The Weekly Roll: ED2
The Goth Lords Origin Story🧟♂️🪦 & Rafael Lang Imparts 3 Decades of BJJ Wisdom🧘♂️
ED2 of The Weekly Rolls brings you ADCC Trails news, highlight-reel submissions and interviews with the heavily tattooed Lord of Goths & a Brazilian legend - Rafael Lang.
TL;DR News
The ADCC Brazil São Paulo Trails took place on the 10th - Results
Rene Sousa uses the Buggy Choke as a back take (not once, but twice) - Video
Fabricio Andrey pulls off a slick flying armbar - Video
Jed Hue leads his Euro Trash team to victory in the AIGI qualifiers which earnt them a place in the $1,000,000 price pooled main event in May 2025 - Post
Interviews & Profiles
Athlete Interview
Shane “Goth Lord” Curtis
Shane "The Goth Lord" Curtis is swiftly ascending the ranks of the UK's competitive black belts, captivating the scene with his unconventional and aggressive style. His unique approach has earned him victories at the most prestigious UK Invitationals in recent years. Shane is sponsored by Scramble and shares his Goth Gaurd secrets on his Grapple Club Instructional, and the Goth Lock on his website.
Path to Discovery
Q: “Can you share the story of how you first discovered Jiu-Jitsu and what resonated with you? Was there a specific moment or experience that solidified your passion to pursue the sport, and what keeps you consistent?”
A: “Funnily enough like a lot of people it was Bruce Lee who first got me into martial arts.
I remember watching Enter the Dragon with my Mum as a kid and soon after wanted to try Jeet Kune do, (which didn’t last for long) eventually at the age of 21 I stumbled across MMA after being invited to train with some friends who I met when I trained JKD a few years before.
After 6 months of training in MMA a couple of times a week, I needed ACL surgery from when I injured it playing rugby as a kid. My coach Paul let me use the gym for free for my rehab and eventually when I returned I had the intention of fighting and continuing with MMA but I came back and did Jiu-Jitsu first and just ended up sticking with it!”
Innovative Techniques
Q: “Every athlete brings their own unique flair to their sport. Is there a technique or strategy you've developed or particularly enjoyed over the years?”
A: “Most people are going to know exactly what I’m going to say, and obviously it’s the goth lock! This isn’t something I claim to have invented as after I first stumbled across it and did it I realised it had been done before, but I most certainly am the person to be making it popular!”
I just like to pride myself on being exciting and unorthodox!
Creative Cross-Training
Q: “Is there an unusual or unexpected form of cross-training you've found beneficial to your Jiu-Jitsu practice, something that might not seem immediately related, but you found synergies in?”
A: “There’s nothing unusual that I do if I’m honest! I have ADHD which I do think has helped me get good at Jiu-Jitsu! But I’m not sure if that counts!”
The Soundtrack of Success
Q: “If your Jiu-Jitsu journey had a soundtrack, what three songs would be a must-have on it?”
A: “I have no songs which are Jiu-Jitsu related, but there are definitely 3 songs which get me pumped up and ready to roll/compete:
KING 810 - Alpha & Omega
Yavid - Bando Commando
KING 810 - killem all”
Scramble Dan Asks
Q: “Do you think the quality of your life would be worse if you hadn’t discovered BJJ?“
A: “I can’t even think of what my life would be like without Jiu-Jitsu, sometimes I wonder what people do after work. I know Jiu-Jitsu is my job now, but before when it wasn’t I couldn’t understand people just going home and sitting down doing nothing and then going back to work and repeating that.“
Passing the Mic
Q: “What question do you want to ask the next person? It can be about anything, Jiu-Jitsu, life, philosophy, or just something you’re curious about.”
A: “What submission/move do you think is probably the worst thing in Jiu-Jitsu? Either it doesn’t work or just ruins Jiu-Jitsu?”
Coaches Corner
Rafael Lang
Rafael is a veteran Black Belt and a decorated athlete with an impressive lineage under masters like Vinicius Campelo and Octavio Couto. Rafael has amassed numerous accolades including world championships and gold medals in prestigious tournaments worldwide. Not just a competitor, Rafael has a rich coaching history, building a strong team of athletes and serving as a sought-after referee and professor. His teaching extends beyond the mat, offering classes to the Australian Army, police forces, and various organizations, showcasing his commitment to spreading Jiu-Jitsu's influence globally.
