BJJ Mental Models Ep. 354: How Goals Evolve, feat. Thomas Rozdzynski
Sep 8, 2025
Thomas Rozdzynski, who runs RŌL Academy in Chicago and boasts 25 years in Jiu-Jitsu, shares insights on how students' goals evolve over time. He emphasizes the vital role of communication between coaches and students for personal growth. The conversation addresses balancing fun with measurable progress and the challenges of group training versus individual attention. Rozdzynski also highlights the importance of realistic goal-setting and the collaborative nature of achieving success in martial arts, showcasing how enjoyment and learning can coexist.
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Goals Evolve With Time
- Students' goals evolve as they train and life changes, so goals must be revisited periodically.
- Coaches and students must communicate to align training with those shifting objectives.
Start With A Goals Conversation
- Ask new students why they joined and what they expect to get from training before assuming anything.
- Use that conversation to set realistic, personalized expectations to improve retention.
Thomas' Long Jiu-Jitsu Arc
- Thomas started jiu-jitsu around 2000 and lost weight naturally as he trained.
- Over years his focus shifted from fitness to running an academy and evolving goals.