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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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.
Use Less Than Full Control
- Tap early and tap often, and protect training partners by avoiding destructive force.
- Use 51% or 70% control to create transitions and teach restraint during sparring.
Give Up The Tap Occasionally
- Give up the tap intentionally sometimes to deflate ego and let others learn.
- Letting people catch you occasionally preserves the pecking order while keeping training safe and constructive.
