The ROL Radio - Hosted by Thomas Rozdzynski

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In 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 with the roots of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on self-defense and personal empowerment rather than competition. He also highlights the significance of mental resilience, gratitude, and the holistic development of individuals through martial arts as well as lessons he learned from his father.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a true legend in jiu-jitsu and MMA, Grandmaster Rickson Gracie.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.ricksongracie.com/

https://www.ricksongracieunited.com/

Episode Highlights:

2:20 Memories and Family Bonds Through Jiu-Jitsu

4:30 Bringing Back Self-Defense with Invisible Jiu-Jitsu

9:40 Taking Jiu-Jitsu Lessons Off the Mats

16:00 The Shift from Self-defense to Sport

23:20 Invisible Jiu-Jitsu

30:51 Helping Others Through Jiu-Jitsu

41:22 Passing the Torch with Rickson Gracie United

45:47 Lesson’s from Helio

49:37 Rickson Gracie United

54:40 The Perfect Person

1:03:01 Gratitude

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In 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 the significance of helping others and staying true to oneself amidst life's challenges. He also emphasizes the need for discipline and respect in training, and how these values extend beyond the mat to impact lives positively.

Here is The RŌL Radio with with a 4 degree black belt, an educator, and the head coach at RGA in Dubai, Gerson Carvalho.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.rogergraciedubai.com/

Episode Highlights:

3:03 Why Jiu-Jitsu

13:00 Becoming a Protector

17:14 How Jiu-Jitsu Changed Gerson’s Life

23:15 Becoming a Better Instructor

30:20 Why Dubai: Dreams and Challenges

42:17 Meeting Roger and Joining His Team

45:09 Giving Back and Growing

51:15 Staying Motivated

56:21 Setting an Example

1:03:08 Using Jiu-Jitsu to Build Character

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In 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 and Capoeira. He discusses the challenges he faced, including injuries and personal loss, and how these experiences shaped his mindset and approach to life.

Here is The RŌL Radio with the head professor and owner of Brazil Academy USA in Lenexa Kansas, author, and founder of the nonprofit Ninja Stars, Ninja Pinto.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.brazilacademyusa.com/

https://ninjasstars.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Cause-Impact-Leadership-Discipline-Transforming/dp/B0HFKXSPRQ/ref=sr_1_1?

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Weight-Loss-Print-After/dp/1964913705/ref=sr_1_2?

Episode Highlights:

2:38 Prioritizing a Busy Life

11:42 Discipline Leads to Success

23:20 It’s All About Hours

36:31 Motivating Students

42:01 Ninja’s Journey

53:24 Finding Purpose Through Loss

1:00:25 Excuses VS Action: Shifting Mindsets

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In 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 challenges associated with leaving a secure job, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and the impact of supportive relationships in making significant life changes.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a man that has a degree in education, a third degree bjj black belt under Josh Russell, and the head coach at Authentic Jiu-Jitsu in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Ben Kool.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.instagram.com/benkooltech/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/authenticjiujitsu/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@benkooltech

https://authenticjiujitsu.com/

Episode Highlights:

2:29 Professor VS Coach Titles or Vibes

7:18 Critical Thinking in Jiu-Jitsu

16:41 Student Teacher Dynamics

20:21 Motivation Beyond Belts

24:36 Ben’s Journey

35:55 Transitioning from a Stable Career to One In Jiu-Jitsu

51:17  Effective Communication When Teaching 

1:03:43 Respecting Others Time and Commitments

1:11:57 Ben’s Black Belt Philosophy

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In 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 how losing a job he worked so hard to achieve changed his course in life to becoming a full-time jiu-jitsu athlete and coach.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a multi-time world champion, a 5th degree balc belt under Fabio Gurgel, and the owner of Excellence Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance California, Eduardo Santoro.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.youtube.com/@esjjsouthbay

Episode Highlights:

2:50 Eduardo’s Jiu-Jitsu Beginings

7:33 The Evolution of the Sport

14:07 The Importance of Competition

25:21 Chasing Belts 

32:09 Student’s Growth and the Instructors’s Role

35:38 Jiu-Jitsu Becomes Eduardo’s Future

41:20 Starting Over in the US

49:17 Continuous Learning

54:24 The Significance of the Black Belt

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On 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 who has studied Tai Chi, Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo, an instructor at Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu in Pasadena California, and a black belt under Master Roger Macahdo, Tony Ng.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.rogermachado.com/?

