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.
