Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy

Reminder for Saturday, April 11: no adult 10am classes! Coach Jerrod will have his 9am class, then there is a seminar for kids and teens at 10.

Tevin survived his birthday sharktank!

DMJJA kids and teens, mark your calendars!

Saturday April 11th, we will be hosting IGHSAU 2A 140lbs State Champion and 2026 Dan Gable wrestler of the year for class 2A, Calista Rodish, for a 2 hour wrestling camp. This will be free of charge for all DMJJA students!

Calista was formerly a student of the DMJJA kids program. Her mother, Cassie Rodish, was a professional fighter who trained for a time here as well. The whole family is full of STUDS!

We’re beyond excited to host Calista and grateful for the knowledge she’ll be sharing with our up and coming young grapplers. Little ninjas, DO NOT miss this massive opportunity to learn from a high level wrestler.

Some wise words from Professor Thomaz

Training Jiu-Jitsu injured or when you're not 100% Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Effective March 1, women's class will move to Sunday afternoons at 1pm. Be sure to remind the ladies in your life to come join us for self defense, fitness, and fun!

Spotlight on Ed “Warpug” Schneiders

Ed is a black belt under Chris David and one of 2-3 “Coach Ed”s at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu.

Where are you from: Des Moines area
How long have you been training: …at least a year! I first took a few classes back in 2006 at the old school, and then my work schedule kept me from coming for a while. I would start and stop until I restarted consistently in 2010.
What do you do: I am a nurse practitioner at Green Iowa Clinic/Apex Health
Favorite submission: Against athletic or strong opponents, I like the north/south choke. Against Tevin, a wrist lock. Otherwise the Choi bar from half guard is my go-to.
Why did you start jiu jitsu: To meet women! Success! (Editor’s note, Ed and his wife met at DMJJA, and they both still train there.)
What do you get out of jiu jitsu now: Jiu jitsu is super fun and great exercise. We like having our kids at the gym with us and, even when they don’t participate, it’s good for them to see us do hard things.
What are your goals in jiu jitsu: I want to armbar Chris David.
How do you learn best: As they say in medicine, “See one, do one, teach one.”
Favorite seminar or grappler: I am contractually obligated to say Chris David. Otherwise, Craig Jones. My favorite seminar was when Ricky Lundell came out last year.
How has jiu jitsu changed your life: Now I’m married with kids! I was able to defend myself when I was attacked while working in the emergency department several years ago.
What other hobbies or skills do you enjoy: I play guitar, bass, and drums, and I have been in several local bands over the years.
Personal trivia: I have 3 masters degrees.
Favorite restaurant or small business: Green Iowa Clinic and Apex Health
Highlight reel moment: That story from the emergency department! Someone attacked me and grabbed me by the beard. I used jiu jitsu to keep myself safe and ended up putting the person in a choke hold until security could get there.
Favorite class: I am contractually obligated to say Monday nights at 6pm with Chris David. Otherwise when I teach Saturday mornings at 9am.
How long do you see yourself doing jiu jitsu: I hope forever!

Come train with the Warpug every other Saturday at 9am!

Spotlight on Jeff!

Jeff is a purple belt who has been training for 9 years at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy

Where are you from: Des Moines
What do you do: I am a Mediacom network analyst
Favorite submission: Straight ankle lock to Aoki or Twister for style points
Why did you start jiu jitsu: I was always into martial arts and decided to give it a try.
What do you get out of jiu jitsu now: This is my stress relief, and it helps me keep in shape. Everyone here is cool, as well.
What are your goals in jiu jitsu: My goal used to be to make it 6 months, then another 6 months. Then it was to get the next belt promotion. But I’ve stopped worrying about goals and just want to be able to keep showing up.
How do you learn best: repetition, repetition, repetition!
Favorite seminar or grappler: Chris David–he’s a wizard! Also Craig Jones for content and comedy.
How has jiu jitsu changed your life: It’s helped with my physical fitness. Jiu jitsu teaches you to be humble and not quit in uncomfortable situations.
What other hobbies or skills do you enjoy: I play chess and video games and enjoy walking with my wife.
Favorite restaurant or small business: Chu Chu Donuts
Highlight reel moment: Suddenly realizing I know what I’m doing or when things just click in a roll.
Favorite class: Morning classes (11:15) Monday and Wednesday and Saturday morning classes at 9 and 10am.
Personal trivia: I think I’m the oldest person at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu!
How long do you see yourself doing jiu jitsu: Indefinitely.

Come learn jiu jitsu with Jeff and all the cool people at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu!

Congrats on some big promotions to Steve, Michael, Dan, and Bobby! Os!

Spotlight on Jossue!

Jossue is a 3 stripe white belt who has been training for 15 months at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy

Where are you from: I am born and raised in Des Moines
What do you do: I have a warehouse job and attend DMACC.
Favorite submission: Head and arm choke
Why did you start jiu jitsu: I wanted something to improve myself and build confidence.
What do you get out of jiu jitsu now:It clears my mind, relieves stress, gives me exercise and an excuse to move my body
What are your goals in jiu jitsu: I want to hopefully compete
How do you learn best: I need to see it, then feel it and get the repetition in.
Favorite seminar or grappler: Craig Jones
How has jiu jitsu changed your life: I’m in better shape and have less stress
What other hobbies or skills do you enjoy: swimming
Favorite restaurant or small business: Breakfast Club
Favorite class: Gi class Monday at 6p
Highlight reel moment: I hit a balloon sweep on accident!
How long do you see yourself doing jiu jitsu: This will hopefully be a lifelong activity.

Spotlight on Micheal!

Micheal is a 3 stripe white belt who has been training for 2 years at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy

Where are you from: Des Moines
What do you do: I am a journeyman painter
Favorite submission: Rear naked choke
Why did you start jiu jitsu: I just always wanted to try it and finally did.
What do you get out of jiu jitsu now: I want to set an example for my boys. Everyone should be able to defend themselves.
What are your goals in jiu jitsu: I want to keep progressing, keep having fun, compete again. One day, I want to be able to beat Ed (Schneiders).
How do you learn best: I seem to need to fail over and over until I get it.
Favorite seminar or grappler: Marcello Garcia
How has jiu jitsu changed your life: It has taught me patience. I'm learning how to fail and keep on going. My mental health is just better.
What other hobbies or skills do you enjoy: I love hanging with my kids. I play the ukelele.
Favorite restaurant or small business: Tasty Tacos is a Des Moines staple!
Favorite class: Competition class Sunday 11am
Highlight reel moment: I got my first submission win in a competition by rear naked choke with barely 30 seconds left of a hard match.