The ROL Radio - Hosted by Thomas Rozdzynski
The RŌL Radio Show, hosted by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Thomas Rozdzynski of RŌL Academy, offers compelling conversations with guests from the worlds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and beyond. The podcast goes beyond techniques and competition results to explore the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of individuals connected to the art. Each episode delivers a powerful narrative experience, revealing the lessons, struggles, and transformations that happen off the mat.
Episodes
#314 Elion Junior Reis
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas’ guest shares his journey from being an overweight, shy boy in Brazil to a successful Jiu Jitsu black belt in the US, and how he overcame physical and mental challenges along the way. His story highlights the importance of resilience, risk-taking, and the transformative power of martial arts.Here is The RŌL Radio with personal trainer, first degree bjj black
#313 Carl Fagnant
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest discuss the intricacies of refereeing in jiu-jitsu competitions, the importance of understanding the rules, and how the structure of competitions affects both competitors and referees. They explore the balance between entertainment and competition, the evolution of jiu-jitsu rules, and the impact of high-level competition on training metho
#312 Rickson Gracie
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, legendary figure Rickson Gracie shares his insights on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu from a martial art focused on self-defense to a competitive sport. He emphasizes the importance of 'invisible jiu-jitsu,' which encompasses the mental and emotional aspects of martial arts, such as patience, strategy, and timing. He reflects on the need to reconnect wit
#311 Gerson Carvalho
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his inspiring journey through Jiu-Jitsu, detailing how it transformed his life and shaped his identity. He discusses the profound impact of his mother's nurturing influence, how Jiu-Jitsu became a means of self-defense and personal growth and his dream of moving to Dubai to support his family. Throughout the discussion, he reflects on
#310 Ninja Pinto
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares insights on how he manages a busy life filled with teaching, training, and family. He emphasizes the importance of time management, routine, and discipline in achieving success, particularly in Jiu Jitsu. He also shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to the United States, detailing his passion for martial arts, particularly Jiu-Jitsu an
#309 Ben Kool
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the nuances of teaching and learning in jiu-jitsu, discussing the significance of titles, the necessity of critical thinking for instructors, and the evolving nature of jiu-jitsu instruction. They also explore the journey of transitioning from a stable career to opening a jiu-jitsu academy and discuss the fears and challen
#308 Eduardo Santoro
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey in jiu-jitsu, starting from his introduction to the sport in 1993 in São Paulo. He discusses the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of competition, and how it has shaped his life and teaching philosophy. He emphasizes the need for clear communication belt promotions and the varying learning paces of students. He also shares
#307 Tony Ng
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas’ guest shares his inspiring journey through decades of practicing jiu-jitsu, overcoming setbacks, and the profound impact that lineage and mentorship has on students. He dicusses how perseverance, humility, and passion keep him returning to the mat, and the valuable lessons he has learned that will benefit any martial artist. Here is The RŌL Radio with a man
#306 Denny Sisti
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Thomas’ guest shares his inspiring journey from wrestling to becoming a martial arts instructor in Thailand, highlighting the importance of resilience, passion, and living life on your own terms. They also discuss their passion for instructing and the differences and challenges between teaching kids and adults. Today’s guest also his dream of teaching and living in
#305 Victor Ciocoiu
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the journey of martial arts, emphasizing the importance of simplification, embracing failure, and the role of coaches in student development. His guest also shares his profound journey through martial arts, emphasizing the passion that drives him and the identity he has formed through his practice. He also highlights the lessons of
#304 Brian Johnson
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest delves into his extensive journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, starting from his early days in martial arts to his transformative experiences training with the Machado brothers. He shares his insights on the culture of Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of mentorship, and the legacy of the pioneers in the sport. He reflects on how learning has evolved with tec
#303 Tum Energia
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the intricate relationship between coaching and individual needs in Jiu-Jitsu. They emphasize the importance of understanding each student's unique journey and how effective coaching goes beyond just technique. They discuss the challenges faced in martial arts and life, the necessity of overcoming adversity, and how d
#302 Jared Welman
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest discusses the realities of teaching Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the challenges and demands that come with the role. He shares his journey from being a hobbyist to becoming an instructor at a prestigious academy, highlighting the importance of consistency and commitment in training. The discussion also touches on the unique accessibility of Jiu-Jitsu c
#301 Natasha Franks
