The BJJ Black Belt Exam of Ray Feliciano

[@treydomingue9559]

What means the most to me about these videos is watching not just the person being tested but the ones doing the testing. All of Dean's crucibles, especially at the higher levels, demonstrate a respect that is admirable. It's not about going as hard as you can and trying to beat up your opponent, it's about challenging them, putting them in situations and forcing them to react. I really saw that here in the second round with Hardee Merritt. Nothing is given for free, but when a technique was applied properly there was progress. On the other hand when an opening was presented, it was taken. That's what a test should be, not just an opportunity to brag about who tapped who how many times. I'm always awed by the high technical level of Dean's students, they're all next level. Congratulations and thanks for being an inspiration for all of us.

[@DanielJBarnett]

I’ve been watching Roy Dean and his black belt crucibles for years. This one dropped today and I also received my black belt today as well.

[@roydean]

Congratulations!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Congratulations on your black belt!

[@tidouble1]

Congrats. Yesterday made one year for me and it still feels oddly surreal.

[@jedsanford7879]

whoah congratulations! thats amazing.

[@m0a5r1k2]

Congratulations!

[@rodrigotellom]

This is one of the most fascinating demonstrations of jiujitsu I've ever seen.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you!

[@Dreaming-11]

I agree!

[@brucemcgraw2265]

Isn't it!!!!......and for his age

[@barrykee8876]

Considering his age, size, and quality of opponents this was a very impressive crucible. Well done, and well deserved.

[@jaimepardo]

Do you know how old Ray is?

[@barrykee8876]

@@jaimepardo no I don't. From the intro info I presume late 50's to mid 60's though.

[@KitoVilela]

I'm a Brazilian brown belt and I love this video! Every now and then I watch it again, for me it works as if I were rereading a book that I really like. I love the filming, the philosophy and the fluidity of the movements! I hope to roll with one of you in the near future!

[@MaruSFDojo]

thank you @kitovilela

[@awatkeys]

This is now my second time watching this and I can't even put words to the spectacular display of Ray's arts. Special and non-replicable. Thank you for sharing and Congratulations Ray

[@adamyork2333]

Ray, how beautiful and how amazing! I am 52 and received my blue belt a few months ago. Your video is an inspiration to me to stay on the path. Well done sir!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Keep going @adamyork2333, no matter how difficult it is - take it one step at a time. Ganbatte!

[@BelowAverageBJJ]

Rays style is so sick! Loved the technique demonstrations. Props to Hardee on taking those 10 combinations lol brutal

[@MaruSFDojo]

Hats off to the the uke I've trained in preparation. Hardee san was gracious to volunteer during the examination. Hardee san took great ukemi.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you. Yes, Hardee San was gracious.

[@blynch8740]

This guy is so fluid. Love watching him roll.

[@uberblue6843]

I'm not even 10 minutes in and Ray is one of my favorite crucibles that I've ever seen. His blend of technique, personality, and immersion of other arts really show in his game. Holy crap the hand throws remind me of kenpo

[@MaruSFDojo]

The hand throws or wrist locks came from both Aikido and Shorinji Kempo. Some of the disarms are from Kali (Filipino Martial Arts). Thank you for watching.

[@bryanfontez]

This is jiu-jitsu. I am amazed. The respect, the discipline, the fluidity, this is just a masterful and beautiful display of movement, technique, and everything I believe BJJ to be. We live in a world that is beginning to lack respect for the tradition and honour that the early masters believed were essential to forging a well rounded leader and human being strong in body and mind. But this is a clear display of it's value and benefits. You can feel this man's control and focus through the screen. I'm a purple belt who's lucky enough to train under Jeff Joslin. Jeff is by far the best professor I've ever had and one of the few instructors left who test for belts, something I'm extremely proud of and grateful for. The only belt we don't test for is black. What I'm seeing in this video is an example of familiarity with positions, transitions and combinations that I don't think most Black belts could demonstrate with such ease. I would absolutely love to get my black belt this way and I wish this test was available to outsiders. Making the trek to a remote location so I can challenge myself by putting on a demonstration like this in front of other legitimate black belt peers would be a dream. Thank you for sharing this. Oss 🙏🥋

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you @bryanfontez

[@pusheen666]

Black belt crucibles are always so well documented, and the display of technique is always breathtaking. Please NEVER stop documenting these!!!

[@joeyortega]

Wow, Ray's Jiu Jitsu is beautiful to watch

[@0u73rh34v3n]

I’m only 6 mins in and I’m already losing my mind. There’s SO much I want to learn from this practitioner. I knew he was something else when he rolled with you in your last dan grading vid. Awesome stuff!!

