Roy Dean Academy :: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to order more than one DVD. How can I do this?

Purchase each DVD individually, as a separate transaction. Every DVD is individually packaged and shipped for maximum safety. There are no shipping discounts on multiple DVD orders.

Is it possible to visit the Academy and train?

Certainly! Whether you’re passing through Bend and getting on the mat for a single class, or flying in for an extended training experience, we would love to have you join us. The day rate for training is $20, and weeklong passes are available for $100. Accommodations are plentiful, and can range from a downtown experience at the Phoenix Inn, to the zen seclusion of Five Pine Lodge or Seventh Mountain Resort. Those looking for a lengthier stay should also examine the options on Craigslist.

Will you be making a Purple Belt Requirements DVD?

We are currently halfway through production of the Purple Belt Requirements DVD! Release is scheduled for June 2009. The emphasis of this 2 DVD set will be the formation of a complete BJJ game and linking techniques together to form physical sentences, rather than individuals words themselves. Of course, there will also be extras, including excerpts from the Kuwait seminar, rolling examples, and competition footage!

I’ve trained in Aikido and would like to try BJJ. Any advice?

I highly encourage you to undertake the study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- it is a deep and rewarding art. BJJ and Aikido are descendants of older jujutsu systems, and despite working on different planes (horizontal rather than vertical), both rely on distraction, angles, timing, and leverage. The ukemi skills of the aikido practitioner will quickly enable you to make friends with ground, rounding your body like a ball to use your opponents energy and momentum against them. Though you may discover considerable overlap between the arts over time, I recommend learning BJJ by itself, under proper instruction. The randori training method of BJJ is an invaluable complement for those learning Morihei Ueshiba’s art of peace.

Are you available for seminars?

Yes. Domestic and international seminars are both possible. Please send inquiries to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for fee structure and requirements.

What is the ranking system like?

The ranking system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consists of 5 belts. White, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each belt takes about 2 years of consistent training before graduating to the next level. It usually takes 10 years to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under qualified instruction, although some have done it in under 5 years training full time. The more time you’re able to put in on the mats, the faster your progression will be!

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Yes, the uniform, or gi, is required for class. Submission wrestling, or no gi jiu jitsu, is also taught, but the majority of classes are performed with the gi.

What kind of uniform would you recommend?

There are many excellent companies, but I recommend Howard Combat Kimonos (HCK). The uniforms are very high quality and quite durable. I recommend for students to purchase both a blue and a white single weave gi. For the safety and consideration of your training partners, a clean gi should be worn everytime you step on the mat. Having a spare gi will make this much easier. Click here to purchase an HCK gi today. Be sure to reference Roy Dean Academy during your order!

Jujutsu, Jujitsu, Jiu-Jitsu… What’s the difference?

Essentially, they are all the same, it is merely a matter of convention. Japanese uses a large number of ideographic characters borrowed from the Chinese, known as kanji, and syllabic scripts known as kana. Several systems have been developed over time to use Roman letters (ABCDE…) to approximate the sounds of Japanese. This is known as Romaji. Older Romaji systems often used jiu as a pronunciation guide, but the modern standard simplifies it to ju, so jujutsu is the most accurate Romanization of the Japanese term. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu typically uses the older Romanization spelling, and as it has evolved into a distinct art from both Judo and more traditional Japanese jujutsu styles, I honor that distinction by using the older Romanization standard: Jiu-Jitsu.