Roy Dean was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aged 22 years old. As he puts it, he started training when “I was sent to Japan as an exchange student, and was encouraged to begin training Judo as an after school activity.” Since then, Dean has gone on to achieve the rank of black belt, and is currently a third degree faixa preta. He earned his black belt under the legendary Roy Harris, and trains under Harris International. Dean speaks highly of Harris, claiming “His open mindedness, his curiosity, and his understanding of training methods sets him apart from many other instructors.”
We asked Dean about his favorite moves when training BJJ. He said his main guard was butterfly guard and his favorite sweeps were the elevator sweep, followed by the hip bump sweep. On top, he enjoys passing from the knees, slow and tight and prioritizes triangle chokes, although also enjoys armlocks as well. He also adds that his biggest achievement was “Showing people around the world how beautiful, transformative, and powerful this art can be.”
Like many veterans in BJJ, he has also had his share of injuries – and adds “I tore the ACL in my right knee, popping it twice. Not a great feeling, but I made a full recovery over time.” Typically, Dean used to compete at middleweight and lists Nick Diaz as his toughest ever opponent, stating “I could feel that he didn’t have the idea of “quit” in him, and his attacks were relentless. Also, Victor Estima. I could feel his athleticism and focus were on another level when we matched in the 2009 World Championships.”
Q&A
First off, you are well known for speaking about the benefits of Aikido compared to most people in BJJ.
Do you think people are using Aikido “wrong” or training it “wrongly” in gyms these days which is why we don’t see many Aikido techniques in BJJ competition? Also does it have any place in MMA?
“There are aspects of Aikido throughout MMA, and in many martial arts. Aikido is a form of Jiu Jitsu, that emphasizes form, extension, and relaxation more than practical fighting ability. To sum it up briefly: The leverage is real in Aikido, but the situations are not.
The core issue is the training method. If you don’t explore resistance during training sessions, then you’ll be overwhelmed by how quickly the situation changes when faced with a truly resistant opponent. If you want the ability to apply your technique in a live, unscripted situation, you have to do that kind of training, usually in a graduated progression of resistance. If effectiveness in a live situation is what you’re looking for, then the traditional training methods in Aikido would be considered “incomplete” rather than “incorrect.”
Aikido definitely has a place in MMA. The falling skills, or ukemi, are second to none and they have many techniques for overcommitted opponents.”
Secondly, you’re also well known for your blue belt requirements DVDs. Roy Harris is also a fan of a more structured curriculum – especially for lower belts. Did you learn this kind of thought process from him or is this just something you both had in common?
“My belt requirement instructionals are definitely a direct influence of Professor Roy Harris. My best selling title, Blue Belt Requirements, is his curriculum. I’m only presenting it.”
Also why do you think this way is “best”?
“Professor Harris was a pioneer, and saw the necessity for structure in the art, and the importance of prioritizing positional escapes over submissions in the formative stages of Jiu Jitsu practitioners. This curriculum at the beginning level ensures a baseline level of skills and a strong foundation to build on for the future.”
Could you let people know a bit about your approach to life and your zen kind of mentality. Have you always been like this or is it something you have to practice through meditation and other things like this?
“This partly comes through meditation, and other practices too, such as yoga and martial arts. I’m interested in Zen, stoic philosophy, and leveraging my energy and attention. My approach to life is simple: lead a quiet, organized life, with the realization that we must let go of everything over time. My philosophy with my videos is to educate the viewers and inspire them, even if they’ve never seen a Jiu Jitsu video before. I’m interested in communicating something deeper, showing how Jiu Jitsu can be transformative, and creating media that’s beautiful, even if it doesn’t have to be.”
Lastly, do you think there is a large portion of BJJ athletes and instructors who are not marketing themselves correctly? I don’t mean to be rude, but there are athletes who often do very well in ADCC and IBJJF level, only to not capitalize on these successes and end up being poor. When I see guys like yourself or Priit Mihkelson, you guys combined have won less than some of these competitors, yet have marketed yourselves a lot better and made a good living from BJJ.
“I think creativity is important on the mat, and in business. My approach has been to leverage the media landscape so that my materials are available everywhere: YouTube, apps, digital downloads, and working with select partners that also sell my titles, in addition to my affiliate program.
Although I competed in Judo as a teenager, and in Jiu Jitsu in my twenties, after receiving my black belt at 31, I realized that becoming a world champion was probably not going to happen. Not impossible, but by teaching in a small town with essentially no high level training partners, I was reducing my chances of succeeding in that realm. So I put more energy into teaching, and producing media, and made that my competitive advantage. I’m content with my decision and look to serve the Jiu Jitsu community in the future with my projects and endeavors.”
Do you have any plans or goals for the future?
“Keep training, keep teaching, and keep examining the underlying principles of Jiu Jitsu. I also have a vision for my affiliates, creating a network of leaders that bring the art into their own communities, and come together for memorable training experiences around the world.”
Feel free to follow Roy Dean on his various platforms as listed below
Website: https://www.roydean.tv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roydean_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/roydeantv
Instructionals: https://roydeanacademy.selz.com/
