We ranked the best Roy Dean instructionals on BJJ Fanatics by community sentiment, structure, and practicality, with concise summaries, who it helps most, pricing, and reliable sources.
Blue Belt Requirements 2.0
A clean, updated blueprint that gives you the essentials to earn blue belt.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Requirements: Purple Belt 2.0
A practical template to link techniques into reliable purple-belt chains.
No Gi Essentials
A clear no-gi starter kit that stays useful as you progress.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 Blue Belt Requirements 2.0 by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: A full beginner blueprint
Techniques: Mount Escapes, Guard Passing, Armbar, Triangle, Guillotine, Leg Locks, Ukemi
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt Requirements (classic) – Cheaper original version with similar scope.
- Countering Jiu Jitsu: A Beginners Guide – Complements fundamentals with defenses and counters.
- The White Belt Bible – Mindset and etiquette primer for brand-new students.
You get a structured, chaptered curriculum that builds core survival, control, and finishing skills. It teaches the big positions plus leg locks without overwhelming you. Expect a clear path rather than a random pile of techniques.
✅ Pros
- Coherent curriculum that reduces decision fatigue for beginners.
- Production and chaptering make review and drilling simple.
- Covers both gi and no-gi staples without bloat.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a deep dive on a single position.
- If your gym uses a different curriculum, mapping may vary.
- Some learners want more why-based theory per move.
💡 I see faster early progress when beginners follow a single, cohesive blueprint rather than sampling dozens of unrelated clips. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Requirements: Purple Belt 2.0 by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Build reliable attack chains
Techniques: Guard Attacks, Mount Attacks, Back Attacks, Guard Passing, Lower Body Submissions
- Purple Belt Requirements (classic) – Original edition with similar core ideas.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Requirements – Next-step refinement focused on precision.
- Pass Any Guard: The Principles of Passing – Conceptual passing that pairs with purple belt goals.
This course emphasizes combinations and transitions over static checklists. You refine offense from major positions and learn to connect sequences under pressure. If you want a positional flow map, this fits.
✅ Pros
- Combination-focused teaching nudges you to connect moves.
- Clear positional structure avoids random technique dumps.
- Good bridge from fundamentals to a coherent A-game.
⚠️ Cons
- Demonstration segments do not replace live drilling.
- Less depth than specialist series on one position.
- Some content may feel familiar to experienced players.
💡 I see purple belts improve fastest when they rehearse two to three connected options per position and expect the counters. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 No Gi Essentials by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Confident no-gi fundamentals
Techniques: Pin Escapes, Guard Passing, Closed Guard, Takedowns, Submissions
- Countering Jiu Jitsu: A Beginners Guide – Adds defensive options to your no-gi base.
- Pass Any Guard: The Principles of Passing – Concepts to progress your passing game.
You learn essential no-gi movements, positional aims, and core passes. Real sparring clips show application, which helps retention. If you want one no-gi primer, this is a safe pick.
✅ Pros
- Balances basics with application footage for context.
- Friendly pacing and crisp editing help retention.
- Works well as your first no-gi course.
⚠️ Cons
- Broad scope means limited depth on any one position.
- Some sections feel dated compared to modern meta.
- Beginners may still need supplemental drilling plans.
💡 I see no-gi beginners improve when they pair core escapes and stand-ups with one reliable passing route. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt Requirements (classic) by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 59 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Foundational survival and control
Techniques: Mount Escapes, Side Control Escapes, Sweeps, Guard Passing, Closed Guard
- Blue Belt Requirements 2.0 – Updated structure and added content.
- Jiu Jitsu Crash Course – Shorter orientation if you want the fastest start.
This classic organizes escapes, sweeps, and attacks for brand-new grapplers. It is slower paced than 2.0 but remains clear. If you like Dean’s style, it still delivers.
✅ Pros
- Gentle pacing helps total beginners absorb basics.
- Mix of positions avoids early blind spots.
- Great as a structured supplement to class.
⚠️ Cons
- Older filming and organization compared to 2.0.
- Less emphasis on underlying principles.
- Broad scope means fewer advanced details.
💡 I would still recommend this to brand-new hobbyists on a tight budget. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Requirements by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Advanced
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Perfect the essentials
Techniques: Pressure Passing, Positional Domination, Transitions
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Requirements – Focus on teaching and leadership at black belt.
- Pass Any Guard: The Principles of Passing – Add conceptual passing layers to brown belt polish.
Expect a return to basics with higher standards. The emphasis is on pressure and control choices rather than novelty. Coaches will find it useful for outlining class themes.
✅ Pros
- Keeps brown belts honest about fundamentals.
- Good structure for planning training blocks.
- Clear vocal coaching on pressure concepts.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a cutting-edge competition strategy set.
- Less appeal for lower belts seeking basics.
- Some chapters feel brief for advanced learners.
💡 I think brown belts gain more by tightening the basics than by chasing fringe trends. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Requirements by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: Conceptual, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Advanced
Format: Both
Biggest takeaway: Teaching reveals mastery
Techniques: Lesson Planning, Teaching Methods, Sparring Analysis
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Requirements – Refine fundamentals before teaching them.
- The Jiu Jitsu Class Volume 1 – Additional class-structure ideas.
Expect guidance on lesson planning and demonstration culture. It is best for instructors or aspiring coaches. Competitors may prefer more tactical, match-focused instructionals.
✅ Pros
- Useful framework for building classes and seminars.
- Inspiration for demonstration-based promotions.
- Clear articulation of expectations at black belt.
⚠️ Cons
- Less direct impact on competition results.
- Demonstration footage may not appeal to all.
- Limited technical depth per position.
💡 I find advanced belts benefit by codifying how they teach as much as what they teach. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The White Belt Bible by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: Technique Collection, Conceptual, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Context and mindset matter
Techniques: Fundamentals, Movement, Closed Guard, Throws
- Blue Belt Requirements 2.0 – More technical structure for day-to-day training.
- Countering Jiu Jitsu: A Beginners Guide – Adds defensive reactions early.
This is an introduction rather than a full curriculum. It helps you understand the art and prepare for training culture. You will still want a technical fundamentals set.
✅ Pros
- Very approachable introduction to the art.
- Great production and narration.
- Useful context for first months on the mat.
⚠️ Cons
- Light on technical depth compared to requirements sets.
- Older clips and demos can feel dated.
- Price-to-depth ratio is debated.
💡 I would pair this with a structured fundamentals program to cover day-to-day needs. Recommendation: Skip.
Is Blue Belt Requirements 2.0 worth it if I already own the classic?
If you like Dean’s style, 2.0 is a quality-of-life upgrade. It adds chaptering, refined sequencing, and modernized clips. If budget is tight, the classic still works alongside class notes.
Which Roy Dean title should I start with as a white belt?
If you want one pick, start with Blue Belt Requirements 2.0. If you are going no-gi only, choose No Gi Essentials. Use the White Belt Bible for context, not your primary curriculum.
Are the belt demonstrations controversial?
Yes, but mostly around style. Many see them as optional capstone celebrations plus a shark tank. Others prefer pure live drilling. Use them as inspiration, not as a substitute for rounds.
💙 Was this article helpful?
Share it with your training partners!
