Reflections on the Roy Dean Affiliate Retreat 2025
On January 24-26, I had the privilege of reconnecting with my Jiu-Jitsu mentor, Professor Roy Dean, at his annual Roy Dean Affiliate Retreat. Hosted at Coachella Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in Palm Desert, California, this event is always a highlight of my year—a chance to train, learn, and grow alongside an incredible group of martial artists.
I always look forward to this pilgrimage, not just for the world-class instruction and challenging rolls, but also for the opportunity to connect with the wider Roy Dean Affiliate network. This gathering brings together practitioners from across the globe, all of whom share a commitment to technical excellence and continuous improvement.
As expected, the instruction was outstanding. The rolling rounds were tough, technical, and filled with invaluable lessons. But what truly makes this event special is the knowledge-sharing among affiliates. Rick Ellis provided some excellent insights on refining the knee-cut pass. Devon Henry shared his expertise in “dirty” wristlocks, offering some sneaky yet effective details. Chris Mikuta revealed key concepts for controlling the back with precision. And I was honored to contribute as well, sharing some Butterfly Guard sweeps and triangle attack techniques that I’ve been exploring in depth.
This retreat also serves as an opportunity for well-earned promotions, and this year was no exception. One of the standout moments was seeing Josh Gold, of the "Budo Accelerator" program, receive his long-deserved BJJ Blue Belt. However, the highlight of the weekend was undeniably Devin Turner’s Black Belt promotion. Devin’s demonstration was exceptional, setting a high standard for those who will follow in his footsteps. His gauntlet was unrelenting, yet his determination never wavered—earning him the rank of Black Belt in a manner befitting the spirit of our art. It was an honor to witness and be part of this rite of passage.
Our dojo is proud to be part of the Roy Dean Affiliate network, a community that fosters both high-level technical skill and a deep appreciation for the art of Jiu-Jitsu. This retreat reaffirmed my gratitude for the guidance of Professor Dean and the camaraderie of this exceptional group.
I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to train with this crew. Until then, it’s time to take what I’ve learned and bring it back to the mats at home. See you on the mats!
