Building Discipline, Nurturing Communities, and Overcoming Obstacles with Martial Arts

Martial arts is not just about physical combat. It is a discipline that teaches valuable life lessons, a topic Roy Dean shed light on during his time on the Grit Daily Startup Show. As a renowned martial artist and visual artist, Dean delved into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discussing how it can be applied to entrepreneurship, personal growth, and community building. From facing obstacles to nurturing a sense of discipline, Dean shares his insights and experiences in hopes of inspiring individuals to embrace martial arts and its transformative power.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Dean’s martial arts journey began during an exchange program in Japan, where he went to study Japanese art after school. The experience proved a turning point that revealed an inner strength and adaptability he embraced.

The experience taught Dean that he could do more than he expected when faced with challenging situations, a realization that gave him the confidence to explore various paths and try new things without fear of commitment. It also instilled discipline in him, a quality he values greatly.

Discipline as an Internal Drive

Discipline is vital in many pursuits. However, in martial arts, discipline is not solely derived from external factors such as rank or competition. Dean emphasizes that discipline is primarily an internal drive. While external motivators like rank can play a role, true discipline comes from the daily commitment to improve, learn fundamental movements, be a good student, and consistently push oneself.

Additionally, the journey from beginner to advanced martial arts practitioner requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. These are all qualities that prove just as useful to an entrepreneur.

Parallels Between Martial Arts and Entrepreneurship

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, many individuals find themselves working remotely and seeking ways to stay active and motivated. While martial arts can be a great way to stay active, it goes beyond that. Dean highlights the parallels between martial arts and entrepreneurship, such as the importance of discipline, adaptability, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

In both martial arts and business, obstacles are inevitable. Dean’s approach to overcoming obstacles draws parallels to the problem-solving mindset in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rather than using brute force, he advocates for a careful exploration of the different angles and approaches to find creative solutions. By testing and probing, individuals can conserve energy and make informed decisions, just as advanced martial artists strategically navigate their opponents. The cardio does not hurt, either.

Nurturing Communities and Building Tribes

Beyond individuals, Dean emphasizes the importance of nurturing communities within the martial arts world. By fostering a sense of belonging, welcoming new students, and supporting each other’s growth, martial arts academies become more than just training grounds. They become tribes where individuals can connect, learn, and support one another.

Dean’s focus on community building extends beyond physical academies, a must in today’s world. To properly embrace the modern world, he maintains an international community through digital means, connecting with affiliates and providing leadership and support.

The Art of Creating Instructionals

Another topic Dean touched on was his expertise as a visual artist and media developer. Using that expertise, he has successfully created instructional videos that have had a profound impact on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

By leveraging his technical skills and deep understanding of the art, Dean provides clear instruction that satisfies student needs. The ability to tell stories and evoke emotional responses through video is an important tool he uses to inspire more people to pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From the Dojo to the Boardroom

Roy Dean’s journey as a martial artist and entrepreneur is highly unique. From self-discovery and discipline to community building and overcoming obstacles, his experiences offer valuable insights for individuals seeking personal growth and success.