Years ago Prof Adem Redzovic said "keep your friend close, but your elbow closer". It stuck with me until today. 

This was truly one of the best seminars we’ve ever hosted at RŌL. I loved the simplicity and clarity of the techniques, and Mike’s instruction and engagement were absolutely top-notch. He’s not only an incredible instructor but also a genuinely great human being. Thank you Mike Mahaffey for sharing your Jiu Jitsu with us. 

💥 Solid week ahead, especially with our focus on Guard Passing.

🗣 I think the mat chat will be a powerful one too — “weakness” isn’t always an easy topic to discuss, and it’s a conversation many tend to avoid. Let’s approach it with openness and growth in mind.

💪 Let’s run great classes this week and make a real impact on our students.

🔥 Great week ahead!

🥋 Gi Intermediate classes will focus on Lapel Chokes — one of my favorite attack chains.

🔗 Check out some of my top picks here: https://rolacademy.tv/programs/loop-choke-from-guard-f64904

🤼 NoGi Intermediate ties in perfectly with Prof. Russell Usauskas Advanced class this week.

We’ll be diving into the puzzle of passing the 50/50 Guard 🧩 — and we’re going to break it down piece by piece.

🔗 Explore here: https://rolacademy.tv/categories/just-added?search=50-50

Let’s sharpen those skills and make every round count 

That’s a slow way to go Pedro Kialanda 😂 

That’s a lot of arm locks, better defend it well 😂 

Turns out, Russell Usauskas, my imagination was doing somersaults when I asked that question—I know it wouldn't be some sneaky wrist lock (I know, shocker 😆).

If we’re talking about a real ‘ah-ha!’ technique, it’s the classic cross choke from guard. Most beginners think it’s all about the choke itself, but the secret sauce is distance control and posture. Get those two right and the choke practically installs itself. So yeah, cross choke: simple, savage, and an incredible lesson in how tiny hip shifts and posture breaks win the day.

This is a good one, I want to see the result on this one

I never expected Jiu Jitsu to become my life—at least not in the beginning. But pretty early on, I knew it was something I’d be doing for a long time.

I still remember it like it was yesterday: I was paired up with Miguel Torres (if you don’t know who that is, Google him). He tapped me out a dozen times, and I had no idea what was happening to me. It was humbling, confusing, and a little surreal.

Afterward, sitting alone in the locker room, I kept replaying it in my head. I thought to myself, “What just happened? How is it possible that someone half my size can control me like that?”

Right then and there, I knew—I needed to understand this more. That moment lit a fire that’s been burning ever since.

I’m stoked for this week’s intermediate classes — both Gi and NoGi will focus on guard passing.

In NoGi, we’ll break down smash and pressure passing, one of my favorite ways to control and wear down opponents.

In the Gi, we’ll study underhook-based passing, a super effective way to dismantle frames and advance position.

I’ll be sharing some of my most trusted and battle-tested passing systems — don’t miss it. Make sure you’re there! 👊