A Letter From Australia

5 Comments, Posted by: Roy Dean in: Training

A Training Experience

by Dion Mitchell

Recently I had the opportunity to travel from Australia to Bend, Oregon and take a two week training vacation at the Roy Dean Academy.  I had set high expectations for the trip and I was not let down!

After seeing the great media that is being produced by Roy Dean and his students at the Roy Dean Academy, I new that this would be an excellent venue to continue my journey of BJJ.  Roy’s products i.e. Blue Belt & Purple Belt requirements and belt demonstrations have really set the tone for my approach to the art so I felt that a thank you to Roy was in order, along with picking up some new techniques and top notch instruction, sounded like an excellent way to spend a vacation.

Having never previously visited the United States, I had no prior perceptions about Bend which allowed me to get a true feel for the town.  Everyone I met in the town was lovely and friendly and more than willing to help a visitor to their town.  The town is clean and tidy with a nice feel about it, with many people being actively involved in some kind of sport.

On the Saturday I arrived at the club, Roy was unable to be present, however, I was warmly welcomed by TJ Brodeur, a recently awarded purple belt under Mr Dean.  He showed me around the academy and introduced me to other fellow students, all of whom were extremely friendly.

The following Monday, I had my first opportunity to meet and train with Roy.  Meeting the instructor whose game I looked up to was a great experience, and lunch was offered, so I couldn’t refuse!  The class began with some light solo and partner drills and then moved into techniques as shown in the Blue Belt Requirements DVD.  Roy’s instruction, like in his DVD’s was clear, concise and straight to the point with further guidance given where required when drilling the shown technique. 

Thanks to Roy’s manner of teaching, he is able to move through a lot of technique in each class, yet would always have a theme for the class, so not to complicate with a wide range of positions.  Something “a little more advanced” was always shown to give higher ranking belts new techniques to cover and give lower ranking belts something to work towards.  Sparking that interest is a great way of seeing how much more there is to come.

The same can also be said for all the instructors at the Roy Dean Academy, all of whom I had the privilege to train with and sample their instruction.  The teachings were always clear and consistent with other instructors, showing a great understanding of the techniques.

Whilst in Bend, I also had the opportunity to take some private lessons with Roy.  These were invaluable!  New techniques were shown and the opportunity to have questions answered in regards to concerns in my own game was priceless.  Roy’s knowledge of the art is very high and this showed in his ability to answer any questions I had, and offer alternatives for my knowledge level from areas of concern.

Everyone at the Roy Dean Academy made me feel extremely welcome, and coming from a club that I consider to have great camaraderie, I felt right at home.  Thanks must go to all the students at the Roy Dean Academy, my training partners and instructors for training with me, guiding me and encouraging me whilst on the mat.  I would like to extend a special thanks to James, Suzanne, TJ and Rick for kindly inviting me into their homes and giving me a glimpse of what it would be like to live like a local and hang out as a group socially.

Of course my last thanks go to Mr Dean.  Thank you for entertaining me outside of class and allowing me to interact with you on a social level, not just as student/instructor.  My instructor at my home club once told me that the student/instructor relationship is quite a private relationship.  For him to get where he is (an accomplished BJJ practitioner and fellow BJJ black belt) he has had to endure many hardships and for him to pass on that information that he has gained through many years of training, is quite a personal process.

For this reason I would like to sincerely thank Mr Dean for the high level of training and instruction he has provided me.  He has also had to endure many years of training to get where he is, and to learn from him carries a great feeling.  Thank you Roy, I am already feeling better on the mat since my return home.

My best wishes to Roy and all his students. I will be eagerly watching everyone’s progress and look forward to training with you all again.

Thank you.