Purple Belt and Wristlock DVD Reviews

A few friends of RDA have recently penned their thoughts on both the Purple Belt Requirements and Art of Wristlock DVDs.  Each one of these reviews have been thoughtful, conscientious, and positive.  Recommended reading, you won’t be disappointed!

Purple Belt Requirements DVD review at BJJNorcal

Paul Pedrazzi recognized that Purple Belt Requirements filled in a philosophical gap in BJJ instructionals.  As he puts it:

“One of the best parts of this dvd is the sections where he discusses approach and philosophy. These are areas not often touched on in the sea of instructionals out there. It is important since many people buying dvd’s do not have the benefit of a black belt instructor, so a place where you can feel like you are having a conversation with a mentor is critical. In this role of guide, Roy talks extensively about the gateway to a more advanced approach to the art with concepts such as momentum, fluidity, kuzushi, using your legs, and why you should let others into the game when you roll (“you can’t be the hammer all the time”). He mentions how purple is where you get beyond accumulation, noting the difference between “knowledge and skill”. I should also note that watching Roy hit armlocks is inspiring - some of the smoothest movement I have ever seen.”

Purple Belt Requirements DVD review at Slidey’s Training Log

Can Sönmez, aka “Slideyfoot” also has a review of Purple Belt Requirements.  Extremely detailed.  No stone unturned.  Those wondering what’s on the discs have a complete rundown here.  To summarize, Can concludes with this:

Purple Belt Requirements is a new kind of DVD instructional. Almost every other instructional is a long compilation of techniques, sometimes (but not always) arranged in some kind of structure, with the instructor methodically working their way through the details. In his new offering, Roy Dean takes a conceptual approach instead, where the techniques fit into an overall philosophy for purple belt, the most important element of which is the need to learn how to combine techniques into a flowing sequence.

Therefore this is not Blue Belt Requirements 2, with simply another syllabus broken down for the viewer. The instruction here is faster, less intensively detailed, because it is intended for a more advanced audience, who already have a basic technical understanding, but need to find ways to take those techniques and incorporate them into a personal game. 

Art of the Wrist Lock DVD review at Three Harmonies Martial Arts Center

Jake Burroughs at Three Harmonies Martial Arts Centere appreciated the presentation and knowledge in Art of the Wristlock.  Here was his favorite part:

“In what is perhaps the hidden gem of the DVD Roy sits down and offers a candid discourse on his involvement in the arts, the differences between Ju Jitsu and Jiu Jitsu, as well as the origins of the various grappling arts of Japan. Roy is quite honest in his approach sharing stories of his evolution in the arts, and the evolution of the efficacy of training within Aikido, Judo, Traditional Ju Jitsu, as well as BJJ. Perhaps many would/did skip this 15 minute intro to get to the “goods,” but you should certainly give it its due and pay attention with a notebook. Here are some key points I took away:

All styles of grappling are based on the principles of push and pull. (I would interject and offer this principle is found in all styles period, as with striking you are pushing and pulling your hips in an effort to strike faster/harder, for instance).

Failure is how you make progress. Do not fear failure, embrace it as a learning opportunity.

Huge thanks to all the took the time to review these projects and solidify their thoughts through the written word!