Rollyson's coaching career launched at the same age he earned his black belts — eighteen — establishing a parallel track of instruction and competition that has defined his relationship with the sport throughout his life. He taught at multiple academies across Brazil before relocating to the United States, building a coaching résumé that spans decades and continents.
Academy and Community Impact
Since 2007, Rollyson has taught at his academy in Hollywood, Florida, establishing a long-term and deeply rooted presence in the South Florida BJJ community. Recognized as one of the highest-ranked jiu-jitsu figures in the region, his influence on the local martial arts landscape has grown steadily over the years. His expertise has also extended beyond the academy — he has delivered self-defense seminars to professional law enforcement agencies including the DEA and FBI, underscoring the real-world applicability of his instruction and the institutional trust placed in his knowledge.
Recognition and Honors
In 2020, the IBJJF awarded Rollyson the 8th Degree Red and White Coral Belt, one of the highest honors attainable in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a distinction reserved for practitioners who have demonstrated a lifetime of extraordinary contribution to the art. The recognition places him among a small and elite group of practitioners globally, serving as formal acknowledgment of a career built on mastery, dedication, and an enduring commitment to the growth of the sport.