The Gritty Black Belt Exam of Hardee Merritt

[@palmettoaerialimagery5766]

Hardee is such an inspirational guy and man what a school he has. Watching him roll and his demo was truly inspirational, he's the real deal. What an AMAZING seminar this was. It was my first time at a different school than the one I train at and holy smokes, were there a lot of killers in the room, skill wise. But everybody was so amazing and helpful, all the RDA affiliates and even the cameraman (Demarcus) showed me a technique that I instantly loved. I love this art and the jiu jitsu community so much. Congratulations Hardee on a major, major life milestone. I hope to be there one day.

[@BigDog357]

It's crazy how a lot of these submissions I know, but to watch somebody string them together so beautifully, makes it look like something to aspire to for me. I enjoyed this!

[@alex_ultra_trails]

There are no black belt techniques, only white belt techniques mastered to a black belt level :)

[@thefilmpoets]

So gentle with those takedowns and escapes. The man has control.

[@stephenkhayes4485]

So proud of Hardee's martial arts story. He is one determined guy, and he made it happen. Salute as well to Roy Dean, for his kind and open minded guidance of Hardee.

[@roydean]

Thank you for supporting his exploration, Master Hayes. Hardee is a phenomenal martial artist.

[@fragginandbaggin]

Guy was willing to be put to sleep just for a promotion test. What dedication. Phenomenal technique and sparring. Congratulations sir.

[@roland-plus]

"It's a pleasure to introduce Hardee Merritt as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu " = grown ass man crying at his computer. Gets me every time.

[@Terminatortx33]

I love how Roy keeps the Japanese in Jiu Jitsu. Thats where it came from. Its hard to take the Judo out of the man and his principles. I see no other BJJ school like it. Its great.

[@Rollsgracie4]

Not only is it where it came from it’s judo jujitsu is just some words flung around the marketing tool

[@reigninblood123]

I notice John danaher also uses words like"uke"; "Tori" and "kuzushi" as well.

[@danadouglas1968]

Same where I trained. Its a good habit and tradition.

[@totomechanic]

It really is beautiful to see how he keeps judo and Jiujitsu together the way it’s supposed to be … I do both so I recognize the aspects

[@Nlaw18]

Bjj would gain a lot if there where these “bushido” codes and ethics on the math. A lot.

[@neefg]

Hardee teaches my sons and is a wonderful instructor

[@patrickwojo]

Music was so appropriate for Hardee vs Roy Dean, he was definitely the final boss

[@matthewbelcher2231]

That Was Gold Standard ! PS I've been around Martial Arts for 45yrs, I'm 50yrs young now, started when I was 5yrs.

[@severian_matachin]

Bro this was amazing, I've never seen someone land two helicopter armbars in the same class sparring.

[@DrewDarce]

Right?! Yeah, he's a beast with those. I haven't rolled with Hardee in a while, but he's probably helicopter armlocked me more in live rolls than anyone else has combined. It can be a fancy or tricky technique for a lot of people, but for him I think it's one of his more bread and butter movements.

[@kyleblevins6349]

i love when it goes to combinations and he just starts speed taping

[@jeremyhuckeba1769]

I always cry at the end of these videos... not because they get a new belt but because I know the journey isn't easy. The purpose though is so heartfelt and to know you've accomplished something worthwhile is and always has been rewarding. Congrats and Roy you really are a role model.

[@DanielJulaton]

I’m not crying, you’re crying. Lol. Thought I was the only one brother. Truly inspiring. 🤙🏽🥋

[@rlacy916]

Roy Dean was one of my favorite KZbin instructors when I first started training BJJ 11 years ago. His black belt testing is legendary. And I’ve never seen a high level black belt humble himself like he did in this video (if you know you know). Would be honored to roll with him someday.

[@DMK25]

We know, he humbly pushed his student to the finish line. Oss

[@antonzenchenko8483]

yea he makes it look good like they actually got it

[@danielsneesby9884]

This bloke looks like he could tap out a boa constrictor - props to you, Hardee, you clearly deserve it!

