Watch An Emotional 4th Degree Black Belt Exam

[@RoyHarris]

I am very proud of Roy Dean, his progress within this amazing art, as well as his accomplishments around the world. He performed so well on this examination that I gave him a 95-98% score (NOTE: Most students pass my examinations with an 80-85% score. So, I could tell he had spent a considerable amount of time preparing for this examination - focusing on the things I asked him to focus on!) Great job Roy!

[@roydean]

Thank you sir!

[@mattcauth]

I've been watching Roy's videos for a while now, and I've NEVER ever seen anyone put him under so much pressure. Usually he moves like water, but under your pressure he was really working to get out of your controls. The whole time you looked like you weren't even straining either - watching this proves how infinite the art can be. Beautiful. CONGRATS to Roy Dean - well deserved, please keep sharing your knowledge and journey with us!

[@daver2725]

@@bryansphere6359 Southern California is a mecca for Jiu Jitsu so many choices.

[@dentaltownlaunceston5679]

You are a god.

[@GeorgeOu]

Mr. Dean is already scary impressive. I can't imagine where you are sir.

[@OlimaOmega]

Grand master a damn savage

[@joshuajones7754]

Facts 💯

[@ninpowarrior]

I felt so emotional because , when I was a white belt I saw your 2 degree black belt test video so much , that it was my go to video before training, and that was a long time ago. Now , I'm a first degree black belt and I remembered all the emotions again Thank you Roy , for being such a huge role model to me. Cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷.

[@jesuschristsaves9067]

Wow… I want to start going for my belts. Any tips?

[@ninpowarrior]

@@jesuschristsaves9067 Just Keep training my friend , show up every time you can , and in the right time the belts will come , and more important, like Roy says , you are gonna discovery who you are. Enjoy the process, it's an amazing journey.

[@roydean]

Glad you're still on the journey. Let's keep going, my brother!

[@jesuschristsaves9067]

@@ninpowarrior thank you

[@DR-jz1es]

@@jesuschristsaves9067 first, don't go for belts. Go to learn and get better. The belts will come. !!!!

[@ilyassnejjar6195]

Sparring with the old man at 11:40 when he tried to defend the arm locks, Roy took it easy on him and switched into a choke to avoid hurting the man's joints. Such a class act and very rare in the heat of the moment. Most people testing will try to kill you if their rank is on the line.

[@NeptuneWang]

was about say the same thing, he doesn't seem to be keen on defeating opponent with power advantage, which he definitely has. Why obsessed with power when you can win by skills

[@yeahright2449]

And respect for working the blue belt in and giving him that experience. Everyone knew Roy was going to pass this test either way

[@alexbturcot]

what old man ? I feel attacked :)

[@HollyDollyTakahani]

@@alexbturcot You did great!

[@jonzwikk1582]

Im wondering will the test be the same if Roy Dean is in his 60s and Roy Harris in his 70s or 80s? Would the student still have to roll with several other younger opponents and then face Prof Harris in the end?

[@MAdams-ey4if]

I love how the OG moved, resisted and attacked with ease and without strain or relying on strength. He got a position and made you do the work. Very nice.

[@kelekisGR]

dont forget he is like 50 pounds heavier :P but yea it looked efortless

[@-ex2598]

@@kelekisGR Don't forget that Dean is far younger..

[@killianmaiberger-higgins6272]

Imagine being so good you let Roy Dean work, christ that master is insane

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

The most frustrating part of sparring with Mr Harris is that he moves in slow motion and it feels like 10x gravity.

[@humann5682]

Man is a cancer survivor too. True warrior and a martial artist. There aren't many guys like that left today.

[@ilyassnejjar6195]

Roy Harris, AKA the Boa. He's well known for his extreme top game pressure, especially from side mount. Even his guard passing techniques are rib crushing.

[@vladymirlb]

His master is Joe Moreira, known for his insane pressure.

[@tadams929]

@@ilyassnejjar6195 Would it be the same if equal in weight

[@karlteai3699]

I dont why but seeing the master and his student battling at the end made me cry. It was beautiful to watch as the acknowledgement of mastery passed down and the acknowledgement of his master for all those years of teaching that are paying off now. Beautiful and moving video. Its a great example for us starting to learn Bjj. Thank you

[@Theshaman12]

Glad I wasn’t the only one.

