A few things come to mind when I think about staying calm under pressure. The first question to ask ourselves is: why do we panic?

Picture this: a piece of lumber, 12 inches wide and 10 feet long, lying flat on the ground. Walking across it would be simple for most of us. Now, take that exact same piece of wood and raise it 50 feet in the air. Suddenly, everything changes. It’s the same board, same size, same walk — the only difference is the height. But with that change, fear, hesitation, and panic often set in.

Why? Because our brains are wired to protect us. When we sense risk or the unknown, fight-or-flight mode kicks in, even if the actual task hasn’t changed. The same thing happens in Jiu Jitsu. Many times we panic or overreact not because the danger is greater, but because we’re uncomfortable with the position we’re in.

So how do we overcome that? Instead of focusing only on winning, train your brain to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. 

“Mission First, Safety Always” - I love this

Russell Usauskas and Tim Jurgovan that's a good one

I’ve seen this sooo many time and I could watch it again and again

https://youtu.be/15A1KN6yCCs?si=zdZ0mk3fahogmhHS

This week we’ll be breaking down the key differences between the Anaconda, D’Arce, and Guillotine. Each of these submissions is not only a powerful way to finish but also an important point of control. Understanding the mechanics, grips, and body positioning that make them unique will give you options to attack and adjust no matter how your partner defends.

Let’s dig deep into the details and sharpen these essential tools! 💪

I truly love helping people and watching everyone grow in their own way.  Each of us has different milestones and paths, but seeing that progress is always inspiring. There’s no doubt that the strength of our community — and the motivation we find in doing hard things together — is what keeps us connected and moving forward. 💪✨

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback about the private lessons.  Awesome job Scott Tresch

oooo this is a good one... 

Before training, I always warm up — some of you joke about it 😆, but trust me, if I skip it, I’m not a happy human the next day. I like to think of it as starting the engines before the real work begins.

After training, the routine flips: first, I give my training partner a nice, sweaty hug (you’re welcome 😂), then I jot down notes on my session to track what I learned or need to improve. And if I’m in California? You know where to find me — Acai Café, enjoying a well-deserved açaí bowl (Jimmy Sinclair and Peter Thanos know what I'm talking about)

I love visiting academies around the world — it’s so cool to see how others teach, train, and build their communities. If you’re planning to visit a new academy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Remember you’re a guest 🤝

This is their playground, so respect is key. Call ahead if you can, introduce yourself when you arrive, and keep things light and playful.

2. Learn the rules of engagement 📋

Every academy is different — some have strict rules, others are super relaxed. Knowing what to expect will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Build connections 💬

The most important part — make friends and stay in touch. You never know when your paths might cross again, and those connections can turn into lifelong friendships.

The unfortunate reality of Jiu Jitsu is that people will come and go. Along the way, we build friendships and create meaningful relationships. I’ve always believed that people enter our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Not everyone is meant to stay forever, and that’s okay—sometimes the impact they leave is the very reason our paths were meant to cross.

Over 25 years on the mat and more than a decade at RŌL Academy, I’ve been fortunate to connect with incredible individuals and share experiences that I’ll never forget. I consider myself extremely lucky, because not every relationship lasts forever, but each one leaves a mark.

I always try to find the positive in every situation. Even when people move on, I truly value the time we shared, the impact they made, and the lessons I’ve learned from them. For that reason, I hold the people around me in the highest regard and deeply appreciate every single one of them.