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares her inspiring journey in martial arts, detailing her experiences from starting jiu-jitsu later in life to achieving multiple black belts. She discusses the emotional significance of promotions, the challenges faced by women in martial arts, and the importance of continuous learning. She also emphasizes the value of perseverance, the need f
#300 Will Weisser
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the multifaceted nature of Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing its scientific aspects, personal journeys, and the ongoing quest for mastery. They discuss how Jiu-Jitsu is not just a physical sport but a complex art that requires mental engagement and understanding of concepts. Today’s guest shares his own journey in Jiu-Jitsu, detailing the uni
Stephan Kesting #213 Re-release
Send us Fan MailThis week we are re-releasing another one of our favorite episodes. So, please enjoy episode #213 Stephan Kesting and you will hear why we enjoy it so much.Today’s guest join us to discuss how online education has revolutionized learning, how cultural influences impact fighting styles, and his hourglass theory of jiu-jitsu.Here is The RŌL Radio with the operator of Grapplearts.com,
Rob Biernacki #226 Re-release
Send us Fan MailThis week we are re-releasing another one of our favorite episodes. So, please enjoy episode #226 Rob Biernacki and you will hear why we enjoy it so much.Today’s guest takes a deep dive into conceptual learning in BJJ, his standards for promoting students, how studying psychology has influenced his jiu-jitsu and the impact ones upbringing has on their resilience.Here is The RŌL Rad
#299 Jay Valko
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest reflects on his 26-year journey in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the evolution of the sport, the complexities of instructor-student relationships, and the impact he has had on his students. He shares insights on the balance between teaching and competing, the role of competition in personal growth, and the future of Jiu-Jitsu as it continues to evolve. H
#298 Shannon White
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from education to becoming a jujitsu instructor, emphasizing the importance of mindset, effort, and self-awareness in mastering martial arts and life. He also shares insights on teaching, learning, competition, and personal growth, as well as his journey through the challenges of learning jujitsu, the importance of hum
#297 Chad Lyman
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares insights into his busy life as a police officer, coach, and family man. He emphasizes the importance of preparedness in law enforcement, the necessity of ongoing training, and the value of consistency in achieving success. He also introduces his formula for success, and discusses the 'Rule of Threes' in training. He also shares
#296 Almiro Barros
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’s guest shares his journey from Brazil to Australia, discussing his early experiences in martial arts, the transition from Judo to Jiu Jitsu, and the importance of instilling discipline in children through martial arts. He reflects on the evolution of Jiu Jitsu, the challenges of teaching, and the future of the sport as it grows in popularity. He also e
#295 Christopher Powell
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’s guest shares his journey through Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the evolution of training styles, the significance of community, and the balance between tradition and innovation in martial arts. The discussion touches on the challenges of parental involvement in youth sports and the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and enjoyment. It also t
#294 Tony Mathers
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’s guest discusses his journey through midlife, the challenges of running multiple businesses, and the underestimation of professional jiu-jitsu. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind techniques, and the complexities of learning Jiu Jitsu based on several variables. Additionally, today’s guest introduces his project, Gr
#293 Erik Butler
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the profound impact of friendship and mentorship in martial arts. His guest shares his journey from being a striker to embracing the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the importance of kindness, humility, and personal growth. He also shares his journey through martial arts, and the motivations that drove him to ov
#292 Jay Zeballos
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, the impact of social media on training, and the importance of community and professionalism in martial arts. They discuss the complexities of learning Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of understanding the art versus the sport. His guest also shares personal anecdotes about support from his wife and
#291 Ricardo Miller
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from Brazil to the United States, detailing his experiences in Jiu Jitsu and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the therapeutic nature of Jiu Jitsu, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of the sport in America. He also emphasizes the significance of trust in training, the commitment required to excel
#290 Nathan Fitch
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through martial arts, discussing his laid-back approach to life, the challenges of procrastination, and the evolution of his training from Aikido to Judo and Muay Thai. He reflects on the transformative experience of traveling to Thailand to train in the birthplace of Muay Thai. He also discusses the significance of mentorship,
#289 Kanan Clarke-Jones
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his insights on the dynamics of teaching Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the differences in energy levels between group and private lessons. and the necessity of keeping students engaged in their learning process. He shares personal experiences from his own journey in martial arts, highlighting the mental aspects of competition and the evolution of
