Thomas Rozdzynski

Frankfort, IL, United States

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

25 Sep 15:42

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.

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I didn't know this... I learned something new today. Thank you for sharing

21 Sep 13:15

Final week 🐢 focusing on Turtle position in both Gi and NoGi. Let’s wrap this segment up strong by dialing in the key points for control and attack.

As a bonus, here’s a valuable concept we can all benefit from 👉 https://rolacademy.tv/programs/turtle-concepts-af9598

Let’s finish this segment with precision 💪🔥

20 Sep 15:37

Great question. There are many skills you need in Jiu Jitsu—strength, timing, flexibility, strategy—but if I had to choose the number one intangible skillset, it would be patience.

It keeps you calm when learning, prevents panic in tough positions, and allows you to wait for the right openings instead of forcing things. With patience, you stay consistent over years, turning small steps into big progress.

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A few things come to mind when I think about staying calm under pressure. The first question to ask ourselves is: why do we panic?

Picture this: a piece of lumber, 12 inches wide and 10 feet long, lying flat on the ground. Walking across it would be simple for most of us. Now, take that exact same piece of wood and raise it 50 feet in the air. Suddenly, everything changes. It’s the same board, same size, same walk — the only difference is the height. But with that change, fear, hesitation, and panic often set in.

Why? Because our brains are wired to protect us. When we sense risk or the unknown, fight-or-flight mode kicks in, even if the actual task hasn’t changed. The same thing happens in Jiu Jitsu. Many times we panic or overreact not because the danger is greater, but because we’re uncomfortable with the position we’re in.

So how do we overcome that? Instead of focusing only on winning, train your brain to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. 

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“Mission First, Safety Always” - I love this

Russell Usauskas and Tim Jurgovan that's a good one

09 Sep 14:57

I’ve seen this sooo many time and I could watch it again and again

https://youtu.be/15A1KN6yCCs?si=zdZ0mk3fahogmhHS

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08 Sep 16:35

This week we’ll be breaking down the key differences between the Anaconda, D’Arce, and Guillotine. Each of these submissions is not only a powerful way to finish but also an important point of control. Understanding the mechanics, grips, and body positioning that make them unique will give you options to attack and adjust no matter how your partner defends.

Let’s dig deep into the details and sharpen these essential tools! 💪

05:06

Anaconda Vs Darce Vs Brabo ...

In the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, three popular and...

Posted

05 Sep 09:00

On August 25, 2025, RŌL Academy had the honor of hosting Professor Felipe Simplicio for a special seminar focused on the De La Riva X sweeping system. Felipe brought world-class knowledge and broke down this complex guard in a way that was easy to understand and apply. He guided us through the fundamentals of establishing strong grips, maintaining balance in the position, and then layering in high-percentage sweeps designed to off-balance and control even the toughest opponents.

The entire event is available now on RŌL TV
https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-08-25-felipe-simplicio