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.

I’m an avid reader — you’ll often find me lost in a book, whether I’m at home or tucked into a corner of my favorite coffee shop (yes, I’m a big fan of great coffee too!). When I’m not reading, I love spending quality time hanging out with my boys.

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