#288 Kyle Kalchbrenner
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his unique journey from wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the challenges and mindset shifts required to excel in both sports. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, reflection, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. The discussion also delves into the dynamics of training in jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the significance of trust am
#287 Alberto Crane
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Alberto Crane returns to share his journey of commitment and resilience in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He discusses the philosophy of going 'all in' on one's passions, the importance of overcoming obstacles, and the evolution of martial arts. Alberto reflects on his experiences leading to his black belt and the changes in the Jiu-Jitsu commu
#286 Andy Lazarit
Send us Fan MailToday’s guest shares his inspiring journey from troubled youth to Muay Thai fighter, coach and mentor. He highlights the transformative power of discipline, community, and purpose and how his experiences shaped his outlook on life, fighting, and helping others.Here is The RŌL Radio with Legacy’s head Muay Thai instructor, the inspirational, Andy Lazarit.This episode on YouTube - ht
#285 Nattie Boss
Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring conversation, Nattie Boss shares her journey from martial arts to self-discovery through Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of routine, presence, and simplicity in life and training, and how discipline, mindset, and understanding your 'why' can transform challenges into growth opportunities.Here is The RŌL Radio with a mom of two, a 1st degree Six Bla
#284 Rafael Lang
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas’ guest shares his journey through Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of positivity, resilience, and community. He discusses how Jiu-Jitsu teaches valuable life lessons, the significance of mentorship, and the role of fundamentals in martial arts. He also highlights the impact of teaching kids, the cultural differences in Jiu-Jitsu, and the challenges of ma
#283 Yaniv Rosenberg
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his inspiring journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a successful jiu-jitsu instructor and mentor. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, health, and discipline in achieving personal growth. He also reflects on his journey to earning his black belt and the lessons learned along the way, culminating in the creation of the 1% Club
#282 Scott Boudreau
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from traditional martial arts to Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the challenges and rewards of teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, consistency, and personal growth in martial arts, while also reflecting on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu as a sport and art form. The discussion touches on the complexities of teac
#281 Johnatha Alves
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Thomas’ guest engages in a deep conversation, exploring his journey from a competitive athlete to a successful instructor and business owner. He shares insights about the transition from being a self-focused competitor to a mentor who prioritizes the growth of others. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and the willingness to face challenges, draw
#280 Fabiano Scherner
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, highlighting the evolution of training methodologies over the years. He reflects on the origins of his nickname 'Take It Easy,' which stemmed from a memorable training session with an MMA legend. He recounts his early days in Jiu-Jitsu, his rapid rise through the
#279 Roosevelt Sousa
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Brazil to becoming a successful Jiu Jitsu champion. He discusses the importance of competition, the influence of his family, and the lessons learned through sports. He emphasizes the significance of mental health in athletic performance and reflects on the role of failure in personal growth.Here
#278 Chad Keel
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest discusses the importance of problem solving and pattern recognition in Jiu-Jitsu. He reflects on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, the significance of community and brotherhood, and the role of grit and commitment in achieving success. He also shares personal stories and insights on parenting, finding purpose, and the responsibilities of instructors in
#277 Steve Maxwell
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his extensive journey through health, wellness, and martial arts. He discusses the importance of morning routines, cold immersion techniques, and the influence of mentors. He reflects on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S., his experiences with the Gracie family, and the early days of the UFC. He emphasizes the significance of training
#276 The 2025 Recap
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and his guest, Patrick Morton look back at the year 2025. They discuss the common themes of the year as well as play some of their favorite clips. So sit back and enjoy The RŌL Radio 2025 Re-cap.www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-ro
Amal Easton #134 Re-release
Send us Fan MailThis week we are re-releasing another one of our favorite episodes. So, please enjoy episode #134 with Amal Easton and you will hear why we enjoy it so much.On this episode, Amal Easton discusses his love of different cultures and traveling, his start in BJJ prior to its growth in the United States, the challenges different generations face on and off the mats, the need to see othe
#275 Kris Olivo
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful jiu-jitsu practitioner and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of trusting the process, embracing uncertainty, and the role of control in his life. He reflects on his military experience, the humbling first day of jiu-jitsu, and the significance of communication in tra
