately it’s been trying to get back takes from any and all positions I find myself in. I find that when I have my partner in back control this is where I find the most success in controlling and ultimately submitting my partner. What about you? 

Kids Program Curriculum - 10/19/25

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 6

• Side Control Escape (shoulder pressure)

• Mat Chat: Bullying

Kids Fundamentals:
Week 6

• Arm Lock from Knee on Belly (far)

• Side Control Escape (shoulder pressure)

• Mat Chat: Bullying

Teens Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)

• Head Lock Escape (lean forward)

• Head Lock Escape (lean backward)

• Transition from Side to Top Control

B (Thur/Sat)

• Standing Head Lock Defense (no strikes)

• Side Control Escape (belt grip)

• Side Control Escape (single leg)

Kids Intermediate:
Week 19 - Back Control Transitions

• Takedown: Headlock Escapes (without strikes)

• Transition from Guard to Back Control

• Transition from Top Control to Back Control

Kids Advanced:
Week 19 - Back Control Transitions

• Takedown: Headlock Escapes (without strikes)

• Transition from Guard to Back Control

• Transition from Top Control to Back Control

Kids Competition Class:
Week 14  - Knee on Belly - Control with Pressure

• Drill 1: Knee on Belly Switch

• Drill 2: Knee on Belly Arm Lock Control with Pressure

• Drill 3: Knee on Belly Hold  

• Mat Chat: Pressure vs. Control

Kids/Teens Striking:
Week: 12

• Boxing: Numbers (1-5)

• Kickboxing: Numbers (1-5) + Kick

• Combo: The Dutch Drill

• Mat Chat: Osu!

Adult Program Curriculum - 10/19/25

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)

• Head Lock Escape (lean forward)

• Head Lock Escape (lean backward)

• Transition from Side to Top Control

B (Thur/Sat)

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

• Side Control Escape (belt grip)**

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

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

White Belt Must Know

Adult Gi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 24:

• Side Control Escapes - Mastering the Undertook

Adult NoGi Intermediate with Professor Thomas - Week 24:

• Transition to Top and Back

Adult Gi Study with Professor Russ:

• Knee Cut Passing

Striking with Coach Johnny:

• Boxing: Numbers (1-5)

• Kickboxing: Numbers (1-5) + Kick

• Combo: The Dutch Drill

❗❗** Announcements **❗❗

PROMOTION CEREMONY

• When: Saturday, November 15th @ 11AM

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. 

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.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-10-04-jesse-walker

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

• Kimura Lock from Side Control 

• Mat Chat: Community and Team

Kids Fundamentals:
Week 5

• Kimura Lock from Side Control 

• Side Control Escape (double under)

• Mat Chat: Community and Team

Teens Fundamentals:
A (Mon/Wed)

• Front Bear Hug Defense

• Guillotine Choke from Guard

• Turtle Escape - Knee Grip

B (Thur/Sat)

• Rear Naked Choke Defense

• Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

• Arm Behind the Head Choke

Kids Intermediate:
Week 18 - Back Control Escapes

• Takedown: Bearhug Escape (with arms)

• Back Control Escape (strong seatbelt grip)

• Back Control Escape (arm trap)

Kids Advanced:
Week 18 - Back Control Escapes

• Takedown: Collar Drag

• Back Control Escape (strong seatbelt grip)

• Back Control Escape (arm trap)

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

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)

• Front Bear Hug Defense

• Guillotine Choke from Guard

• Turtle Escape Knee Grip

B (Thur/Sat)

• Rear Naked Choke Defense ***

• Rear Naked Choke (RNC) ***

• Arm Behind the Head Choke

* One Stripe

** Two Stripes

***Three Stripes 

**** Four Stripes

White Belt Must Know

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

Have you reached a point in your Jiu Jitsu journey where you have a game/system when you are rolling? What factors contributed to developing it? Has it remained the same or has it changed as your experience has changed? 

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.