Path to Coaching Mastery
Q: “As a grappling coach, what pivotal experiences or insights led you to transition from being a practitioner to coaching Jiu-Jitsu? Can you share a defining moment that shaped your coaching philosophy, and how has it influenced your approach to training athletes?”
A: “My passion for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and experiencing the everyday benefits that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu can give to the practitioner.
What shaped my coaching philosophy was my coaches Vini Campelo and Octavio Couto, but also, a lot of study, and a lot of time dedicating my entire life to martial arts. This year, I complete 30 years on the mats doing Jiu-jitsu and (of which) almost 20 teaching.”
Building Community and Culture
Q: “The community and culture within a gym can significantly impact a student's growth and experience. What steps do you take to cultivate a positive and supportive environment, and why do you believe it's important?”
A: “Positive environments come from the Leader. The gym usually has ‘the face’ of the Head coach. You gotta build a positive environment, making sure you build a program where everyone can learn in a safe and fun way.
You have to take care of your students, challenge them, build confidence, discipline and more importantly, character.
All those things are important in order to make the world we live in a better place for everybody.”
Off-the-Mat Wisdom
Q: "Coaching extends beyond the physical aspect of training. Have you integrated any non-traditional wisdom or life lessons into your coaching style that goes beyond the technical aspects of Jiu-Jitsu? How has this holistic approach contributed to the development of your athletes?"
A: “Yes.
I must first be a champion in life, not only on the mats.
I have overcome many things in my life. In my career, I won many tournaments, such as Worlds, Pan Ams & super fights etc. I have coached high-level athletes and also hobbiests that do Jiu-Jitsu for passion.
I quit College to pursue my dream and I succeeded. I travelled all around the globe learning from different cultures, I took the courage and the big step to move to a different country and start over to pursue what I believed was the best for my family and my life. I overcame a motorcycle crash in the prime of my career as a fighter.
I also have a very successful retail business in Brazil, unrelated to Jiu-Jitsu. All this and many other things help me to build experience on the mats and in life.“
Adversity and Resilience
Q: “Coaching often involves guiding athletes through ups and downs. Can you share a story where you helped an athlete overcome a significant setback or challenge, and what lessons were learned?”
A: “There is always a way and you should fear NOBODY. That’s one of the main lessons Jiu-Jitsu will teach you.
I once had a student who was blind in Brazil. He told me in his first week that he appreciated my efforts but he was blind and Jiu-Jitsu could be something really hard for him since martial arts could be dangerous sometimes.
I told him that if there is one martial art that equalizes things and gives a chance to ANY person to defend themselves, That martial art is JIU-JITSU.
What is dangerous, is walking around vulnerable in the violent world that we live in nowadays.
By the way, Jiu-Jitsu is maybe the only martial art that a blind person can learn and be effective in, since its grappling, its connection, you fight engaged and close to your opponent.”
Jeff Lawson Asks
Q: “With rising international stars coming from UK-based gyms now, I would ask what they think separates the top gyms from gyms that are on the fringes. Location? Number of members? Or elite coaching?”
A: “Location, environment and of course, good instructors.“
Coaching Conundrums
Q: “Considering your role as a grappling coach, what intriguing question would you pose to your peers in the coaching community? It could be related to overcoming challenges in training, unique coaching methodologies, or fostering a positive team culture.”
A: “What made you choose the coaching career? What do you think your life would be without Jiu-Jitsu?”
Community Catch Up
Reader Submission
This weeks submission comes in the form of this beautifully artistic photograph from Fraser Carson.
”My name Fraser Carson and I’m located in Wiltshire/Hampshire area. My full-time role is a Firefighter however during my spare time I’m a photographer my main expertise are weddings and Portraits however recently I’ve came across sport photography the main sports I’ve covered are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CrossFit and Powerlifting. I'm enjoying Jiu Jitsu the most as it an art itself, I’ve found this can help create art like images which can really show the energy from the sport. I’ll be venturing more into photography for the sport so do follow me on instagram.”
You can find, and potentially book Frasers photography on Facebook, Instagram or his website.
Upcoming Events
The coming weeks event calendar is running pretty light with only one major invitational running.
Main
March 16th: Fight To Win 249 - Info
Local
UK March Comps - Grapple Comps UK
US March Comps - Grapple Comps US
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