[@ChimiChuri-k2o]

you felt emotional because of the underlying ambient music

[@Unitedbambu]

Omg I can't even begin to fathom how that north south position felt.

[@Coffenstein]

It's amazing seeing the change in levels to this game, Roy looked unstoppable against all those black belts then you see him up against his very creator, what a wonderful art this sport is.

[@isomiddinisayev7497]

🤙🤙🤙

[@juice1837]

And the both of them, who are very, very good would get beat by elite level BJJ competitors. The levels to athletics is insane.

[@yeahright2449]

Master taught Roy everything Roy knows. Not everything he knows ☝️

[@matsuwd-emethdaath4002]

@@juice1837 nah I doubt it ..roy dean and Harris can hold their own. With all due respect to the others you mentioned

[@berimboplata]

@@matsuwd-emethdaath4002 They would get murdered by the elites. Roy Dean posted a video of himself getting wrecked by Victor Estima, who is elite. He did beat some nobody named Sebastian something. But by an elite Victor Estima, he got wrecked, lost under a minute. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWfNmZptrbeBn6c This isn't disrespect, its reality and they will be the first to tell you they would get wrecked. Victor wasn't even close to being the best in his weight class either, although top 10 for sure.

[@killianmaiberger-higgins6272]

I bet the old master's top pressure feels like being streamrolled

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

Mr Harris can put people to sleep just by holding them down. I'm not even joking.

[@angel-rq4fz]

@@TheGunnyBadger03xx therefore his mastery has gone beyond techniques , the invisible jiujitsu as Grand Master Rickson Gracie names it .

[@unitedfighter5105]

It's literally the best

[@joaquinorosco]

For as old as the coach is, that was beyond impressive

[@JoePlomo]

I was in agony just watching it! 🥵 I’m a top pressure player myself & I’ve never seen anything like this

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

For those who don't know, when Mr. Harris wants to hold you down, it feels like the jacks broke on your car when you were under it! :D

[@dwaino86]

There's something special about seeing such a skilled black belt trying to survive under intense pressure when already tired. We've all felt it too, and it makes me feel better that it doesn't change :)

[@roydean]

We never stop paying our dues.

[@dwaino86]

@@roydean indeed. thanks for the reply! I'm a recent purple belt and my coach feels like a tonne of bricks on my chest. I don't think it ever won't feel like that.

[@hankowitz]

I love all of the crucible videos, but this one is especially great. Typically Roy is so fluid that his techniques look effortless. It’s cool to see the techniques work against some very high level opponents. Thanks for another great video 🙏

[@roydean]

My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch. 🙂

[@RickEllis_]

Very inspirational performance, Roy. You always lead by example. I’m grateful to have been able to walk this journey with you all these years, and more importantly, to count you among my closest friends.

[@roydean]

Thank you for your friendship and support, Rick!

[@jmac7947]

It is truly amazing to me to see the same sort of exhaustion and frustration from a long time black belt that I feel when I roll with my professors and coaches. It exemplifies that this art never stops. The excuses are excuses. The technique is primary. Thank you for sharing this, Professor Dean. Fantastic.

[@jonnybravo3697]

As a new starter at my local bjj gym I’m already blown away by how much skill , knowledge and respect for the art these folks have 👍

[@thaabietdomingo5233]

This made me cry. Master Roy, what a beautiful, technical display of Jiu-Jitsu. Wow! That was mesmerizing to watch and really moved me. Thank you for sharing this!

[@moefoties8655]

Congratulations, Professor, on your 4th degree. I couldn't agree more with Rick Ellis about your continued leadership by example. It's one of the more difficult tasks in leadership to have the humility to put yourself out there in the presence of your mentors, peers, and students to demonstrate your competence at the risk of falling short. Not many in jiu jitsu are put in that position at your level. Your skill, drive, and comfort within yourself speak volumes to those coming up in this art. It's so important for people in your position to go where you expect your students to go, and struggle as they do - even as a 4th degree black belt. Actions speak louder than words, and your impact on others through this process is immeasurable. As a 44-year-old blue belt, I'm inspired to press on and to always try and be an example to others at any age and at any rank. Thank you...and congratulations on a long journey well traveled.