[@reddwing4368]

Or a guy with more chins than a Chinese Phonebook

[@richardjones3145]

Man, I got choked up watching this! As a 3 stripe white belt, I can only imagine how this feels - the sense of accomplishment, etc. I hope I am lucky enough to reach this level some day

[@tonimartin433]

You will man keep working you got this

[@karimnsairia428]

You Will 👊🏽🙂 just never stop Rolling

[@xRazvan-rn5qb]

have you received your blue belt,yet?😄

[@richardjones3145]

@@xRazvan-rn5qb yeah, got it December last year

[@DrewDarce]

Hardee was my first martial arts instructor, and a huge reason I got into BJJ. Super happy for him earning his black belt! I was really looking forward to the eventual Hardee Merritt crucible video on Roy's channel once I'd heard that he and Hardee linked up. Tough rolls! Way to dig deep gut through. Great use of the helicopter armbar in live rolls too.

[@3nt3rtain]

Love that Roy is always the final boss of the game 🙏🏼

[@lunazhang6010]

He really hits the helicopter arm bar at will. Beautiful to watch.

[@kurzninja]

What an absolute beast. If I could pick one person to train under, Hardee Merritt would be it.

[@Raper_of_Trolls]

Hardee has some very special balance and use of himself as a fulcrum. Gratz to him he deserves it.

[@yrdbyrd_bjj]

This was the best one. Amazing fight in him. True inspiration.

[@bryanevans5442]

So proud of Hardee, this journey for him, and forever grateful to be one of his students and friends.

[@4nthony4]

This dude is slick, that’s a well deserved black belt.

[@TheAuthorSCDickens]

My brother from another mother. I am so proud of you. I’ve known you for almost 20 years my friend and you are truly a martial artist that is not only a role model but also amazing to watch. Your technique has always been polished and flawless my hat goes off to you and I thank you for always being there for me. I hope and wish your journey through the martial arts world continues to widen. My brother you need a place in the martial art Hall Of Fame. Love you bro.

[@adamyork2333]

Hardee, I'm 49 and I just started training BJJ a few months ago. You make it look so beautiful my friend! Thank you for the inspiration and the brilliantly executed technique! OSS!

[@Shodan_AI]

hahah, "I wanted to be a ninja". Love it. Training MMA now for 2 years and really enjoy the comparison to other martial arts. Great video. thanks

[@kidchris1029]

The combination demo is so motivating as a white belt

[@eneeland]

That was the best example of BJJ I have seen on the internet.

[@highlife7960]

That Blue Belt should get a stripe for his effort!

[@nicholehowe]

He's the best Uke in the world!

[@TheNinjaEveryDay]

That’s a true statement!

[@vince5474]

Which effort?

[@lucasprogramadorjavascript1899]

Roy dean only gives stripes for white and black belts as far as I have notice 😀 , well I have started a month ago and I cant stop watching Roy dean's videos 😀

[@angelperezespinoza]

Dude tapped like 77 times

[@Weatherthestorm82]

Brings tears to my eyes every time that black belt is presented. The devotion, the sacrifice, the pain. Only a few of us really understand this. Great job!!!

[@mysticks08]

These videos are amongst the best there is. It is what I wish my black belt promotion will be, if I ever get there. Fantastic work.

[@streetwiseguitar5113]

Congrats (from Valente Brothers Jiu Jitsu, Miami).

[@ashdinbharucha]

Hardee moves so smooth like a black angel..

[@cccowboy2576]

His game is very technical and his Blackbelt is well deserved... Congrats!

[@e.g.3677]

These takedown combinations... Fantastic!

[@MC-tm2uy]

Go to a Judo gym if you want to see more takedowns

[@MagickArmory]

That dojo set up is absolutely awesome! Perfect mix of traditional & modern

[@woj6139]

Incredible, inspirational demo and crucible. Snake Eyes better watch his back.

[@emannuellaflotte2555]

Those flying arm bars are golden

[@hugovianasantos6488]

Congratulations! You did your best👏 You 're roling very good. Black belt is only start.

[@carlslaughter2653]

Wow I’m actually emotional… this video was super inspiring… congratulations bro ooosss

[@user-rx3uq9fs2m]

I have no clu about BJJ, but that black belt is well earned. Dude already has a signature move. what a boss

[@That_IT_Trainer]

I really love the belt ceremony at the end

[@danadouglas1968]

Roy is such a professional. His love for his students in clearly evident.

