Thomas Rozdzynski

Frankfort, IL, United States

www.rolacademy.com www.rolacademy.tv www.therolradio.com

10 Sep 13:44

I 100% agree with the other guys. The sport aspect of Jiu-Jitsu makes sitting and pulling guard very appealing. In addition, I do believe that, in general, many people simply don’t want to spend a significant amount of time training stand-up.

Robert Drysdale actually talked about this the last time he was here. When you watch the lighter weight divisions, guard pulling is extremely common because of the dynamics of controlling and attacking from the guard.

However, when you look at the heavier divisions, the dynamics change significantly. Passing, weight distribution, and utilizing gravity become much more important. There is a greater emphasis on controlling the opponent through pressure, positioning, and the effective use of body weight.

I think that difference in dynamics is one of the most interesting aspects of how Jiu-Jitsu evolves across different weight classes.

Reply

10 Sep 13:39

Adult Jiu Jitsu will be full of Kimura Locks, see you guys are 7pm

31 Aug 12:54

Passing system in the Interm class this week

10 Aug 21:12

Keep your friends close but your elbow closer!!! 

09 Aug 20:53

We are starting 6week Half Guard block in the Interm class. Lots of details and lots of drilling. Join me. 

Posted

03 Aug 09:00

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

5

02 Aug 17:24

For the past few weeks, we’ve been focused on developing strong top control in our Intermediate classes. This week, we’re taking the next step.

We’ll be building complete top dominance by progressing to high mount, isolating the arms, eliminating escape options, establishing overwhelming control, and finishing with a submission.

The goal isn’t just to submit your opponent. It’s to make them carry your pressure, take away their choices, and create a position where the submission becomes inevitable.

Don’t miss this class. Be there.

01 Aug 14:20

Great week ahead 

Reply

Posted

27 Jul 13:46

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