Roy Dean
Roy Dean began training in martial arts at the age of 16 when he moved to Japan as an exchange student. While there he received his shodan (first degree black belt) in Kodokan Judo.
At age 19 he began training in Aikikai Aikido under Kalvin Koshiyama, eventually serving as uchideshi (live in student) under Julio Toribio. By age 24, he had received his shodan in Aikikai Aikido, and Enshin Itto-Ryu Batto Jutsu (Iaido), as well as a sandan (third degree blackbelt) in Seibukan Jujutsu.
Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began under Claudio Franca in 1997, where he received his blue belt. In 2000 he began training under Roy Harris in San Diego and was promoted to purple belt in 2002, brown belt in 2004, and the prestigious black belt in 2006. He was promoted to second degree black in September 2010.
Mr. Dean served as a staff member under Mr. Harris from 2002 to 2006; led the grappling program at Jiai Aikido, and instructed the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu recreation class at the University of California, San Diego. Dean has competed and won in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling competitions.
