Empty Hands Jiu Jitsu

03/27/2026

Most people don’t quit Jiu-Jitsu because it’s too difficult.
They quit because they don’t understand the process.
The Edge of the Mat breaks that process down so you can keep going when things get frustrating.
Available now: https://a.co/d/02qmEJky

03/27/2025

🌀 Celebrate Your Progress – Even in the Valleys 🌀

Jiu-Jitsu is a long, demanding journey—full of highs and lows, wins and setbacks, peaks and valleys. It's easy to focus on the tough stuff:
👉 How long you’ve been stuck at the same belt…
👉 How many times you got submitted this week…
👉 How far it feels like you still have to go.

But if you stopped and really took stock, most of the time, the positives drastically outnumber—and outweigh—the negatives.

You got tapped? Sure—but you lasted longer, stayed calmer, defended better.
Still the same rank? Maybe—but your movement is sharper, your timing is cleaner, your understanding is deeper.
You used to barely survive a 5-minute round—and now you're stacking rounds back-to-back with confidence.

👏 That. Is. Progress. 👏

Don’t let the current valley keep you from seeing the view you’ve earned. Every day you show up, you’re climbing.

Celebrate your wins. Every rep. Every roll. Every step.

Now go apply that to your life.

03/22/2025

03/10/2025

The Illusion of Confidence vs. The Reality of Competence

Many believe that confidence is the key to self-defense. That if you speak with authority, you can de-escalate a situation. That if you look the part, people will back down.

But confidence alone is an illusion without competence.
A person who believes they are skilled may deter some threats, but when tested, reality sets in. If their confidence isn't backed by real training, pressure, and experience, they crumble.

This is why verbal de-escalation as a first measure of self-defense is often ineffective. Words without the presence of real competence lack weight. A person trained to defend themselves moves differently, speaks differently, and carries themselves differently—and that difference is felt on a deep, instinctive level.

Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t create confidence—it reveals competence.
And competence, earned through hard training, is what makes confidence real. so when it matters, your confidence isn’t just a feeling. It’s a FACT.

Confidence fades. Competence lasts.

Choose training that makes you competent.

09/14/2024

One of the things I appreciate most about Empty Hands Academy is the small class sizes. With fewer students in each class, it creates a personal and focused environment where everyone gets the attention they need. Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your skills, I’m able to work closely with each student, making sure they feel supported in their journey. It’s not just about learning techniques – it’s about building a community where we all grow together!

07/09/2024

Just got back from an amazing trip where I had the pleasure of visiting Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Osaka /Japan while on vacation. The hospitality and training there was incredible, and everyone was extremely welcoming it was an honor to share the mat with them.

If you’re ever in the area, I definitely recommend checking them out!

Looking forward to bringing some new insights back to Empty Hands Academy and sharing them with all my guys.

🥋

06/05/2024

Fluidity of movement - take note

Learn the Art of Jiu Jitsu: http://roydean.academy/Subscribe to the Channel: https://roydean.vhx.tv/browse Join the Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/c9BRCHRoy...

05/19/2024

🤫 Shhh... Keep it quiet! Empty Hands Academy is accepting students during our soft opening. Inbox us for more details. Don't miss your chance to be part of something special! 🥋

09/14/2023

Happy Throwdown Thursday! Well… we are just about ready to go just a few more touch ups. See you on the mat!