[@hannahjoynson8937]

I started Jiu jitsu 2 months ago and can honestly say it is such a pleasure watching this video, really inspiring.

[@loudthought5311]

At 36 and carrying old injuries I started BJJ last week. I've had 1 Gi and 1 no Gi session. It amazes me how effortlessly the Master moves and makes it look despite his age. True wisdom and experience. It encourages me so much. This is absolutely beautiful to witness. Congrats to you 👏🏾

[@jinxit]

Wisdom experience and also core strength etc.

[@Crookedchurch]

Keep going bro, don't quit you've done the hardest bit by turning up which most people out there aren't brave enough to do. Keep tapping and keep learning. I'm five months in and 37 years old too. You can do it! Oss!

[@loudthought5311]

@@Crookedchurch congrats to you Alex and thank you for the encouragement 👊🏾

[@Sleepyboiwonder]

@@Crookedchurchhave you gotten hurt at all?

[@jasonwyatt9025]

Congratulations professor Roy! Everyone who trains jiu-jitsu knows that feeling of getting cooked under someone and the mental fatigue that happens which is more of the battle that the physical exhaustion which is horrible in its own right! But Roy did amazing work looking for the Micro movements to get to better positions! I've trained with professor Roy Dean this past year and know he's a beast so to see him get put through that exam is pretty damn awesome watch! Congrats again Roy! 👏

[@SakranMM]

Man, at one point Roy escaped from side control, recovered guard, but then ended up right back underneath Mr. Harris' side mount a few seconds later. You could audibly hear Roy's frustration for ending up back there. That's what it's really like. Thank you, Mr. Dean, for not being afraid to show us the reality of the struggle.

[@HieuTran-yz3jk]

I'm 28 and have been training BJJ for just 7 days. I'm trying day by day to get to a higher level. Hope someday I also can get an fantastic test like you, sir

[@viralizajon]

Isso que chamo de jiu jitsu.. a sutileza de uma raspagem, o cavalheirismo de uma finalização e a leveza a cada momento mostrando a arte suave.

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

Roy, what a beautiful demonstration of heart, skill, and dedication to this wonderful art. Many congratulations, brother!

[@roydean]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@A_View_From_The_Shire]

Decades of ups and downs, wins and loses, tapping someone and being tapped, tears of joy and tears of pain, self-confidence and self-doubt, solving a piece of the puzzle and being stuck on the next piece, all leading to this moment. What a pleasure to watch.

[@whelmking6497]

I have practiced no BJJ and it is glaringly obvious how the real lessons being taught here about consideration, respect and humility. It shines through even to someone like me who knows next to nothing about the art. Simply outstanding.

[@27dforce]

Your videos are not only inspiring for young jiu jitsu students all over the country, but also for anyone looking into entering the jiu jitsu family across this great country and the world! Your teaching and philosophy have inspired thousands upon thousands of individuals with the goal of becoming a professor like you! Thank you for the inspiration! It keeps me motivated!

[@gavreddav]

I found this video today, I started my journey 6 months ago. I'm emotional just to see the degree of discipline and commitment to achieve that 4th Degree.

[@FR-ty5vn]

Love watching Roy Dean promotions - there’s never been one where you question if they deserved it - Roy really earned this one!! Osssss

[@duramatersoul]

The final fight was an absolute honour to witness. What a beautiful experience

[@mattiauk]

You know that goosbump feeling when you witness mastery at work ? Your demonstrations and belt exams give me that feeling on the constant. Mesmerizing.

[@JS-hp1ow]

I’ve only recently started getting into watching BJJ and this video fascinated me, it really shows the levels to this sport. You sparring with the master and getting him in the choke at the end nearly brought a tear to my eye, could really see how exhausted you were and can’t imagine the overcoming feeling you must of felt. Congrats man!

[@calmwater2529]

Great job Professor Dean. Awesome. You dug deep. Inspirational.

[@robertjohnson8106]

inspirational. The stages were so methodical. I love how at the end Professor Harris pushes Mr. Dean to the limit of his mental and physical ability and gives him the feeling of overcoming that. The meter and limit was gauged so beautifully. Amazing performance and clean technique by Mr. Dean!