#274 AJ Discianni
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his insights on the parallels between life and jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, community, and the pursuit of excellence. He discusses the challenges of retention in jiu-jitsu, the impact of external factors, and the significance of discipline over motivation. He reflects on the role of leadership and personal relatio
#273 Roy Dean
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the rich history and evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, discussing its growth, challenges, and the importance of community and trust within the practice. They delve into teaching methodologies, the significance of documenting the art's legacy, and the stories of its pioneers, emphasizing the need to preserve the truth of Jiu-Jitsu for fu
Eddie Kone #180 Re-release
Send us Fan MailToday’s guest has the distinction of being Royler Gracie’s first European black belt and is now a fourth-degree black belt under the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation.Eddie Kone joins us to discuss why old school is the best school, his appreciation for today’s professional jiu-jitsu athletes, who the gatekeepers of jiu-jitsu are, and why after becoming a 4th-degree black belt and 26 yea
#272 Benjamin Chen
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey of self-discovery, the influence of mentors, and the importance of embracing discomfort in personal growth. He discusses the complexities of cultural expectations, the art of Jiu-Jitsu, and the significance of teaching and learning dynamics.Here is The RŌL Radio with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do,Hapkido, and BJJ, an ent
#271 Jeff Curran
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest reflects on his journey through the world of Jiu Jitsu and MMA, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced over the years. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, the mindset of never giving up, and the drive to create opportunities for others in the Jiu Jitsu community. He shares insights on his transition from fighting to teaching,
#270 Mark Vives
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey as a competitor in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing his passion for travel and competition, the importance of preparation, and the evolution of the sport. He emphasizes that age is not a barrier in Jiu-Jitsu. He reflects on the camaraderie built during training and the mental toughness required to succeed. He also discusses the dynamics o
#269 Robson Moura
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his incredible journey of nearly 40 years in Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting on the profound impact the martial art has had on his life. He discusses the importance of perseverance, the essence of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and losses. He emphasizes the significance of Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle rather than just a sport,
#268 Bernardo Figueiredo
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas and his guest delve into the intricacies of Gracie Survival Tactics training, its impact on law enforcement, and the importance of teaching skills in Jiu Jitsu. They discuss the balance between structure and creativity in teaching, the role of leadership, and the significance of relatable teaching methods. His guest shares his own journey from being a c
#267 Monika Toth Cingel
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares her journey from a novice to a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and a level two TacFit instructor. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of the mind-body connection, community support, and the growing presence of women in martial arts. She also reflects on the emotional impact of her achieveme
#266 Cathryn Discianni
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’s guest shares her journey from being a nurse to owning a Jiu Jitsu gym. She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding full-time job with running a gym, the misconceptions about the ease of opening a gym, and the importance of building a community. She also emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in teaching, the unique experi
#265 Jon Thomas
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas’ guest reflects on the journey of Tap Cancer Out, discussing the impact of their work in the community, the challenges faced in building a nonprofit organization, and the importance of perseverance and grit in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of feedback from the community, the role of volunteers, and the need for efficiency in tournament organizat
#264 Rose Miller
Send us Fan MailOn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares her journey to recently achieving her black belt, reflecting on the emotional weight of the rank, the perception and responsibility that comes with it, and the importance of consistency and mastery in her practice. She discusses the role of her environment in shaping her experience, the significance of teaching and giving back, and her asp
#263 Joshua Frye
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from a traditional martial arts background to running a successful Jiu-Jitsu academy. He emphasizes the importance of decision-making, calmness, and logic in martial arts, as well as the differences between teaching and practicing. He discusses the significance of creating a positive culture within an academy, the role of leadership
#262 Steve Hordinski
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas’ guest discusses the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's life and experiences. He emphasizes that individuals are creators of their own experiences and must confront their own truths to achieve personal growth. He also reflects on the impact of his father's influence in his life and the journey of promoting his dad to black belt.
