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!

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02:03

Tarantula Guard Warm Up

Tarantula Guard Warm Up

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson shows Tarantula Guard Warm Up, 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 during his co...
10:04

Tarantula Guard Single Leg X Entry with Foot Lock Finish

Tarantula Guard Single Leg X Entry with Foot Lock Finish

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tarantula Guard Single Leg X Entry with Foot Lock Finish, during the fundamental class on 06/26/2024.

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 Dh...
07:45

Tarantula Guard to Single Leg Sweep

Tarantula Guard to Single Leg Sweep

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tarantula Guard to Single Leg Sweep, during the fundamental class on 06/25/2024.

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...
05:01

Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle | Part 2

Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle, during the fundamental class on 06/24/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tarantula-guard-set-up-to-triangle-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJ...
04:47

Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle | Part 1

Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Tarantula Guard Set Up to Triangle, during the fundamental class on 06/24/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/tarantula-guard-set-up-to-triangle-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJ...
07:25

Counter Deep Half With Triangle Submission

Counter Deep Half With Triangle Submission

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Counter Deep Half With Triangle Submission, during the fundamental class on 06/21/2024.

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 Champi...
08:42

Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass | Part 2

Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass, during the fundamental class on 06/20/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/waiter-sweep-to-stack-pass-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi C...
04:57

Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass | Part 1

Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Waiter Sweep to Stack Pass, during the fundamental class on 06/20/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/waiter-sweep-to-stack-pass-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi C...
11:35

Knee Cut Counter to Deep Half

Knee Cut Counter to Deep Half

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Knee Cut Counter to Deep Half, during the fundamental class on 06/19/2024.

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 durin...
10:05

Waiter Sweep From Deep Half To Over-Under Pass | Part 1

Waiter Sweep From Deep Half To Over-Under Pass | Part 1

6X IBJJF World Champion Atos HQ Head Black Belt Andre Galvao Waiter Sweep From Deep Half To Over-Under Pass | Part 1, during the fundamental class on 06/18/2024.

Part 2 - https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/waiter-sweep-from-deep-half-to-over-under-pass-part-2

Andre Galvao is one of the gre...
06:53

Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter | Part 2

Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter, during the fundamental class on 06/17/2024.

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 P...
06:13

Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter | Part 1

Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Countering Deep Half Review With Submission Counter, during the fundamental class on 06/17/2024.

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 P...
05:41

Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard | Part 2

Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard, during the fundamental class on 06/13/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/getting-to-deep-half-guard-from-sit-up-guard-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in Jun...
04:36

Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard | Part 1

Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Getting to Deep Half Guard From Sit Up Guard, during the fundamental class on 06/13/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/getting-to-deep-half-guard-from-sit-up-guard-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in Jun...
07:37

Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half | Part 2

Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half, during the fundamental class on 06/12/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/pulling-to-deep-half-with-basic-deep-half-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017...
03:37

Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half | Part 1

Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Pulling To Deep Half With Basic Deep Half, during the fundamental class on 06/12/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/pulling-to-deep-half-with-basic-deep-half-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017...
14:03

X Guard Entry From Deep Half | Part 2

X Guard Entry From Deep Half | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches X Guard Entry From Deep Half, during the fundamental class on 06/12/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/x-guard-entry-from-deep-half-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-...
03:43

X Guard Entry From Deep Half | Part 1

X Guard Entry From Deep Half | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches X Guard Entry From Deep Half, during the fundamental class on 06/12/2024.

https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/x-guard-entry-from-deep-half-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF World No-Gi Champ...
14:18

Spider Lasso Guard Week Review + Guillotine Finish

Spider Lasso Guard Week Review + Guillotine Finish

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Spider Lasso Guard Week Review plus Guillotine Finish, during the fundamental class on 05/24/2024.

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...
08:45

Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke | Part 2

Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke, during the fundamental class on 05/23/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/spider-lasso-guard-to-loop-choke-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF W...
06:32

Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke | Part 1

Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Spider Lasso Guard to Loop Choke, during the fundamental class on 05/23/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/spider-lasso-guard-to-loop-choke-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from Andre Galvao in June 2017. He is 2x IBJJF W...
06:42

Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry | Part 2

Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry | Part 2

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry, during the fundamental class on 05/22/2024.

Part 1- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/omoplata-attack-from-spider-lasso-with-x-guard-entry-part-1

Rolando Samson received his black belt from And...
04:40

Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry | Part 1

Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry | Part 1

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Omoplata Attack From Spider Lasso With X Guard Entry, during the fundamental class on 05/22/2024.

Part 2- https://live.atosbjjondemand.com/videos/omoplata-attack-from-spider-lasso-with-x-guard-entry-part-2

Rolando Samson received his black belt from And...
11:13

Squid Guard to Worm Guard Sweep

Squid Guard to Worm Guard Sweep

Atos HQ black belt Rolando Samson teaches Squid Guard to Worm Guard Sweep, during the fundamental class on 05/17/2024.

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 dur...