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To Renzo Gracie Des Moines

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Our Mission

There have been many changes since Mitsuyo Maeda first introduced the grappling-based Japanese Jiu Jitsu to the western hemisphere in the 1920s. An increase in positional control over a resisting opponent en route to submitting them via joint locks and strangles, Jiu Jitsu was brought into the mainstream North American culture in the early 90’s by the Gracie Family. Since exploding on the martial arts scene, Jiu Jitsu has established itself as a necessary tool for any well rounded martial artist. In practice, Jiu Jitsu adapts to fit the parameters of competition, self-defense, and ultimately, self-expression for all practitioners.

At Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines we dedicate ourselves to becoming well-rounded grapplers in all aspects of the discipline. Classes are taught with a “feet-to-floor,” mentality. This means students will be instructed on the proper, safe, application of takedowns, positional control, and submissions. Combining technical knowledge from Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo, RGADSM strives to introduce to its students a diverse array of grappling techniques in both Gi and No-Gi.

SCHEDULE

  • MONDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 12:00PM – 1:30PM
    Nogi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi

  • TUESDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 12:00 – 1:30PM
    Gi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Gi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Gi
  • WEDNESDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 12:00 – 1:30PM
    Nogi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Nogi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi
  • THURSDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 12:00 – 1:30PM
    Nogi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi
  • FRIDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 12:00 – 1:30PM
    Nogi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM – 7:30PM
    Workshop/Open Mat
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi

  • SATURDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 9:30AM-10:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 11:00AM-12:30PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi

  • SUNDAY
  • 6:00AM Drill Class (Gi/Nogi)
  • 10:00AM-11:00AM
    Comp Team (2 stripe White belt required)
  • 12:00PM – 1:30PM
    Nogi
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM
    Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • 6:00PM-7:00PM
    Nogi Fundamentals
  • 7:00PM-8:30PM
    Nogi

Carsten Carlsen


Head Instructor/Owner – Renzo Gracie Des Moines

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

With over 20 years of grappling experience, Carsten has developed a unique style and method of practicing and teaching Jiu Jitsu. Starting his grappling journey on High School wrestling mats in Wisconsin, Carsten pursued wrestling through college where he was a four-year letter winner at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. After moving to Portland, OR in 2011, Carsten began training Jiu Jitsu.

In 2013 he began training with Renzo Gracie/John Danaher black belt Aaron Milam. Under the Renzo Gracie Portland banner, Carsten became one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier grapplers. He successfully competed at the national and international level in multiple tournaments and events, winning on Submission Underground, and placing 3rd at the ADCC East Coast trials. In March 2018, Carsten earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Aaron Milam. 

Carsten has also coached and cornered fighters at both the professional and amateur levels.

In addition, he holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Criminal Justice.

Derrick Flaig

Fundamentals/All Levels Instructor – Renzo Gracie Des Moines

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt

Derrick Starting his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2015, earning his Brown Belt in January 2023. He joined Renzo Gracie Des Moines shortly after the gym opened in 2019, and since starting to train with RGADSM, has been an integral part of the gym culture and success. Derrick is an active competitor, competing in events such as; Submission Underground, the Onnit Invitational, multiple Fight2Win cards, and many other regional promotions. He has also medaled at several IBJJF Majors including; No Gi World Championships, No Gi Pan  Championships, and No Gi European Championships (all at purple belt).

A Des Moines native, Derrick graduating from Urbandale High School, and earned his BA in Business Administration from Grand View University.

Contact Us

4711 University Ave

Des Moines, IA 50311

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