UNTOLD STORIES
FROM THE MATS

Thomas Rozdzynski is a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, lifelong martial artist, instructor, entrepreneur, and content creator with more than 25 years dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu. As the owner and head instructor of RŌL Academy of Jiu Jitsu in Orland Park, Illinois, Thomas has built his career around developing students, instructors, and a strong martial arts community through structured, concept-driven education.

His approach to Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes understanding why techniques work rather than simply memorizing movements. Concepts such as control, distance, frames, posture, pressure, weight distribution, and efficient movement form the foundation of his teaching methodology. His philosophy is centered on making Jiu-Jitsu sustainable, practical, and accessible throughout a practitioner's lifetime.

Thomas has shared his instructional approach internationally through BJJ Fanatics, where he has produced multiple instructional series covering guard systems, passing, escapes, back takes, and Jiu-Jitsu specifically designed for practitioners over 40 — including titles like Escapes Engineered for Guys Over 40, Never Climb Again: Back Takes for Guys Over 40, and Butterfly Hook: The Complete Guide. He's also the creator of RŌL TV, an extensive online Jiu-Jitsu instructional platform built to provide organized, accessible education for practitioners around the world.

Beyond teaching, Thomas hosts The RŌL Radio, a long-running Jiu-Jitsu podcast featuring in-depth conversations with influential instructors, competitors, academy owners, and personalities from across the martial arts community. The show launched in 2020 and has grown to hundreds of published episodes, alongside co-host Gary Pond.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo black belt, Thomas has also appeared as a guest on numerous martial arts podcasts, including BJJ Mental Models, Jiu Jitsu Dummies, Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks, and The Alberto Crane Show.

Across RŌL Academy, RŌL TV, RŌL Radio, seminars, and instructional projects, Thomas's mission remains consistent: to help people understand Jiu-Jitsu more deeply, train intelligently, and continue growing both on and off the mats.