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Oh — you’re in for a treat this week. For the next two weeks we’re focusing on leg locks. Yes — I usually leave leg attacks to Russell Usauskas, but we’re diving into entries, control points, and progressive leg-lock sequences. Come ready to learn and drill!

Important week ahead! 💪

In Gi classes, we’ll focus on side control escapes, emphasizing the importance of underhooks to create space, recover guard, or start your own attacks.

In No-Gi, we’ll explore a variety of transitions to the top and back, sharpening your ability to control, and capitalize on momentum.

Bring your focus, stay disciplined, and let’s keep improving together! 👊🏻

We’re Digging Deep This Week 🔥

In our Gi Intermediate class, we’ll be focusing on Knee on Belly control and attacks. It might sound simple and even a little trivial — but trust me, if you show up, I’ll change your mind. 

Our NoGi sessions will emphasize escapes, using frames and butterfly hooks as key tools to create movement and regain control.

Bring your focus, energy, and curiosity, let’s keep sharpening your game.

See you on the mats this week! 👊🏻

Connections and attachment has been very fascinating topic for me lately.  I recently had an opportunity to watch Scott Burr teach it. Very, very interesting... 

I feel like there are multiple questions wrapped into this one. But to start with - yes! Over my time on the mat, I’ve developed systems and processes not only to understand Jiu-Jitsu better, but to make it more efficient, effective, and enjoyable.

These systems have evolved constantly, adapting, changing, and improving over the years. That’s why I always encourage students to focus on one small area at a time. Build your own system (whatever system means to you). That focus allows you to create something truly unique, something that fits your body, your mind, and your personality.

From there, growth becomes more natural. You can continue to build, refine, and evolve and ultimately, keep doing what we all love.

I feel like this is such a loaded question... there have been so many lessons over my 25 years on the mat. But if I had to narrow it down, a few stand out the most.

First, I’ve learned that we are all capable of doing hard things. Jiu-Jitsu is complex, but it can be understood and even simplified with time, patience, and persistence. That lesson didn’t come easy to me.

Second, public speaking. To this day, I’m terrified every time I stand in front of a class, especially at big events like graduations or promotions. It never fully goes away, but I’ve learned to embrace it.

And third, perhaps the most important one... something a guest once said on The RŌL Radio podcast that stuck with me: Jiu-Jitsu magnifies your personality. If you’re a good person, Jiu-Jitsu will make you even better. But if you’re not, it has a way of exposing that and showing everyone your true colors.

Let's go team 👊

After 3 weeks of Turtle, we’re moving on to Side Control!

Side control is arguably one of the most important positions in Jiu Jitsu and grappling. Over the next few weeks, we’ll break it down step by step.

This week our focus will be on escapes. Both Gi and NoGi classes will include plenty of drills designed to sharpen your ability to get out and recover.

👉 If you’ve been looking to improve your escapes, this is the perfect week to join class!

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/side-control-escapes-series-by-thomas-rozdzynski?category_id=89231

Training hard doesn’t mean being rough or careless with our partners, and being a great training partner doesn’t mean going easy. It’s about balance. A true partner is someone who can push you to your limits without breaking you down… someone who supports, challenges, and motivates you when it matters most. We spend countless hours on the mats together, and through that we build strong bonds. Just as being a good friend is important, being a good training partner is equally essential. Together, we help each other grow.