ROY DEAN
ROY’S STORY
A 33 Year Martial Arts Journey.
1991
JAPAN
Roy began his training in Japan at the age of 16, as a Rotary Exchange student. At his Japanese High School, he was giving a choice in an afterschool activity. Choices included many Japanese arts, including Kyudo (archery), Ikebana (flower arrangement), Kendo (fencing), or Judo (jacketed wrestling).
Dean chose Judo and joined his high school team, training 6 days a week, and competing every month in local tournaments. Dean quickly worked his way through the kyu (non black belt) ranks, starting at 6th kyu, with a requirement of beating a certain number of practitioners at each rank before earning the next promotion. After reaching 2nd kyu, however, and he began to face highly skilled competition, and faced several losses.
After a disheartening tournament performance, Roy was helped by a Japanese Rotary Club member by the name of Mr. Nastumi. A talented judoka in his own right during his high school days, Mr. Natsumi expanded training opportunities for Roy.
Nastumi began taking him to the local Budokan for more sparring, and admittance to the private dojo of Judo master Igami Shoten. With this extra help, Roy was able to succesfully amass enough wins to receive his shodan, or first degree black belt at age 17.
1996 - 1999
THE APPRENTICE
Returning the the USA, Roy began studying Aikikai Aikido under Sensei Calvin Koshiyama at Aikido North in Anchorage, Alaska.
After several years of study, he moved to Monterey, California to serve as uchideshi, or live in apprentice, to Julio Toribio.
A uniquely talented martial artist, Sensei Toribio was a 4th dan in Aikikai Aikido, and the 4th American to master the Aiki Jujutsu system of Hakko Ryu. Eventually, Toribio founded his own system of aiki-jujutsu called Seibukan.
Under Sensei Toribio, Roy Dean received a 3rd degree black belt in Seibukan Jujutsu, a first degree black belt in Aikikai Aikido, and a black belt in Enshin Itto Ryu Batto Jutsu, a Japanese sword system.
During this time, he also earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Pan American champion Claudio Franca.
Dean’s journey during this time is detailed in his book “The Martial Apprentice.”
1999-2006
BJJ BLACK BELT
Moving to San Diego, Dean found himself drawn to the progressive teachings of Roy Harris. Though primarily a specialist in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kun Do, he was also a pioneering American black belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
In December of 1999, Dean joined Professor Harris’ academy, at that time called Progressive Fighting Systems.
Roy Harris was the right teacher for Dean, unlocking the art for him in a way that allowed him to progress from blue belt to black belt during his years 8 years in San Diego learning Harris Jiu Jitsu.
Although Harris didn’t actively encourage competitions, Dean often competed to improve his own development. Highlights include a gold medal at Grapplers Quest (no gi), and a gold medal at the HCK All Comers tournament (gi), including the awards for fastest submission and most technical fighter.
As a purple belt, Dean and his training partner taught the UCSD Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, and as a brown belt, he initiated a grappling class at Jiai Aikido. He began attracting students immediately, and seeing this unfold, saw that this was a path he could pursue professionally.
2006 - 2014
THE ACADEMY
After his promotion to black belt in 2006, Dean moved to Bend, Oregon to start a new academy, and create a new vision for the art of jiu jitsu.
RDA would combine traditional customs and modern techniques. Respecting the old while creating the new.
His aim was to present jiu jitsu in the best light possible, introducing viewers of an art worthy of exploration and dedication.
Through his instructionals, Dean explained jiu jitsu in clear, easy to understand terms, coupled with an aesthetic that captured the attention of students everywhere.
He has led seminars around the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Through his YouTube channel, Dean transparently showcased his belt rank demonstrations, setting a high standard for movement and technique, while engaging viewers in relatable stories of heart, effort, and perseverance.
While not emphasizing competition, Dean’s students also experienced success in that realm, including gold medalists at SubLeague, the US Open, Gracie Worlds, and ADCC.
After graduating his first black belt in Bend, Roy embarked on a new adventure in California.
This journey through this time is detailed in his book “Becoming the Black Belt.”
2015 - Present
THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE
Since 2015, Roy has focused on building his network of academies, and deepening his understanding of the art. He is fortunate to have the option of being a student, while also teaching and managing his organization.
Only affiliated academies are eligible for rank under Professor Dean.
Dean is a member of CVBJJ, where he trains and teaches while in California.
He’s also a friend of Aikido Journal, and has produced media for Aikido Journal Academy.
His instructionals are widely available on Amazon, BudoVideos, BJJFanatics, in addition to his own online store, and all seminars and instructionals are available on demand at ROYDEAN.TV.
Professor Dean is grateful to be an ambassador of the art of jiu jitsu, and continues to write, explore, and lead retreats around the world.
He lives in both Southern California and Alaska, where he enjoys spending time with his family.
DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE
Jiu Jitsu reveals who you are.
It shows you how you handle adversity.
It shows you how to handle failure, and not lose hope.
A better day lies ahead, if you can build on the progress of yesterday.
The journey is worth every step. The art will show you that, with evidence rather than faith, that with the right alignment of timing, angles, and leverage, you are more powerful than you can imagine.