[@joreilly]

The thing I like about these technical demos is that it really puts into perspective the shear volume of material you learn over your bjj journey. Do we use all these techniques all the time? Of course not but you pick up so much knowledge along the way that it's really cool to be able to go through all of it in a manner that shows it like this. It's like a review of all of your theory. You also get a flavour of Hardee's style by watching how he executes because everyone has their own way of doing the same techniques. Congrats Hardee, huge accomplishment, best of luck moving forward as a black belt, heavy lies the crown as you've mentioned - be good to your neck and your fingers! Roy always coming in at the end when guys are in bits LOL, he has perfected the art of applying the perfect amount of pressure/resistance to challenge people to dig deep when they are on the edge of exhaustion. Always love these videos. Thanks to @roydean and team.

[@majedalmalki9192]

This is the true Art . the true meaning of jiu jitsu . jiu jitsu is not about wining in competition and get medals only . it is full of areas of knowledge you learn during your journey . well Done Hardeep and congrats for your black belt

[@mikutajj]

Smooth movement is an understatement Hardee. Fantastic display of your talent and skill my friend. Bravo!

[@jhuangprime]

Great video! Darce entry by Roy was slick. Hardee’s got the flying armbar down too!

[@lucky.origins]

I started under Steve Crawford back around 05/06! Small world!

[@purplepeanuts8027]

This one made me cry. Powerful man

[@tapskill3]

It was an watching journey as he rose through the various levels to become a Brazilian Black under the highly respected Roydean! We done! Well done! Coach Al

[@fteambjj]

Everything so smooth. Awesome to watch!!

[@JButlerStudios]

his showcase was SO impressive

[@SaltElectrolytes]

I've watched most of the belt tests you've put out. They are all amazing, but this one was extra cool. Keep them coming, this is some of the best BJJ content on the interwebs!

[@thedojomartialarts]

Congratulations, Hardee - my friend! You are an inspiration! Thanks for posting, Mr. Dean.

[@seyi2040]

Congrats to Hardee. Roy Dean is an absolute savage!

[@jameslong7696]

What a joy to watch...

[@jholmes45]

These black belt promotions are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@TwoLovesAndLou]

I was about to call Roy a savage for coming out last and tapping him straight up, but then he goes on to give him some easy subs.

[@franciscoramos7339]

Black belt well earned... Ninja uniform complete. Congrats!

[@enensis]

wow Hardee is a beast very impressive.

[@BlockheadJiujitsu]

Interesting that the subtitles read "Helio" when he says "Royce" Thank you for posting other black belt journeys like this! You can see how much each person gives of themselves to achieve this, it's beautiful to watch.

[@hassanesdaile3671]

It’s nice when you get the back end story of peoples lives. He was flawless. Blue Belt partner needs to be commended for his efforts as well✊🏽👍🏽💪🏽!!

[@mattcauth]

I swear all of the RD higher belts have just amazing, fluid styles. Beautiful. That take down to triangle setup was just amazing, along with most of the other techniques on display. Inspiring.

[@iamjoedy4883]

Extremely talented!

[@mattkieffer3994]

Very insprational! Just started Brazilian jiu jitsu with a ninjutsu background. Thanks Professor Hardee and congratulations

[@killroy2014]

wow, this is one of the best demonstrations i´ve ever seen. very clean techniques and great execution. well done Hardee, a true martial artist!

[@towelietowel4513]

20:02 Dude went to sleep to legitimize that you beat him fully

[@bigdoddz0]

Bad sports man ship with the brown belt. He was ready to snap on the kimura that roy dean called tap on and was ready to go out cold in the bow and arrow choke. Just tap people. It’s like medicine. No one wants it but it’s good for u. Lose the ego. 💯

[@kevinorr6880]

Very smooth. I aspire to be this competent.

[@DefconUnicorn]

Towards the end of the Roy Dean roll when he is breathing so hard and is so tired, every sinue in my body is feeling it with him and will him on. Massvie congrats dude!

