oooo this is a good one... 

Before training, I always warm up — some of you joke about it 😆, but trust me, if I skip it, I’m not a happy human the next day. I like to think of it as starting the engines before the real work begins.

After training, the routine flips: first, I give my training partner a nice, sweaty hug (you’re welcome 😂), then I jot down notes on my session to track what I learned or need to improve. And if I’m in California? You know where to find me — Acai Café, enjoying a well-deserved açaí bowl (Jimmy Sinclair and Peter Thanos know what I'm talking about)

I love visiting academies around the world — it’s so cool to see how others teach, train, and build their communities. If you’re planning to visit a new academy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Remember you’re a guest 🤝

This is their playground, so respect is key. Call ahead if you can, introduce yourself when you arrive, and keep things light and playful.

2. Learn the rules of engagement 📋

Every academy is different — some have strict rules, others are super relaxed. Knowing what to expect will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Build connections 💬

The most important part — make friends and stay in touch. You never know when your paths might cross again, and those connections can turn into lifelong friendships.

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.