Thomas Rozdzynski

Frankfort, IL, United States

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

23 Jun 12:38

Alright team, this is the week to dig deep and put in that focused work šŸ’Ŗ

Gi Intermediate will center around Gift Wrap Attacks — we’ll explore how to control our partner with precision and transition into strong finishing options from dominant positions.

NoGi Intermediate will focus on S-Mount Escapes, emphasizing how to take advantage of small spaces and low-friction opportunities to safely exit a compromised position.

I highly encourage you to review the videos ahead of time and come in with a plan. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of each session. Let’s keep leveling up — see you on the mats!

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23 Jun 12:32

This is such a deep question—my mind is spinning in ten different directions. Are we talking about the last roll because we’re no longer here… or the last one because we physically can’t anymore? I guess either way, the end is the end. Grrr, Scott Tresch you’re really messing with my head on this one.

But if I’m being honest—and getting a little sentimental—I’d choose my kids. If it’s truly my final roll on the mats, I want to share that moment with them. I’d want them to remember the connection, the joy, and the love that Jiu Jitsu brought us together. What better way to say goodbye to the mats than with them by my side?

20 Jun 08:42

Over the past 25 years on the mat, I’ve learned so many lessons—but the one that stands out the most is the ability to make rational decisions and solve problems under intense stress.

Making choices was something I always struggled with when I was younger. But Jiu Jitsu gave me a way to develop that skill. It taught me how to pause, evaluate a situation, come up with different options, and—most importantly—choose the one that fits best in the moment.

That ability has carried over into every part of my life.

Jimmy Sinclair - you it

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Really great points, Peter Thanos . The importance of warming up and cooling down can’t be overstated—and as I get older, I find myself valuing those moments even more. Thanks for sharing your insight and helping keep the focus on longevity and smart training.

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This is huge guys, so many underestimate thisĀ 

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15 Jun 22:21

This is a very important question—most people hit a rough patch, disconnect, and eventually quit Jiu Jitsu.

If you can’t train like you want—whether it’s injury, life, or anything else—stay connected by doing what you can:

āœ… Watch instructionals or matches

āœ… Journal and reflect

āœ… Visualize reps and rolls

āœ… Stay active with light movement or mobility

āœ… Show up and support your team

It’s just a season. Don’t disappear. Your journey isn’t over!

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15 Jun 19:42

šŸ”„ NoGi Intermediate Focus This Week šŸ”„

We’re putting in work from Top Control — one of the most dominant positions in NoGi.

This week’s focus: attacks like Armlocks and Kimuras that break down defenses and finish fights. šŸ¦šŸ’Ŗ

It’s all about pressure, precision, and staying one step ahead.

Be ready to control, isolate, and attack. Let’s sharpen your top game! šŸ› ļø

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15 Jun 19:41

🧠 GI Intermediate Focus This Week 🧠

We’re diving into escaping the S-Mount — one of the tightest and most dangerous control positions in Jiu Jitsu.

Our main focus will be using Deep Half Guard to not just survive, but reverse the pressure and create sweeping opportunities.

This one’s all about staying calm under fire and turning defense into offense. Let’s sharpen the details and expand your options from bad spots! šŸ”„šŸ’„

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Russell UsauskasĀ -Ā Joint manipulations are generally quicker than strangulations due to the way they affect the body. When a wrist lock or arm lock is applied, the nervous system reacts immediately—pain is the instant response. This sharp feedback loop doesn’t exist in the same way with strangulations. Chokes require more precision and control, and often take longer to take effect. Rather than causing immediate pain, they work by restricting blood flow, eventually leading to unconsciousness.

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10 Jun 14:54

This is a great question and I agree with Peter Thanos Ā and Marc HansenĀ white belt is often considered the most difficult rank in jiu jitsu — not because of technical complexity, but because of the mental and emotional challenges it brings. At this stage, everything is new: the movements, the language, the intensity, and the discomfort of being a beginner. Progress can feel slow 🐢, and frustration is common as white belts struggle to survive against more experienced training partners.

There’s also the internal battle — managing ego, dealing with failure, and staying motivated when wins are rare. Injuries can happen more easily due to tension and inexperience, and it’s easy to doubt yourself or question if jiu jitsu is for you.

But pushing through this phase builds the foundation 🧱 for everything that follows. Those who stick with it learn resilience, patience, and humility — traits that matter just as much as any technique.

Keep on trainingĀ šŸ‘Š

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