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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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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In 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 compared to other sports, the significance of belts as milestones, and the differences between gi and nogi training. 

Here is The RŌL Radio with a black belt under Bernardo Faria and Marcus Tinoco, an instructor at Bernardo Faria Academy, and the man with the best dad jokes, Jared Welman.

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

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Episode Highlights:

2:34 Becoming a Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

8:03 The Accessability of Jiu-Jitsu

12:23 The Importance of Consistency

17:17 Progression in Jiu-Jitsu

26:14 Rules of Engagement Dictate the Enviornment

34:47 The Importance of Control

45:08 Jared’s Journey

57:47 Jiu-Jiitsu for People Over 40

1:04:09 Onboarding the New Student

1:10:42 The Jiu-Jitsu Evolution

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In 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 for women to engage in strength-building activities, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming obstacles.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a woman who started BJJ at the age 51, a 5 x World Masters champion and a winner of double gold in European NoGi, Natasha Franks.

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Episode Highlights:

2:48 Natasha’s Journey to Black Belt

10:55 Overcoming Hesitation and Starting Martial Arts at an Older Age

25:22 The Importance of Continous Learning

38:32 Training as a Family

47:07 Feeling Deserving

57:17 Future Aspirations and Goals

1:01:37 Ovrcoming Challenges and Pain

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In 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 unique strength he discovered in his training, the genesis of his book, and the profound impact of writing on his understanding of the sport.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a black belt under Tim Carpenter, co-founder of Jiujitsu.net Rankings, and author of Scientific Jiu-Jitsu: A Unified Theory of Grappling, Will Weisser.

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

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Episode Highlights:

2:45 The Science of Jiu-Jitsu

12:25 The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Understanding

23:37 Will’s Journey and Competitive Spirit

32:40 Quest for Mastery

41:08 The Genisis for a Book

46:51 The Ability to Chip Away at Things

55:04 The Complexity of Jiu-Jitsu

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