Episode Highlights:

4:00 Growing Up Influenced By Martial Arts

8:14 Royce Changes Everything

12:10 Tony’s First Jiu-Jitsu Experience

20:17 Dealing with Breaks in Training and Why Tony Kept Returning

29:58 Learning from Roger Machado

35:41 The Struggle of the Hobbyist

40:47 Levels in Jiu-Jitsu

46:18 The Long Road to Tony’s Black Belt

52:05 Family Support

55:39 Training With a BJJ Legend

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In 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 Thailand and how it became a reality.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a brown belt under the Mendes Brothers, a black belt under Team Oliveira, a 2025 ADCC Thailand Champ, and head coach at Southside MMA Thailand, Denny Sisti.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.instagram.com/southsidemma_thailand/?hl=en

Episode Highlights:

2:13 Living and Working in Paradise

6:16 Denny’s Martial Arts Journey

10:03 Transitioning from Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu

14:58 The Dynamics of Teaching Kids and Adults

26:18 Choosing Jiu-Jitsu Over Everything Else

43:23 Building Resilience on the Mats

56:40 Striving to Live the Dream

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In 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 discipline, resilience, and consistency that martial arts instills, and reflects on how these principles apply to life beyond the mats.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a black belt in judo and bjj, the oowner and head instructor at Kogaion Academy in Arlington Virginia, and the coach of elite athlete Beatrice Jin, Victor Ciocoiu.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.kogaionacademy.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/victorsjudo/

Episode Highlights:

2:30 Finding the Simple Solution

5:14 Embracing Failure

12:42 The Instructor and Students Roles in the Journey

19:21 How Age Impacts Learning and Training

31:38 Victor’s Journey

42:07 Building an Identity Through Martial Arts

51:18 Exploration and Self-Discovery

57:59 Martial Arts Biggest Lesson

1:02:19 Mental Resilience in Martial Arts

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In 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 technology and emphasizes the motivations individuals have for practicing Jiu-Jitsu. He also shares his journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting on the unexpected nature of receiving his black belt and the feelings of imposter syndrome that accompanied it. 

Here is The RŌL Radio with the creator of the B 12 Curriculum, a 5th degree black belt under Rigan Machado, David Meyer, and John Will, and the owner/head instructor of Northwest Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Seattle Washington, Brian Johnson.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.nwjja.net/?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-b5XDATBybMZCwfXGXBm9g?view_as=subscriber

Episode Highlights:

4:02 Brian’s Early Jiu-Jitsu Experiences

13:00 Eye Opening Experiences with the Machados

36:56 The Importance of Being In Charge of Your Own Learning

47:36 How Brian Learns

56:15 Understanding Other’s Motivations

59:19 Brian’s Black Belt Experience

1:08:38 Feeling an Obligation to Our Instructors

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In 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 doubt can fuel success.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a former elementary school teacher, the headcoach and owner at Energia Martial Arts, YouTuber at Energia Martial Arts, capoeira instructor and first ever Dutch on bjj fanatics, Tum Energia.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://energia-martialarts.com/?

https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_tum-energia-voorn?list=1

Episode Highlights:

3:30 Coaching the Individual

12:10 Finding Passion in Unexpected Places

19:07 The Allure of Challenges

26:31 Tough Experiences and Building Resilience

44:05 Guiding Others

55:21 Training the Gray Areas

1:00:56 Overcomplicating Jiu-Jitsu

1:04:52 Embracing Loss

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