#261 Chris Crawford
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through the world of Jiu-Jitsu, discussing his love for coffee, the pride he takes in his accomplishments, and the challenges he has faced along the way. He reflects on his training experiences with Eddie Bravo and the 10th Planet system, the dynamics of grappling with different body types, and the importance of mental
#260 Kyle Sleeman
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his insights on the mindset required for success in Jiu Jitsu, the importance of separating competition from personal relationships, and the ongoing journey of a martial artist. He discusses the challenges of injuries, the evolution of Jiu Jitsu, and the significance of performance over results, emphasizing the need for resilience, a supp
#259 Gabe Tuttle
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the importance of sleep, recovery, and fitness in maintaining performance. He emphasizes the mental aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, the complexity of the art, and the significance of community. He also reflects on his experiences with hunting as a way to connect with nature and find mindfulness. Here is The
#258 Bill "The Grill" Cooper
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through the world of Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting on his early days, the evolution of the sport, and the importance of confidence in training. He discusses his most memorable matches, the underdog mentality, and the significance of safety in training. He also delves into his philosophy on teaching, the impact of social media,
#257 Miha Perhavec
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his extensive journey through martial arts, highlighting the importance of travel, grit, and community in shaping his experiences in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses the evolution of training methods, the significance of identity transformation, and the role of environment in achieving success. He also reflects on the business aspects of J
#256 Ben Eddy
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Ben Eddy discusses his journey in Jiu Jitsu, the importance of functional patterns and structural mobility, and the future of the sport as it continues to integrates with technology and AI. He reflects on his personal growth, the role of community and leadership in Jiu Jitsu, and his aspirations to continue evolving as an athlete and instructor.Here is The RŌL
Chris Haueter (#32 Re-release)
Send us Fan MailThis episode is one of our early favorites with the one and only Chris Haueter. So sit back, listen, and see why we enjoy it so much.On this episode of RŌL Radio we have an artist, martial artist, Marine Veteran, and one of the first non Brazilian BJJ black belts, a group known as the BJJ Dirty Dozen, Chris Haueter.Listen as Chris tells his story of training in California garages w
#255 Tom Cronin
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through the world of Jiu-Jitsu. They discuss the legacy of Carlson Gracie, along with the evolution of training methods, and the importance of competition and personal growth. He emphasizes the duality of Jiu-Jitsu as both a sport and a lifestyle, exploring the motivations behind why people train and compete. They also reflect
#254 Dylan Royce
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and his gues discuss the importance of mind set, self directed learning, and the challenges of continous improvement in jiu-jitsu. They also take a deep dive into the importance of jiu-jitsu within the world of law enforcement.Here is The RŌL Radio with 2nd Degree Black Belt, IBJJF No Gi Pan American and American National Medalist at Adult and Master 1, and a
#253 Rick Ellis
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas and his guest discuss the balance between knowledge and skill, the impact of online learning, and the unique lifestyle that Jiu-Jitsu offers. They also shares insights on aging in the sport, the role of instructors, and the significance of continuous learning and adaptation.Here is The RŌL Radio with the curator of the Art of Skill YOUTUBE channel, the found
#252 Kyvann Gonzalez
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas and his guest discuss traveling and expieriencing jiu-jitsu around the world, how he caters to students who have different goals within the same class, the free flowing nature of jiu-jitsu vs having a structured approach to instruction, what he finds frustrating in jiu-jitsu, how his idea of academy growth differs from the norm, and more.Here is The RŌL Radi
#251 Joshua You
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from the culinary world to becoming a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and instructor. He discusses the balance between luck and dedication in achieving success, the importance of small details in training, and the need for standards in the Jiu-Jitsu community. They discuss people’s tendency to dream without action, the transformative po