[@Vengeance8888]

I want to congratulate Professor Roy Dean, the man who inspired me to become an Aikido and Bjj practitioner ten years ago. Today I am an Aikido Shodan and Bjj blue belt. The journey continues. Thank you and all the best 🙏

[@SimonBriz]

As soon as I read thank you for your support over the years I began to cry; I remember having my arm broken by not tapping to an Americana back in 2007. I had been training for 3 weeks and was severely depressed an unmotivated until I came across one of your videos that motivated me to continue training. I am now going for my black belt exam In June. Thank you for your motivation throughout the years.

[@Baneslayer]

At least now you know to tap to the American next time 😉✊🏻🤣

[@madadem2652]

The serenity of the masters face is really what gets me. Every movement a lesson in itself

[@ZaneMason]

I have watched all your black belt tests and by far I think mentally and physically you pushed the hardest here. Well done on staying calm and focused. Well deserved 4th stripe! You are such an amazing teacher! Much respect.

[@gordonwong2798]

Its amazing how sensei Roy Harris remained calm and composed throughout the exchange.

[@roydean]

He is the man.

[@conscofd3534]

Oh man, my tears came pretty quick on this one! I don't practice BJJ but I would like to. Hope to find a group as supportive as this one. Much respect Sir!

[@RippedPantsss]

There’s no tomorrow, train today

[@burrrichards5007]

It was a great pleasure to see you, Rick Ellis and Professor Harris again. 13 years has not aged any of you.

[@roydean]

Burr, it's wonderful to hear from you. I appreciate the kind words, and thank you for the support over the years. You are mentioned in my last book, Becoming the Black Belt. Hope you are well!

[@burrrichards5007]

@@roydean Roy- Thanks for the note. I requested Black Belt Magazine interview you for "teacher of the year". That's how great you are. 2 steel knees, 1 steel hip and 2 severed Achilles have limited me, but still train with the other parts that work. Hugs to you my Sensei

[@3nt3rtain]

Congratulations, Professor Dean. Your contribution to the art of jiu-jitsu is immense, and on behalf of the lives you've touched and improved... Thank you 🙏🏼

[@roydean]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@GetLostInTheSauce]

Your relationship with your professor and students is inspiring

[@mitchgarbeno3788]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching these video. Also true statement at the start.

[@drewp1974]

Watching this dance between professors is amazing

[@CountfilmsTV]

Always awesome to see your Black Belt Exams filmed! Great job!!

[@Sordemith]

Rolling with Roy Harris would blow your mind. His pressure is something else. Roy Dean showing why he's a legend

[@dougieladd]

Every time I watch these things it brings a tear to my eyes. I've watched Roy's videos from time to time over the years... and I see him as a consummate professional and master technician. Congratulation to Roy! I'd also like to say congrats to the white belt in this video for surviving as long as he did :) Question for Roy Harris... do you ever feel under pressure yourself with these examinations? I dropped out of JJ a couple of years ago due to low back injury and at the moment I only watch and wonder at the skill these guys have...

[@matheuscsmed]

Congratulations from a fellow practitioner who is starting his journey in Brasil.

[@brysonz]

This was very inspiring to watch. Congratulations to both Roy's!

[@thomasswanson6405]

Both Professor Harris and Prefessor Dean make it look so easy..absolute Masters of the Art.

[@virgilleedortch]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve watched in years. Thank you for sharing.

[@roydean]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@hugondoma-egba342]

Oh my! I’m a blue belt and this is the best thing I’ve seen on the internet! OSs! So inspiring and educational at the same time!

[@samwise725]

Thank you for sharing Roy. That was extremely motivating.

[@roydean]

My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch. 🙂

[@clintonjonker8474]

If you have never felt top pressure and are tired with a master grappler,your breathing suffers. What a sport and self defence art form. Awesome display and lesson for all. Humility and dont give up

[@lborate3543]

Awesome work, congrats to both Roy’s.

