Roy Harris

Roy Harris: A Pioneering Force in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Roy Harris is a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community figure recognized for his significant contributions to the art and innovative teaching methods. As one of the early American practitioners of BJJ, Harris has played a crucial role in spreading the martial art across the United States and beyond. His dedication to training, teaching, and evolving the art of BJJ has made him a respected and influential figure in the martial arts world.

Early Martial Arts Journey

Roy Harris’s journey in martial arts began with traditional Japanese martial arts. He trained in disciplines such as Judo, Aikido, and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, earning black belts and gaining a deep understanding of grappling and self-defense techniques. This foundation would later serve him well as he transitioned into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In the early 1990s, Harris was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He quickly became captivated by the effectiveness and practicality of BJJ techniques. Harris trained under the Machado brothers, some of the earliest proponents of BJJ in the United States, and eventually earned his black belt from Joe Moreira in 1997. This accomplishment made him one of the first Americans to achieve this rank in BJJ.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Roy Harris is known for his methodical and analytical approach to teaching BJJ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles and concepts behind techniques rather than just memorizing moves. His teaching style focuses on breaking down complex techniques into simple, understandable components, making it easier for students to grasp and apply them.

Harris has developed a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of BJJ, from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques. His approach has been widely praised for its clarity and effectiveness, helping students of all levels improve their skills and deepen their understanding of the art.

His BJJ Fanatics instructionals:

• The Pressure Seminar
• Rapid Skill Development

Contributions to the BJJ Community

Beyond teaching, Roy Harris has made significant contributions to the BJJ community through seminars, workshops, and instructional materials. He has traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and expertise with practitioners around the world. Harris’s instructional videos and books are highly regarded for their detailed and insightful content, making them valuable resources for BJJ enthusiasts.

Mentorship and Legacy

One of Harris’s most notable students is Roy Dean, a highly respected BJJ black belt and instructor. Dean has credited Harris with profoundly influencing his approach to BJJ and martial arts in general. Under Harris’s mentorship, Dean developed a deep appreciation for the technical and philosophical aspects of BJJ, which he has carried forward into his own teaching and instructional videos.

Roy Dean has become a prominent figure in the BJJ community. He is known for his instructional content and unique teaching style, which blends traditional martial arts with modern BJJ techniques. Dean’s success as a practitioner and instructor is a testament to the solid foundation and guidance he received from Roy Harris.

Conclusion

Roy Harris’s impact on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is undeniable. As a pioneer of BJJ in the United States, he has helped spread the art and elevate its standards through his innovative teaching methods and dedication to the martial arts. His legacy continues through his students, such as Roy Dean, who carry forward his teachings and contribute to the growth and evolution of BJJ. Harris’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the martial arts world, inspiring countless practitioners to pursue excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.