[@RichardPonti-smith]

The addition of aikido and, (escrima maybe?) was an amazing addition to an already standout demonstration. Congratulations Ray, well done 😮

[@MaruSFDojo]

Yes. I incorporated Eskrima, Kali and/or Filipino Martial Arts. Thank you and sharp eyes!

[@brucemcgraw2265]

One of the best ive seen........for his age, he s a beast

[@poznajsiebie377]

Stunning narrative, fantastic performance, and overal beautiful, pure energy of respect and humility. With the last 20 second you made me cry. Master Roy, may you be happy, healthy and free from bondage of any kind, may all what you wish for manifest in your life for the good of you and all sentient beings.

[@Yasser.R]

One day..., will get there! Stepped on the matt for the first time 34 days ago, and it was the best decision I have ever made! Now, however long it takes, I will enjoy the journey.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Just keep on truckin'. It's what I did and continue to do, keep stepping on the mat. I'll get "there" somehow.

[@josephliebl5709]

I think this was the best crucible yet

[@PS-fn5xv]

I am watching these for years now and I can't help it. I am always moved to tears at the end.

[@Sidecontrol1234]

been watching these for like 4 years, never gets old.

[@davisn8052]

Your presentation is a piece of art. Amazing video, great dojo. Greetings from Brazil.

[@kenfutv]

Love the edit on this. Call outs and replays on specific subs, etc during the rolls is awesome.

[@noelaxton4941]

This has got to be one of my favorite videos! It is beautiful and graceful. Thanks for posting.

[@scottblum468]

Beautiful demo, Ray. Your skill and spirit honor the art.

[@babu25557]

What a beautiful video. Just started jiu jitsu and Almost shed a tear seeing this. Cant wait to learn more about this art.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Prof Roy Dean is excellent in capturing moments and highlighting it in his video. Good luck in your journey to the art.

[@michaelswann9849]

Im not ashamed to say i cried watching this. So transformative. Im just a blue belt and i have a long way to go, but seeing this is so inspiring to me.

[@TheHitman-]

Most people quit at blue belt. But you won't. You will be a black belt in 8 years. Wait and see.

[@MaruSFDojo]

There's no shame in it. Thank you for having the courage to share your feelings. It takes guts. If you think it's a long way, just keep "walking" and someday you'll get to where you want to go. In the meantime, cherish the new friendships along the way.

[@awatkeys]

I am so looking forward to this. These crucible videos are such a source of inspiration for me!!

[@Jitsover50]

I've watched every test I could find. An immense amount of knowledge and well produced. Thank you! Respect.

[@DISCIPLE_94]

Amazing. I watch every single one of Roy Dean's crucibles. Every one of them puts the fire in me for the pursuit of skill in the art and sport of jiu jitsu.

[@Tyler123-h3e]

One of the best Jiujitsu demo I've seen so far on youtube. I was surprised to see old school techniques like Kote gaeshi.

[@KrisOish]

It was amazing watching this crucible 🙏🥋 It's nice to see this kind of approach once in a while, with the respect and humility, honoring japanese martial arts traditions and just being all kinds of awesome!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you. Prof Roy Dean did a remarkable job in editing to reflect the message that he and I wanted to communicate via video.

[@anthonyharvey8571]

I used to train under Cesar Clavijo (white & Red GI) at his Gym in South Carolina (2017). What beast, he always had so much Poise on the mat. He was a brown belt at the time but honestly had he been under anyone els he would have already had his black. Just a testament to how truly deserving these guys are and how much it really is earned.

[@StillnessAcademy]

Hey Anthony, I hope you’re well!

[@BigJamo72Aikido]

Amazing video! Love how he blends his Aikido and Philipino martials arts with his Jiu-Jitsu.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you. Happy to hear you like the BJJ interpretation of incorporating Aikido and Kali (FMA)

[@abdominalesalos4026]

Beautiful jiu-jitsu, great partners and amazing footage. Congratulations to the new black belt.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Hardee Merritt Sensei from Quest Martial Arts in Chapel Hill, NC was a great uke along with the others who helped in preparing for the test. Thank you.

[@TheNinjaEveryDay]

Amazing video and amazing jiu-jitsu! Thank you Professor Dean and huge congratulations to Ray-San!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Hardee San, thank you for taking ukemi. I can't take enough. I hope to visit soon and have drink with you and other dojo members who coordinated and assisted during the seminar.

[@uwillnevahno6837]

I couldn't make it to a 1 stripe White Belt, my journey was a flat learning curve filled w/injuries. People that can attain Black Belts are at a completely different level.

[@ryananding2456]

Don’t give up.

[@LtdNova]

With the martial arts background of Ray Feliciano, you can see that he has such a great understanding of the arts in general and is nicely combining the principles. Well deserved and great to watch! My way is still a long one to go...