[@JuanArellanoDartman]

Watching your video has been very inspirational to me, I am a 57 year old purple belt and at times I feel as though I should rethink why I am doing BJJ. Videos like yours inspires me to continue and meeting people who are pursuing this dream has instilled in me the reason to continue. I don't know you personally and but after watching your video, I will continue to watch your journey. Thank you for posting it. Oss!!!

[@roydean]

Wonderful! Keep going! 👊🏽

[@CrinosAD]

I have seen a lot of gradings during my years, from both sides, as the the being graded, and the grader. This is one of the better I've seen! Congratulations on something that looks for me (a total BJJ newbie) as a truly hard and challenging grading/exam.

[@shoottochange]

Until you’ve experienced first hand the crushing feeling of being absolutely smothered by a more skilled opponent, it’s really hard to grasp how deep you need to dig just to survive. I love how beyond the technical aspect of this test, a big part of it was grit, determination, really pushing you past your physical limits and testing your mental toughness. Beautiful video 🙏

[@gpa-ema]

This was an incredible display of Jiu Jitsu. I think you have definitely raised the bar with this one. Congratulations!

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

"tests are a way of measuring where you are, where you've been and where you've hidden".... where you've hidden... I like that... there's a lot to that last point.

[@falkhammermuller9342]

18:16 ... looks and sounds comfortable :D Great Video! Love how real you guys keep it. Thanks for sharing.

[@roydean]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@inkberry3596]

I'll never get tired of re-watching this video. I keep up with updates but there's just something so unbelievable about this specific experience... Roy Harris and Roy Dean and his students... Just an honor to be able to watch your experiences, even from afar. Cheers!

[@LeviPage]

I've been wondering about this test. It was feeling overdue. Amazing how Roy plowed through the other brown and black belts. I'd be curious to see how Dean and Harris would match up if they were closer in weight. Harris appears to have a huge weight advantage.

[@marcos0055101]

Roy had weight advantage against the other black and brown belts too. It's more about pressure and technique than anything else, even if you big those guys would have a easier time than against the Boa.

[@nothingelsewilldo4me]

It’s amazing that men like Roy Harris exist. It gives me hope for the future of humanity

[@marlonmendoza2882]

I watched the video at 4:00 am and towards the end of the video i became emotional and burst into tears. It made me realize how i dealt with my challenges in life. Jiu Jitsu is life.

[@kramnic8240]

It is interesting to see how an instructor rolls vs how a student/team mate rolls against you. You can see clearly how Harris is going at like 1%, strength and intensity wise, but rolling calculatedly to evaluate specific aspects of Roy's game and see how he solves problems he throws at him. You can tell how both are thinking 3,4,5 moves ahead and putting in as much brain effort as muscular exertion. Great video.

[@fillipepascalicchio9385]

The complicity and friendship between the two is visible and admirable

[@Marcopollobrasil]

Muito bom. Jiu jitsu sempre. Oss!

[@JobReadyEnglish]

Hauntingly beautiful. And the roll at the end with your coach. Could feel myself tearing up with you at the end when he put your new stripe on. Awesome ❤

[@ninetytwopoint5640]

Roy Dean is incredible. But crikey Roy Harris is a bad ass. Congratulations and thank you for posting. Absolutely Inspiring.

[@DocLeon77]

The knee on belly escapes @ 2:09 were so slick. I've watched that part so many times. Great video all together! 🥋🤙🏾

[@powerlius2730]

I rewatched it like 5 times hahaha

[@96moliveira]

Jiu jitsu can be an amazing martial art, when both fighters reach a high enough level it looks and fells more like a dance than a fight, they flow beautifully from one position to the next. Thank you for the video. Oss

[@64kdawg]

The crushing top pressure game from Prof Harris is terrifying! Felt claustrophobic just watching it.

[@roccocapozzi2077]

Absolutely incredible. The determination, the drive to never give up even against the master with all the true deep breaths and groans of digging deep and finding that last bit of energy is un comparable. Much respect and wishing all the future success to come 🙏🏼💪🏼

[@vinchenzo2502]

I am so grateful to be part of this sport

[@markr8604]

What a beautiful Video. I have been toying with the idea of joining a local Jiu Jitsu guild/dojo near me. The world i find is in chaos and i feel as though it will help restore a balance i have needed since the passing of my late (and wonderful) mother. I feel that, with martial arts, there always seems to be an undertone of philosophy that permeates, that resonates with my own personality. I'm a deep thinker by nature, and the more i lean into taking up Jiu-Jitsu, the more i find im at peace. Watching these transitions was SO helpful in understanding the technical aspect of the form. Really appreciate you taking the effort to get this documented and upload.

