The Value of Training with Roy Harris in San Diego 

As a martial arts club owner since 1992, I pursued Jiu Jitsu training sporadically in the early years, and in a more focused manner since 2004 when I received my blue belt. But I always felt that there was a lack of clarity regarding measurable curriculum expectations. Without a guide to clarify what is necessary for you to progress, you will most likely not fully understand what is expected of you. You will waste a lot of time making many mistakes while focusing on skill sets that have not been taught in the proper order. This usually leads to gaps in learning due to a somewhat unorganized approach that does not properly elevate your learning through a measured and scaffolded approach, so that you can achieve your goals.

To maintain interest and progression, your training in martial arts should be (1) measurable, based on specified goals and success criteria, (2) effective in that the learned applications will work in time of crises, (3) efficient in execution so that it requires the least amount of effort and time, and (4) flexible so that it can be modified to accommodate all learning styles and abilities of the individual. Above all else, a training curriculum must provide a “roadmap” of expectations, so that the student understands what is expected of them in order to achieve specific learning goals - this framework is essential to any education, whether that education is obtained at a University, or at a martial arts gym/academy.

As an educator with a Master of Education in Curriculum Development, I understand the necessity for students to know what the learning goals for lessons and modules are. Research tells us that students who are informed of the learning goals, and the success criteria necessary to achieve the learning goals, are much more likely to achieve the goals/expectations. Without a measured and thoughtful curriculum, students will tire, grow bored with their lack of progress, and they will eventually discontinue their education.

This is what ultimately prompted me to seek out an instructor who could clarify the expectations necessary for me to evolve and develop more completely as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner. I wanted someone with real experience, both on the mat, and as a teacher. I have trained with renowned Jiu Jitsu practitioners, but all of them had something missing n the package that I was seeking.

So I began to research more about what is available in the world of learning and teaching Jiu Jitsu. This is when I came across Roy Harris. Professor Harris currently holds a 6th Dan in BJJ under Professor Joe Moreira, and he continues to work and perfect his Jiu Jitsu instructional methodologies, traveling the world to conduct seminars and spread his knowledge.

I was so impressed with what I had read about Professor Harris that I decided to reach out to him. I contacted him by email and began a conversation about my journey and desire to learn more about his teaching methodology and his curriculum for the different belt levels. He was very open, thoughtful and frank with me. Eventually I asked him if he would come to my club to conduct a seminar (which he did in October of 2018) and he again was very considerate and asked me about the content I wanted him to share on the day. After the seminar many in attendance commented to me personally that they were inspired and appreciative of his Jiu Jitsu and teaching skills. Professor Harris also left us all with the lasting impression that he was tailoring the seminar to match our needs and stated goals, rather than offering us a “one-size fits all” training seminar.

At this point I knew I had to do everything within my abilities to visit him in San Diego and train with him personally one-on-one. As an instructor, I knew that I needed to take my skills to the next level in order to continue my excellence in teaching others (learn first, teach second). So I was excited about the opportunity to train with Mr. Harris and receive personalized tips to improve my Jiu Jitsu skill sets, and align my training with my own goals as a Jiu Jitsu instructor. The large group setting of a seminar just wouldn’t cut it for what I was looking for - of course this desire for solo training was not a selfish decision, but rather, an important step in my progression that would eventually allow me to train others to the best of my abilities. So I contacted him once more to arrange for a visit to San Diego to train with him personally over several private classes in January of 2019.

Reflecting on the benefits of the visit, I can immediately tell you it was absolutely worth my time and efforts to train with him one-on-one in San Diego. The clarity that these encounters has provided me with has been invaluable, unprecedented in my time, and highly recommended to anyone seeking to improve their understanding of Jiu Jitsu regardless of rank, ability, age, etc.

The one-on-one setting in San Diego allowed Mr. Harris to focus on my unique knowledge base and abilities. He was also able to assess my strengths and weaknesses on the first day by graciously inviting me to roll with him. I was apprehensive to say the least, but pleasantly surprised that he let me move with him on the mat. However, I was never able to get to a real control position and comfortably attempt a submission. In the end I was controlled and vulnerable.

Afterward, he quickly asked me what I thought of the short rolling session and I responded with one word: “positioning”. He was always where he wanted to be at the right time, and I could not match him. My speed and strength did little to compensate for his superior positioning, movement, and leverage. Our discussions carried on during the next couple of sessions where he outlined an overall personalized plan for my growth in Jiu Jitsu - one that is aligned with my goals of advancing as a Jiu Jitsu instructor (not simply a practitioner).

The benefits to my Jiu Jitsu include the consolidation and refinement of the basic control positions, escapes and submissions, improved understanding of Mr. Harris’ comprehensive curriculum from white belt to 3rd Degree Black Belt, and the teaching methodology he subscribes to (which is exemplary). Roy Harris clearly has the Jiu Jitsu skills, teaching skills, and intellect to assess, evaluate and provide next steps for anyone interested in dramatically improving their Jiu Jitsu skills.

I am very pleased with my decision to pursue Mr Harris as my Jiu Jitsu Teacher and look forward to our next training session. I highly recommend visiting Roy Harris in San Diego and training with him one on one. This would be an amazing learning experience for anyone that is serious about improving their game on the mat, and developing a positive plan for improvement going forward.