[@aaronn9692]

Ray is very smooth and a pleasure to watch roll

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you, @aaon9692

[@marcsaulnier2171]

Absolutely everything about this video is outstanding! I love your videos Mr. Dean!

[@Law307]

Roy Dean as the final boss is just amazing!!

[@michaelsentilles7009]

Wow! Just wow. Great respect to all involved. Film making was exceptional as was the technique shown, the respect shown, the appreciation shown. This is a fantastic showing of what true martial arts is all about.💪💪👏👏👏

[@DreamOnBaby]

These are always so great to watch!

[@robertturner7090]

Wow beautiful and unique techniques. Im going to be watching this over and over. Thank you for sharing your crucible with us!

[@josephbreza-grappling9459]

Exceptional production, as always. I enjoy every one of these stories.

[@rerman6344]

Wow! These never get old. Great demo and performance!

[@BenEBoy91]

What a phenomenal video! Well deserved!! Roy your videos are on another level! Looking forward to the next one!

[@lavoy4]

WATCHING THIS IS SO INSPIRING AS A BLUE BELT, THER'S TRUELY LEVELS TO THIS. GREAT JOB RAY

[@marlonjones3877]

Congrats Ray!! Wow! This may have been the best Black Belt demo yet. The variety and timing of moves, strategy ...damn....it's all here! What an amazing video!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you! As BJJ evolves, one could see aspects of Judo, wrestling, Sambo and many others. In my BJJ interpretation, I wanted to incorporate aspects of Aikido and Kali.

[@army12bc4]

True Artwork here. I am a new student and this amazes me

[@georgieman1910]

Roy Dean’s students are just world class. They can evolve and blend anything around the nucleus of BJJ.

[@DrewDarce]

Huge congrats, Ray! Well earned. Beautiful dojo. I miss training there. Hardee's awesome. Excellent display of Jiujitsu!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you, and yes a beautiful and one-of-a kind dojo.

[@dezsoszlaboda8918]

Hey Roy! High quality as always! Love the Balance Beta track!

[@noflippingexcusesrei]

Incredible video - congratulations Ray! Thank you for sharing such an inspirational episode, Roy!

[@Marcopollobrasil]

SENSACIONAL! PARABÉNS! JIU JITSU, DEFESA PESSOAL. OSS!

[@tkdrob1111975]

True samauri! Congratulations!

[@thedreamdennis1853]

Love his spirit the great video I love the traditional way very humble and kind . Would love to know rays age ,as he was awesome even though he was the smaller guy ,well deserved Black belt from one of the best instructors (Roy Dean )

[@crossfitbilly]

Beautiful, I love this type of content. Roy Dean's videos are always amazing. Congratulations Ray. Your journey just turned a new corner.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you and yes, it has turned a corner, a new beginning.

[@jonzwikk1582]

So many black belts now... Hope Prof Roy Dean can do a sequel to Pure Rolling. It would be awesome to see these black belts in more intense sparring situations against each other

[@SD-lf3rw]

Physicality is very different between some of them. I don't see value to see how small guys will do against younger and bigger ones. For that reason competition serves better, I think so.

[@jonzwikk1582]

@@SD-lf3rw I think friendly rolls more fun to watch. In competition they might play too cautiously

[@thefreedomproject4777]

Impresive showcase of technique.

[@JButlerStudios]

MAD SKILLS AND MUCH RESPECT! Clearly Ray has put THE WORK IN.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you. I could not have done it without my training partners and the people who pushed me, guided me and motivated me along the way.

[@iamdamo]

What an artist, a beautiful example of talent and hard work combined. Kudos to you Ray. Congratulations.

[@jgnotsag]

Congratulations and these videos are awesome.

[@MWes72]

Just look at the very first frame between 27m25s and 27m and 26s - that's the face of a rightfully proud and a great teacher

[@evolucaoexperimental2165]

Awesome! Very great, congrats for apresentation. Brazil!!!

[@mrrob5851]

Tou good sir are an inspiration. Thank you for your love and dedication to your art. Arigato goazainous. Well done.

[@MaruSFDojo]

And, that what I wanted to do also in the video - to inspire. Thank you!

[@mrrob5851]

@@MaruSFDojo you definitely do. As older white belt and now working some where I cannot train. I continue to visually train and lay on the floor and go through the movement. And watch a lot of techniques many many times. I thoroughly enjoyed watching your debut. And have watched a few times. As a white belt. It’s very exciting to watch these debuts. It gives me great hope to learn some of these movements. Makes me looking forward to going home to Japan and try to incorporate some of what I see. Thanks for your reply. If you inspire me from this one video you must be a true inspiration in person.

[@franciscoramos7339]

Truly the heart of a samurai...

