Black Belt Crucibles Volume 1 is a collection of six real black belt promotion demonstrations, produced by Roy Dean Academy. Each crucible follows one student's actual black belt test in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: technique, live sparring, and the pressure of the exam itself, not scripted instruction. The six students bring backgrounds in wrestling, Judo, and Krav Maga into their tests, alongside BJJ.
The path to black belt mastery is one of dedication, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Black Belt Crucibles Volume 1 takes you inside the journey of some of Roy’s most talented black belts. Watch their techniques, sparring, and heart under pressure, and witness their triumph of earning a black belt in BJJ.
What You’ll Get:
✔️ 6 black belt demonstrations
✔️ 2.5 hours of pure inspiration
Crucible 1: Alan Shade
Alan Shade came to Professor Dean as a blue belt, and from a distance in his own homegrown program, worked his way into a high level of skill and the 3rd black belt awarded by Roy Dean.
Crucible 2: Peter Hulce
A surprise black belt crucible, and recreation of Professor Dean's 2nd degree exam. Peter Hulce shows courage, heart, timing, and technique in this rite of passage that can aptly be described as a young jedi becoming a knight.
Crucible 3: Joshua Matanane
A well rounded grappler and martial artist, Joshua came to Professor Dean as a brown belt in BJJ and a black belt in Japanese Jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. Watch his beautiful integration of wrestling, Judo, jiu jitsu, and precise mastery of movement.
Crucible 4: Rick Ellis
An original student of Professor Dean, Rick Ellis is the founder of The Art of Skill, and coordinator of the Old Grapplers Summit. Watch this biographical journey as he weaves together footage from his blue belt journey to his black belt baptism by fire.
Crucible 5: Igor Lunyakov
Roy Dean's Moscow affiliate, Igor, was ready for his black belt demonstration, but a worldwide pandemic stopped global air travel. A new approach was taken, and now you can also study the world's first online black belt promotion in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Crucible 6: Michael Hooker
An elite Krav Maga practitioner, Michael Hooker brought a sophisticated palette of upper body and lower body submissions to his demonstration. Filmed in Memphis, Tennessee, you'll witness balance, timing, skill, and power in their full expression.
Watch world-class martial artists showcase their refined techniques, sharing the knowledge, discipline, and experience forged through years of training. Their hard work and perseverance are on full display, offering you the opportunity to learn, adapt, and elevate your own practice.
Black Belt Crucibles Volume 1 isn’t just for advanced students—it’s for anyone committed to taking their training to the next level. Whether you're a dedicated practitioner striving for black belt excellence or an instructor refining your approach, this course serves as your blueprint for success.
Start your journey today. Download now and unlock the art.
