Which concept took you the longest to understand, and what finally made it click?

Prof. Thomas’s workshop on July 18, 2026, centered on achieving complete domination without relying on a guard pass. The lesson emphasized closing distance, denying space, and using pressure to prevent your partner from rebuilding frames or recovering position. Prof. Thomas showed how controlling the hips and shoulders limits movement, weakens defensive reactions, and creates a platform for advancement. Rather than rushing from one position to another, students learned to stay connected, adjust their weight, and make every movement purposeful. Hip control stopped rotation and escape, while shoulder control redirected posture and exposed the neck and arms. These controls were presented not simply as ways to hold a partner down, but as opportunities to submit. By maintaining tight connection and reading reactions, students could transition smoothly into chokes, arm locks, and other finishes. The workshop reinforced a clear principle: dominate first, remove space, control the body, and let the submission appear.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV 
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-07-18-thomas-rozdzynski

Community Question

If you could spend a week on a Jiu Jitsu retreat anywhere in the world, where would you go, and which instructor would you want to learn from?

Go beyond simply naming a destination or instructor, tell us what makes them your choice. Is it their teaching style, technical approach, academy culture, or something else that inspires you?

On June 13, 2026, Russell U. shared a detailed seminar focused on practical methods for opening and passing the closed guard. Rather than relying on strength or speed, Professor Russ emphasized posture, pressure, and controlling key points of the body to create consistent passing opportunities.

The seminar explored multiple guard-opening options, including traditional openings as well as alternative pressure-based methods for dealing with opponents who have a particularly strong closed guard. A major theme was maintaining solid structure, protecting against common submissions, and transitioning immediately into effective passing positions once the guard is opened. Russ also discussed common mistakes, such as exposing the arms during standing guard breaks, and demonstrated how proper positioning minimizes risk while maximizing control. Throughout the seminar, students learned how to combine strong fundamentals with intelligent pressure, giving them a systematic approach to breaking the closed guard and advancing into dominant top positions against resisting opponents.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV 
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-06-13-russell-usauskas

Robert Drysdale’s June 8, 2026 seminar was an incredible look at turtle position and back control. One of the biggest takeaways was that before we rush to take the back or hunt for the choke, we first need to understand how to control the turtle position properly. Professor Drysdale broke it down in a very practical way, showing that turtle control is the building block that creates better back attacks.

The seminar was a great reminder that strong Jiu Jitsu is not about forcing the finish. It is about control, patience, awareness, and creating the right opportunity to advance.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV 
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-06-08-robert-drysdale

We’re excited to announce that brand-new NoGi Arm Locks  has just been added to the RŌL TV Library!

Whether you’re new to arm locks or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this series was designed with every level of practitioner in mind. We break down the essential mechanics behind effective arm locks, explain the key concepts that make them work, and explore a variety of entries and finishing positions from throughout the Jiu Jitsu game.

From top positions to transitions and dynamic opportunities during live training, you’ll learn how to identify, control, and finish arm locks with greater confidence and precision.

The best part? This series is truly for everyone. Regardless of your rank, experience level, age, or training style, the concepts and details covered will help improve your understanding and application of one of Jiu Jitsu’s most fundamental submissions.

https://rolacademy.tv/categories/just-added

What’s the best advice a coach or training partner ever gave you?

It could be technical, mental, or something about training that stuck with you over the years.

Maybe it changed how you roll. Maybe it changed how you think about Jiu Jitsu altogether.

Share it below and if you remember who said it, give them a shoutout.

On April 14, Scott Tresch taught an outstanding seminar focused on controlling situations and building a strong foundation in Jiu Jitsu. The workshop emphasized core principles, positional awareness, and fundamental concepts that are essential for long-term growth in the art.

A must-see for all beginners looking to develop confidence, understanding, and a solid base in their Jiu Jitsu journey.

Seminar is now available on RŌL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-04-18-scott-tresch

Professor Thomas Rozdzynski’s “You Are Framed” seminar at Rough Hands BJJ delivered a clear, concept-driven approach to one of the most essential elements in Jiu-Jitsu, framing. Rather than focusing on isolated techniques, the seminar emphasized understanding how and why frames work, giving students tools they could apply across all positions.

Now available on RŌL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2026-04-17-thomas-rozdzynski-you-are-framed

Here’s a simple question for this week…

What made you start Jiu Jitsu?

For some, it was a specific goal, losing weight, getting active, or improving health. For others, it may have been encouragement from friends, or a desire to learn self-defense.

Take a moment to reflect and share your story. It’s always powerful to look back at where it all started.