#250 Zach Smart
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Thomas and his guest Zach Smart discuss the deep love and commitment that comes with years of training. They delve into the infinite nature of jiu-jitsu, the balance between fun and fundamentals, and the importance of learning from failure. Zach shares his personal journey from aspiring MMA fighter to dedicated jiu-jitsu practitioner, emphasizing the
#249 Jake Mackenzie
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Jake Mackenzie shares his experiences as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor, and the importance of building strong bonds with training partners. He emphasizes the therapeutic nature of Jiu-Jitsu and the resilience required to overcome challenges in training and competition. Jake shares his journey from a small town in Canada to becoming a prominent figure i
#248 James Driskill
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Thomas’ guest, James Driskill shares his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the profound influence that Rickson Gracie has had on his life and training. He discusses the evolution of training styles, the importance of fundamentals, and the challenges of modern Jiu-Jitsu, including the Dunning-Kruger effect and information overload.Here is The RŌL Radio with a Ricks
#247 Randy William
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Randy William shares his journey through the world of Jiu Jitsu, reflecting on the personal significance of the flags in his life, the evolution of training methods, and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. Randy discusses his teaching philosophy that focuses on maximizing training time and ensuring students understand the core principl
#246 Josh Presley
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Josh Presley shares his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the evolution of the sport, the challenges of starting as a beginner, and the importance of community and teaching. He reflects on his personal growth, the significance of achieving a black belt, and how Jiu-Jitsu serves as a metaphor for life, emphasizing the mental and physical aspects of the
#245 Jasmine Rocha
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and his guest discuss the pressure put on young athletes, mindset, the importance of focusing on what you can control, and more.Here is The RŌL Radio with bjj black belt under Vagner Rocha at Vagner Rocha Martial Arts, and a top competetor in both the IBJJF and ADCC, Jasmine Rocha.www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos
#244 Cody Smith
Send us Fan MailOn this episode thomas and his guest discuss the importance of living a life filled with positivity and purpose, and how that leads to self-disscovery and personal growth. They also discuss how brotherhood and community help you overcome challenges and the impact it has on your journey.Here is The RŌL Radio with the founder of Virtuous Fitness and owner/instructor and Virtuous Grap
#243 Dan Covel
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Dan Covel shares his passion for teaching martial arts and combat sports, emphasizing its importance as a life skill. He and Thomas discuss the community aspect of training, the challenges of overcoming fear and discomfort, and the personal growth that comes from engaging in combat sports.Here is The RŌL Radio with BJJ and Judo black belt, content creator at Digits
#242 Tanner Hall
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and his guest discuss the distractions within jiu-jitsu. They discuss the shiny objects that distract us from what’s been proven to work, and the distraction jiu-jitsu provids from everyday life. They discuss the importance of fundamentals. They also discuss the communal aspects of jiu-jitsu, embracing failure and more.Here is The RŌL Radio with BJJ black be
#241 Josh Vogel
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and his guest discuss structure and flexibility. The structure and flexibility needed in teaching, coaching, and training, as well as in the business of jiu-jitsu.Here is The RŌL Radio with co-founder and head instructor of Philadelphia’s The Jiu-Jitsu Company, 3rd degree BJJ black belt, and creator of 90 Day Project Based Jiu-Jitsu, Josh Vogel.www.rolacadem
#240 Matt Arroyo
Send us Fan MailOn this episode Thomas and Matt Arroyo discuss how Matt’s personal growth has affected his transition from fighter to academy owner and instructor, the importance of accepting change, Matt’s time on The Ultimate Fighter, and more.Here is The RŌL Radio with the owner of Gracie Tampa South MMA, former Ultimate Fighter competitor, and UFC fighter, Matt Arroyo.www.rolacademy.tv 30% dis