[@thebawell]

I got my purple belt 8 years ago, but since then I have no trained jiu-jitsu anymore. Watch this video gave me inspiration to go back training jiu-jitsu, thank you so much for sharing this great moment of your life with us. My regards from São Paulo - Brazil and sorry for my english... Oss

[@Samuel-cu9vo]

I watched this video a couple of months ago. Now after just getting a little further in my own I see so much more from revisiting this video. Roy Dean is truly a master.

[@imranjitsu0012]

Woow.... professor Roy Harris pressure looks like a tank ontop of you. Congratulations professor Roy Dean. Well deserved. Love from Mombasa Kenya.

[@WestHamParker8]

The tranquility in this video is memorizing

[@cflaherty17]

What a roll between the master and Roy. I had to slow the video down to catch all the grips and nuances. You can see the euphoria in both of them. The warrior's meditation. Thank you and congrats. Well deserved a beautiful display

[@jdavidrhea]

Wow. I’m 3 weeks into my white belt. This is extremely moving and inspiring. 🙏🏻

[@brazilianjiujitsuincorporated]

It's impossible to fully describe how it is to roll with Professor Harris. It's an honor and privilege to do so. A big congratulations to Professor Dean. Well earned 👏🥋💪👊

[@roydean]

Well said!

[@lowkeyturkish]

23:23 this moment when the master said 'its time' ! Great character great school, great master! Very emotional video.

[@instructorlex8273]

Unreal. Such a sweet science indeed. Nothing but respect from a karate school teacher.

[@piyushkhengar]

I have been watching these videos for over ten years, since the time I was inspired to try BJJ. Roy Dean, Sir! I have watched every single one of your grading videos since the first one that you posted. You put the “gentle” in Jii Jitsu, and you flow like a Tai Chi and Aikido master! I love the bond between student and teacher. You are both an inspiration, and I love you guys.

[@petermclean8243]

i just finished listening to your black belt book that you read yourself and came to this video tonight to watch you again, congratulations , i started my bjj journey in 2012 at the age of 50, im now about to turn 60 and am a 3 stripe purple , ive always enjoyed your content . thank you

[@yeahright2449]

I'm a 6'6" basketball player, and hopefully my son will be too, but this little (gigantic for his age) 5 year old has fallen in love with jiu jitsu, so I'm letting him follow his passion. His eyes are GLUED to this video right now. Thanks for sharing. I've been an artist my whole life and I see now why this is considered art.

[@bryansevillana9374]

Congratulations Prof Roy Dean, been following you since my white belt days and it is so inspiring to see you always strive for excellence! Much respect sir!

[@roydean]

Thank you!

[@stevemarce1988]

Congratulations! Roy D. 💥 👏🏽 Congratulations! Roy H. 💥 👏🏽

[@mikealphaxray228]

The final Americana finish was beautiful to see. I feel like the Americana is memed as a good submission for the strong guy that just picked up the sport, perhaps has wrestling experience, and has no problem being in mount, seeing the opening, and shooting the arm under for an americana against the floor. This was a different kind of americana, performed within a reverse triangle hold, without the assistance of the floor, and performed between two men at the very highest skill levels. Art for artists.

[@walperstyle]

Take note of how calm Harris is. He's a master.

[@Jahofnietdan2]

Watched this on a cold wednesday morning, with a cup of coffee catching a few rays of sun through the window. Serene feeling. Awesome seeing 2 masters at work.

[@bigol7169]

When I imagine the warrior of today, like the most courageous and disciplined samurai, I think of Roy Dean

[@angel-rq4fz]

Master Roy Harris is a GURU of the Art , no doubt .

[@Noah-jy8wb]

Mr Harris keeps presenting problems for his student to solve. Awesome:)

[@tobygoodman9134]

Dang dude, that was so awesome!!! Roy Harris looks like an absolute beast.

[@619StangCali]

The respect is unreal