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The Strenuous Life Podcast

435 - Roy Dean and the Origins of BJJ in North America

From The Strenuous Life Podcast

October 21, 2025 · 1:02:36 · E435

Renowned BJJ blackbelt Roy Dean came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to talk about his research into how BJJ got started in North America, martial arts culture in Japan, the power of Judo in self defense situations, the importance of role models in shaping one's conception of masculinitym and more.

If you get a chance, please give this show a rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. That really helps!

Also, you can order Roy's new book "Groundswell" here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bjjpioneers/groundswell-the-rise-of-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-in-america

And check out "The Kimura Roadmap" here: https://www.grapplearts.com/kimura

Cheers,
Stephan Kesting

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