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!

06:11

Spider Guard Control & Triangle Attack - Extra Details | Part 3

Spider Guard Control & Triangle Attack - Extra Details | Part 3

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Spider Guard Control & Triangle Attack, during the fundamental class on 11/28/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/spider-guard-control-triangle-attack-part-1
Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/spider-guard-control-triangle-...
06:06

DLR Under Hook With Lapel | Part 1

DLR Under Hook With Lapel | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches DLR Under Hook With Lapel, during the fundamental class on 11/21/2023.

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 hi...
07:07

DLR Under Hook With Lapel | Part 2

DLR Under Hook With Lapel | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches DLR Under Hook With Lapel, during the fundamental class on 11/21/2023.

Part 1: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/dlr-under-hook-with-lapel-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Cha...
09:56

Sit-up Guard to Lapel Guard

Sit-up Guard to Lapel Guard

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Sit-up Guard to Lapel Guard, during the fundamental class on 11/16/2023.

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 ...
09:17

Lapel Fundamental Review | Part 1

Lapel Fundamental Review | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Lapel Fundamental Review, during the fundamental class on 11/14/2023.

Part 2: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/lapel-fundamental-review-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champ...
07:51

Lapel Fundamental Review | Part 2

Lapel Fundamental Review | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Lapel Fundamental Review, during the fundamental class on 11/14/2023.

Part 1: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/lapel-fundamental-review-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champ...
01:40

Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills | Part 1

Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills, during the fundamental class on 11/09/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-pass-flow-drills-part-2
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-pass-flow-drills-part-3

Rolando Samson recei...
02:54

Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills | Part 2

Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Leg Trap Pass Flow Drills, during the fundamental class on 11/09/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-pass-flow-drills-part-1
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-pass-flow-drills-part-3

Rolando Samson recei...
04:24

Leg Trap Drills | Part 1

Leg Trap Drills | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Leg Trap Drills, during the fundamental class on 11/07/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-drills-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF Worl...
04:47

Leg Trap Drills | Part 2

Leg Trap Drills | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Leg Trap Drills, during the fundamental class on 11/07/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/leg-trap-drills-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, an IBJJF Worl...
05:45

X Guard Sweep Options | Part 1

X Guard Sweep Options | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches X Guard Sweep Options, during the fundamental class on 11/02/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/x-guard-sweep-options-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, a...
05:45

X Guard Sweep Options | Part 2

X Guard Sweep Options | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches X Guard Sweep Options, during the fundamental class on 11/02/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/x-guard-sweep-options-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, a...
05:26

Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard | Part 1

Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard, during the fundamental class on 10/31/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/double-collar-guard-pull-to-k-guard-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x I...
04:13

Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard | Part 2

Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Double Collar Guard Pull to K Guard, during the fundamental class on 10/31/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/double-collar-guard-pull-to-k-guard-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x I...
02:02

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 1

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass, during the fundamental class on 10/26/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-passing-neutralizing-the-over-under-pass-part-2
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-...
05:13

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 2

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass, during the fundamental class on 10/26/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-passing-neutralizing-the-over-under-pass-part-1
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-...
06:27

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 3

Tripod Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass | Part 3

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Passing Neutralizing the Over Under Pass, during the fundamental class on 10/26/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-passing-neutralizing-the-over-under-pass-part-1
Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-...
01:29

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 1

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Pass Using Shoulder Trap, during the fundamental class on 10/24/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-2
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-3
...
02:27

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 2

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Pass Using Shoulder Trap, during the fundamental class on 10/24/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-1
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-3
...
08:20

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 3

Tripod Pass Using Shoulder Trap | Part 3

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tripode Pass Using Shoulder Trap, during the fundamental class on 10/24/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-1
Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tripode-pass-using-shoulder-trap-part-2
...
02:46

Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage | Part 1

Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage, during the fundamental class on 10/20/2023.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seoi-nage-part-2
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seio-nag...
05:31

Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage | Part 2

Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage, during the fundamental class on 10/20/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seoi-nage-part-1
Part 3- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seio-nag...
03:12

Judo Basics With Entry to Seio-Nage | Part 3

Judo Basics With Entry to Seio-Nage | Part 3

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Judo Basics With Entry to Seoi-Nage, during the fundamental class on 10/20/2023.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seoi-nage-part-1
Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/judo-basics-with-entry-to-seoi-nag...
05:12

Wrestling Basics Review With Russian Tie | Part 1

Wrestling Basics Review With Russian Tie | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Wrestling Basics Review With Russian Tie | Part 1, during the no-gi advanced class on 10/19/2023.

Part 2: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/wrestling-basics-review-with-russian-tie-part-2
Part 3: https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/wrestling-ba...