[@jamesleigh900]

I like the ceremony and the reverence that you give the process

[@dainerduff-dings]

*Brett thudding* captions are gold

[@gunnerhiro394]

This is a true QUEST for knowledge - on this individual's martial arts journey - if you try and test something - and see that it's useful - go and study it - bravo to you, sir.

[@Leon-R2D2]

I like that Hardee is tightly moving over his training partner the more he keeps the principal the easier he get's holds and locks. In my experience this principal is underrated but nice seeing him doing it awesomely 🔥🤙🏼

[@stephentucker7633]

Beautiful display of the art, and well deserved. Congrats Hardee!

[@jacquelineboland2514]

I want to be like you Roy! one day! the ease and flow of transition are beautiful. Thank you for these videos, I love them and they keep me awake during my overnight shifts.

[@miguelpagan8436]

Congratulations sir May you continue on your journey, always in the best of health 🙏🙏.

[@structuredfreedom1]

I am honored to have seen the start to this journey. Proud of you man and keep up the great work. Smoke bombs all day!

[@aidywong703]

Awesome display of fluidity and control from everyone of them well deserved

[@uncontrollablemartialartsa1804]

What a beautiful display of jujitsu

[@The_King_sent_me]

What a beautiful and amazing display of technique and a very emotional and powerful promotion ceremony. That was just awesome! Congratulations to Professor Merritt!

[@anthonygerber8261]

Don't ya earn your Professor stripes 18 months after receiving your BJJ black belt??? Or is that just the Gracie and Machado organizations?

[@BlackWidowRazors]

That was intense 🎉 congratulations

[@josematos308]

Amazing and inspirational to watch. No B.S. I actually teared up when he received his Black Belt. Thank you for sharing your journey Sir and congratulations.

[@bigG88]

These are always fantastic to watch. Thanks so much for making them available, Dean.

[@markos74br16]

wow! What an amazing and motivational story. Congratulations!

[@davem7942]

Genuinely among the most beautiful videos I've seen. It's spectacular.

[@SteadReady302]

very impressive flow... I loved watching this demo. great job and well deserved

[@blakep8914]

This right here keeps me going! keep showing up on those mats!

[@detailman04]

Wow!! Congratulation, Hardee! This is absolutely incredible beauty of the demonstration of your inner soul. Total respect. Enjoy your Jiujitsu journey and your life. Be good to yourself. 🙂🙂

[@michaelmckenniss2809]

Simply BEAUTIFUL…Ossss🙏

[@alexanderjohnson83]

Beautiful dojo and beautiful technique.

[@dustinjames1122]

I know this is a demo, but this is impressively smooth overall. Great work.

[@AnGhaeilge]

Well earned! He's very talented. Also, that dojo is beautiful.

[@ZADrien95]

Congrats !!! Just amazing! Thank you Roy Dean, it’s always a pleausure to see your vidéos 🙏

[@kenaikyoshi416]

Roy Dean sensei, great job! 素晴らしい！

[@tiagohenriquefernandes4986]

Congratulation to both!! Mr Dean and the black Belt !! From Brasil #brasa #99 #bjj #roydeanacademy #oss

[@enroute2539]

Got to say as a Gracie brown belt, I love the display of technique but even more so the combative nature of his technique. Combatives is becoming a lost art in Jiujitsu with sport Jiujitsu as we progress in the years of our lineage. I am also a competitor and want to be black belt world champion one day. Don't get me wrong sport Jiujitsu will still prove effective in a street fight but I believe it is paramount to know combative technique tailored to a street fight before becoming a black belt.

[@matheusmelo5632]

Cara… eu não sei descrever nem o que senti assistindo esse video. Todo esse respeito, admiração, honra que eles tem pelo nosso esporte, é maravilhoso de ver o quão valorizado é fora do nosso País. Eu só tenho como ficar feliz e com esperança de que um dia teremos esse mesmo nível de maturidade dentro dos nossos dojos brasileiros. obs: esse cara do vídeo é técnica PURA, merecidíssimo a faixa preta. Oss!

[@chriskarris2730]

You move good!!! I like how you use the whole spectrum (down to the wrist lock) of submissions in each position! Also, your Judo is🔥