[@0u73rh34v3n]

Obviously I’ve watched this vid twice and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ll give it a third

[@artmzrbn]

SO AWESOME SPIRIT! Отдельно приятно увидеть Игоря Greetings from 🇷🇺

[@eliassilva7228]

Incredible demonstration, traditional and modern, congratulations sensei Ray, Oss.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Domou Arigatou Gozaimashita, Silva san!

[@lindenlee3957]

So sick!!!! Ossssss. Beautiful jiu jitsu displayed🤙

[@marcusv2226]

Love these production quality is exceptional like the talents of the black belts.

[@solarsolicitor9618]

Love this!!!

[@saikaungkhantko5216]

I wanna learn that kind of bjj, not just only sports. I can feel by just watching this video not only the art of Brazilian but also the traditional art of japanese which is good for self defense. 90 percent of the school in US, they just focusing on the sport type(butt scooping) and they don’t even teach for self defense anymore which is sad. And no doubt for this guy, he can definitely use his technique on the street or on the mat. Great works.

[@attackangle]

Yes, this is deeper than just sport or self defense. It goes into spiritual growth. All martial arts of history has a deep connection with spirituality, to transcend one’s self and to be one with Truth. ❤

[@genoho2889]

Congratulations!I hope to reach this level one day, I train here in Brazil with the graces

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you!

[@BM-of6dg]

Loved the end message. ‘I’m glad to share this journey of truth with you’. Great to see. Professor Roy Dean, I’d love to train with you someday, I’ve admired your Ju Jitsu since I started 7 years ago. I will always love the traditions of martial arts.. I know some are trying to throw these things out.. why I have no idea!

[@DunningKrugerr]

Congratulation from Brasil 🔥💎

[@QuakePhil]

Love the slow mo details! Thank you for continuing to put out this unique and inspirational content, Roy Dean! It really puts the art in martial arts

[@Janludvg]

What a nice academy! it looks like it was from the samurai age. Love the design. Congratulations on your Black Belt, Ray! Roy, you're the man!

[@gbulgin]

I am watching this and immediately knew I will be watching this REPEATEDLY! Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to the art. This is so inspiring and can’t wait to through my own crucible soon!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it!

[@bigkurz]

Dang that dude is a menace those moves were nice

[@cpeezy13]

This was my favorite one. Unbelievable display of skill.

[@Mykael_G]

So special. I love his style! Congratulations sir.

[@JoseRodolfo22]

roy deans an artist outside of bjj love these

[@ajabisong]

The most beautiful black belt crucible yet! OSS!!!

[@steveabraham3052]

Beautiful!! Just one thing… age, is just a number. From the initial description of Ray, during the intro we learned of Ray’s background. He’s by no means a slacker. Not taking anything away from his crucible, because he’s a warrior through and through. But I don’t care what his age is; I’m just impressed with his heart and dedication 👊🏾🫶🏾

[@gcyy1]

This video is so inspiring, thank you for sharing. Congrats Ray!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you. I wanted the video to be inspirational and I hope it is for you too.

[@FR-ty5vn]

Beautiful Belt Test & Promotion - Roy Dean and his students are smoooooth - love how Roy clearly went for the armbar only to setup the triangle - how old is the new black belt? Inspires me at 56…

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you, you're in good company at 56!

[@FR-ty5vn]

@@MaruSFDojo was that you?! Impressive at 56…I’m an old purple belt…black belts in some traditional arts like you…

[@MaruSFDojo]

Yes. At 56 we're still in the game. Someday, I'd like to see how you interpret BJJ with your background in other traditional arts.@@FR-ty5vn Thank you.

[@jnwoodard8764]

This Old Wolf had plenty of fight in him. He represents EVERYTHING martial arts is about. Congratulations professor!

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you, @jnwoodward8764. Hoping it would inspire others.

[@juansebastianmunoz9796]

Beautiful ceremony. Amazing and inspiring performance. Thanks for sharing this. Greetings from Chile 🙏🏻

[@CmkStreetSmart]

Awesome 👏🏼. Sense Ray. Congrats once again.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you, sir!

[@TheSurfer27]

THANK YOU RAY. 🙏🏻✌🏻❤

[@Kumite360]

Another special 'grading' we are honoured to watch.. Osu

[@guillermocen]

Beautiful work, I learned a lot just from watching it, congratulations to the athlete, I admire your work Mr. Dean, I would love to learn from you. Greetings from Venezuela.

[@EricHalverson83]

Incredible and inspiring to witness such high level art. Thank you for sharing and congratulations.

[@MaruSFDojo]

Thank you!

[@windolconiate4303]

That was something else! Congratulations, Sir!

[@bryansevillana9374]

Ive always enjoyed these, thank you

[@chrismiksworld]

Wow, This was beautiful.

[@toonice555]

I love the ceremony!

[@briancobham]

Outstanding. Congratulations!! Oss!