Rolando Samson

Rolando Samson is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under André Galvão, Rolando has also earned a reputation as one of the top athletes of his generation while competing in the lower ranks of this sport/martial art, winning important championships like the World Championship, the World No-Gi Championship, and the American Nationals of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Additionally, Samson is recognized for his hard work ethic.

Rolando Samson was born on September 13, 1994 in San Diego, California – United States of America.

Rolando became interested in martial arts as a child, influenced by cartoons like Dragon Ball Z. After watching classes at the after-school karate program in his neighborhood, Samson's curiosity increased.

At the age of nine, Samson showed a keen interest in martial arts and was guided by his father to a Brazilian jiu jitsu school. Rolando’s dad was a mixed martial arts (MMA) fan and had a decent understanding of grappling and it’s value in hand-to-hand combat, opting to register his son to Alex Brandão’s academy – a gym under the lineage of Master Fábio Santos.

His first IBJJF World Championship came while competing for Brando, where he was a child and juvenile belter. He began to ponder switching to a gym that emphasized competition over his jiu jitsu career as a blue belt. This thought was doubled down on after a conversation with fellow competitor Michael Liera Junior – who advised Rolando to try a class at Atos HQ in San Diego.

Already a big fan of André Galvão‘s game, Rolando decided to take the challenge and visit this famed grappling stable. Once there, and given that Samson was already a relatively well known blue belt competitor, he was put through ‘the ringer’. In an interview given to BJJ Heroes in 2017 Rolando remembered that first experience at Atos HQ: “I tried to keep up and I was completely exhausted. I learned so much in that one night and I was already looking forward to the next class right after the class finished. That was how I knew Atos was where I wanted to be“.

While training and competing regularly, Rolando Samson’s focus never strayed from his academic studies having attended a junior college for 3 years before being transferred to San Diego State University to further his education – all this while also working part-time.

On June 2017, after another fantastic competitive year where he achieved a silver medal at the Worlds (while training only 2 times per week), Samson was promoted to black belt by André Galvão.
Today you can find Rolando teaching our fundamentals classes with a lot of enthusiasm helping every single student to achieve their goals on and off the mats!

Watch free Watch Trailer

07:02

Cross Grip Defense | Part 2

Cross Grip Defense | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Cross Grip Defense, during the fundamental class on 07/25/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/cross-grip-defense-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJ...
06:19

Cross Grip Defense | Part 1

Cross Grip Defense | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Cross Grip Defense, during the fundamental class on 07/25/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/cross-grip-defense-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJ...
07:25

Side Smash Guard Recovery | Part 2

Side Smash Guard Recovery | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Side Smash Guard Recovery, during the fundamental class on 07/24/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/side-smash-guard-recovery-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Cha...
08:52

Side Smash Guard Recovery | Part 1

Side Smash Guard Recovery | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Side Smash Guard Recovery, during the fundamental class on 07/24/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/side-smash-guard-recovery-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Cha...
07:32

Leg Drag Counters | Part 2

Leg Drag Counters | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teachesLeg Drag Counters, during the fundamental class on 07/23/2024.

Part 1 -

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all during ...
03:31

Leg Drag Counters | Part 1

Leg Drag Counters | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teachesLeg Drag Counters, during the fundamental class on 07/23/2024.

Part 2 -

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all during ...
03:28

De la Riva Come Up Sweep

De la Riva Come Up Sweep

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches De la Riva Come Up Sweep, during the fundamental class on 07/22/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all during his...
11:32

Squid Guard Pass With 3 Variations

Squid Guard Pass With 3 Variations

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Squid Guard Pass With 3 Variations, during the fundamental class on 07/17/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all ...
07:11

Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack | Part 2

Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack, during the fundamental class on 07/16/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/passing-the-lapel-with-reverse-stack-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x...
09:40

Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack | Part 1

Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Passing the Lapel With Reverse Stack, during the fundamental class on 07/16/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/passing-the-lapel-with-reverse-stack-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x...
08:59

4 Options of Passing Worm Guard | Part 2

4 Options of Passing Worm Guard | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches 4 Options of Passing Worm Guard, during the fundamental class on 07/15/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/4-options-of-passing-worm-guard-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF Wor...
07:20

4 Options of Passing Worm Guard | Part 1

4 Options of Passing Worm Guard | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches 4 Options of Passing Worm Guard, during the fundamental class on 07/15/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/4-options-of-passing-worm-guard-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF Wor...
08:40

Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard | Part 2

Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard, during the fundamental class on 07/11/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all d...
07:41

Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard | Part 1

Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Squid Guard Entry From Worm Guard, during the fundamental class on 07/11/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all d...
10:59

Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries | Part 2

Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries, during the fundamental class on 07/10/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/reverse-de-la-worm-sweeps-entries-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJ...
05:30

Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries | Part 1

Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Reverse De la Worm Sweeps & Entries, during the fundamental class on 07/10/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/reverse-de-la-worm-sweeps-entries-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJ...
08:16

Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish | Part 2

Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish, during the fundamental class on 07/09/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/worm-guard-back-take-with-arm-bar-finish-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. ...
07:24

Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish | Part 1

Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Worm Guard Back Take With Arm Bar Finish, during the fundamental class on 07/09/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/worm-guard-back-take-with-arm-bar-finish-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. ...
07:21

Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep | Part 2

Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Andy Murasaki teaches Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep, during the fundamental class on 07/08/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/worm-guard-entry-to-dlr-x-sweep-part-1

Andy Murasaki received his black belt from Andre Galvao in December 2020. He is an IBJJF ...
05:55

Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep | Part 1

Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Andy Murasaki teaches Worm Guard Entry to DLR X Sweep, during the fundamental class on 07/08/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/worm-guard-entry-to-dlr-x-sweep-part-2

Andy Murasaki received his black belt from Andre Galvao in December 2020. He is an IBJJF ...
06:03

Defending Triangle From Tarantula Guard

Defending Triangle From Tarantula Guard

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Defending Triangle From Tarantula Guard, during the fundamental class on 07/02/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion ...
06:25

Passing Tarantula Guard With Side Smash | Part 2

Passing Tarantula Guard With Side Smash | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches how to Pass Tarantula Guard With Side Smash, during the fundamental class on 07/01/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/passing-tarantula-guard-with-side-smash-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017...
05:49

Passing Tarantula Guard With Side Smash | Part 1

Passing Tarantula Guard With Side Smash | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches how to Pass Tarantula Guard With Side Smash, during the fundamental class on 07/01/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/passing-tarantula-guard-with-side-smash-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017...
03:36

Overhead Sweep From Tarantula Guard

Overhead Sweep From Tarantula Guard

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Overhead Sweep From Tarantula Guard, during the fundamental class on 06/27/2024.

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF World Champion, and a UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (all...