Dean started his martial arts training in Tae Kwon Do, advancing to second degree Black Belt. His interests turned to Jeet Kune Do where he studied under Chris Smith and earned an Associate Instructorship from . More recently, he has concentrated on Filipino martial arts, and is credentialed in Atienza Kali, Sayoc Kali, Abenir Kalis and Battlefield Kali. He holds the rank of Second Level Guro in Battlefield Kali™ Single Stick, and First Level Guro in Battlefield Kali™ Knife.