We Have A New Blackbelt…
This is a post from the popular website, MMA.tv, where Mr. Harris has his own forum as an expert on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Harris International has a new Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Mr. Roy Dean took his three and one-half hour Black Belt examination today and passed with flying colors!
I am very proud of what Mr. Dean has accomplished! I am also proud of the fact that he too is one of my “FIRST” black belts. Let me explain:
Mr. Matt Stansell was the first person I ever promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was the first FIRST.
Mr. Jeff Clark was the second person I promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. However, he was the FIRST person I promoted to black belt that began his journey with me as a white belt. (For Matt Stansell came to me as a blue belt in 1998 from Royce Gracie.)
Mr. Kyle Saunders was the third person I have promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. However, he was also the FIRST person I promoted to black belt as a long distance student. Kyle lives in Rochester, New York. I live in San Diego, California. Kyle has consistently trained with me for a minimum of twenty hours every year for the past six years. This demonstrates how Kyle can listen, learn and train on his own (a definite mark of discipline, determination and dedication). Kyle came to me in 2000 as a purple belt from Carlos Machado.
Mr. Roy Dean is the fourth person I have promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. However, he is the FIRST person I have promoted to black belt that has consistently trained at group classes at the academy since he began his training with me. He is also the first person I have promoted to black belt that has continued his group class training at the academy past purple belt.
Mr. Dean has quietly and selflessly invested so much of his time, energy and experience to the development of Harris International Instructionals and the development of the Harris International competition team. He has also given so much of his time to the development of so many Harris International Instructors that many are deeply indebted to him, myself included! Thank you Mr. Dean for all you have done!
I am very proud of Mr. Dean’s accomplishments and am honored to have him on my team! I wish him thrilling success, bounding fulfillment and exciting adventure on his new journey in Bend, Oregon!
Sincerely,
Roy Harris