Thomas Rozdzynski

Frankfort, IL, United States

www.rolacademy.com www.rolacademy.tv www.therolradio.com

Posted

08 Jul 16:39

On June 13, 2026, Russell U. shared a detailed seminar focused on practical methods for opening and passing the closed guard. Rather than relying on strength or speed, Professor Russ emphasized posture, pressure, and controlling key points of the body to create consistent passing opportunities.

The seminar explored multiple guard-opening options, including traditional openings as well as alternative pressure-based methods for dealing with opponents who have a particularly strong closed guard. A major theme was maintaining solid structure, protecting against common submissions, and transitioning immediately into effective passing positions once the guard is opened. Russ also discussed common mistakes, such as exposing the arms during standing guard breaks, and demonstrated how proper positioning minimizes risk while maximizing control. Throughout the seminar, students learned how to combine strong fundamentals with intelligent pressure, giving them a systematic approach to breaking the closed guard and advancing into dominant top positions against resisting opponents.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV 
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-06-13-russell-usauskas

07 Jul 08:04

For me, it depends on what I’m working on at the time. I always try to go into sparring with a purpose instead of just trying to win. Usually, I’ll focus on one area for a week or two, whether it’s guard retention, passing, escapes, or controlling a position, so I get enough reps to really improve. I might make small adjustments depending on who I’m training with, but my main focus usually stays the same. Having a clear goal has always helped me get more out of every round than just chasing control.

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05 Jul 21:07

Teaching is one of the fastest ways to improve your Jiu Jitsu because it forces you to truly understand what you know. Explaining techniques requires you to organize your thoughts, identify the underlying concepts, and answer questions that expose gaps in your own understanding. Demonstrating techniques repeatedly also refines your mechanics and attention to detail. Teaching students of different sizes, skill levels, and learning styles broadens your perspective and deepens your ability to adapt.

Should teaching be required for promotion to black belt? Not every black belt needs to become a full-time instructor, but every black belt should be capable of teaching the fundamentals. A black belt represents more than technical ability, it represents leadership, knowledge, and stewardship of the art. Even occasional coaching or assisting classes develops a deeper level of mastery and helps ensure the next generation of practitioners continues to grow.

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23 Jun 15:19

This is really good question John K.

Over the years, my approach to Jiu Jitsu has shifted from trying to train as much as possible to training as consistently as possible. Early on, Jiu Jitsu often came first, but now I focus on balancing training with work, family, and recovery. Some weeks I train more, some less, but I make sure to stay connected to the mats. I’ve learned that quality, consistency, and longevity matter far more than volume. Taking care of recovery and mobility allows me to enjoy Jiu Jitsu for the long run rather than burning out trying to do everything at once.

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Posted

22 Jun 09:00

Robert Drysdale’s June 8, 2026 seminar was an incredible look at turtle position and back control. One of the biggest takeaways was that before we rush to take the back or hunt for the choke, we first need to understand how to control the turtle position properly. Professor Drysdale broke it down in a very practical way, showing that turtle control is the building block that creates better back attacks.

The seminar was a great reminder that strong Jiu Jitsu is not about forcing the finish. It is about control, patience, awareness, and creating the right opportunity to advance.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV 
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-06-08-robert-drysdale

18 Jun 14:04

Butterfly Guard system next 2 weeks in the Interm class. Great opportunity to control and reverse your partner. 

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Mario Lopez is solid 

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Tom Hardy is a monster, that would be cool 👊🏻

Posted

15 Jun 19:27

We’re excited to announce that brand-new NoGi Arm Locks  has just been added to the RŌL TV Library!

Whether you’re new to arm locks or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this series was designed with every level of practitioner in mind. We break down the essential mechanics behind effective arm locks, explain the key concepts that make them work, and explore a variety of entries and finishing positions from throughout the Jiu Jitsu game.

From top positions to transitions and dynamic opportunities during live training, you’ll learn how to identify, control, and finish arm locks with greater confidence and precision.

The best part? This series is truly for everyone. Regardless of your rank, experience level, age, or training style, the concepts and details covered will help improve your understanding and application of one of Jiu Jitsu’s most fundamental submissions.

https://rolacademy.tv/categories/just-added

08 Jun 21:40

Keep you friends close and your elbows closer. One of the most important concepts in Jiu Jitsu. 

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