Roy Dean is a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, currently based in California. His martial arts journey began at a young age, starting with Judo in an after-school program. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for combat sports and martial arts.Dean's martial arts credentials are extensive and diverse:
His BJJ journey began under Claudio Franca, where he earned his blue belt. Later, he found his primary BJJ mentor in Roy Harris, who promoted Dean to purple, brown, and eventually black belt in 2006.After receiving his black belt, Dean moved to Bend, Oregon, where he opened his own academy, the Roy Dean Academy. His vision was to blend traditional martial arts customs with modern BJJ techniques. Dean's students are known for their smooth, technical style and precise movements.
Dean has made significant contributions to the BJJ community through his instructional videos and YouTube channel. His belt promotion demonstrations have set a high global standard and inspired many practitioners worldwide. He's also produced various BJJ instructionals available on platforms like BudoVideos, BJJFanatics, and Amazon.
In 2015, Dean shifted his focus to building a network of affiliated academies and deepening his understanding of the art. He continues to train actively, notably at CVBJJ in California.Beyond his BJJ achievements, Dean has a background in media arts, specializing in computer music. He worked as a lead audio engineer for a video production company before fully dedicating himself to martial arts instruction.
Roy Dean is recognized not just for his technical skills but also for his ability to present BJJ in an artful and inspiring manner. His instructional style is known for its clarity and depth, making complex techniques accessible to students of all levels.Today, Dean continues to teach, train, and promote the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through his affiliated academies, instructional content, and seminars. His journey from a young Judo practitioner to a globally recognized BJJ black belt exemplifies the transformative power of martial arts and lifelong dedication to the craft.