The BJJ Fanatics Podcast BJJ Fanatics 660: Roy Dean
Sep 2, 2025
Roy Dean, a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and esteemed martial arts author, shares insights on ego-less training and processing losses positively. He reflects on his transformative journey through Japan, detailing a private lesson at the Kodokan. Dean emphasizes the importance of balancing ego for competitors and reframing failure as a growth opportunity. His views on respect in martial arts and the foundational philosophies behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu create a meaningful conversation about cultivating a positive training culture.
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Teaching At Grapplers Retreat
- Roy taught at Grapplers Retreat in Mendocino and praised its dedicated grappling focus and luxury facilities.
- He emphasized the retreat's unique community vibe and top instructors like Hodger Gracie and Rick Ellis.
Kodokan Visit That Came Full Circle
- Roy revisited Japan after 34 years and trained at the Kodokan with Shimoyama Sensei in a private lesson.
- He describes a moving experience seeing Jigoro Kano's chair and feeling the lineage that enabled his teaching life.
Presence Over Outcome In Rolling
- Rolling without ego means relaxing attachment to outcomes and staying present in the moment.
- Let go of fixed grips or forced finishes and trust that better opportunities will present themselves.
