Our Culture
No matter what level of grappler you become, we all start at the beginning. At Renzo Gracie Des Moines, we help each other grow.
We value an environment that fosters individual growth through exploration, expression, and effort. Our community helps each member achieve their version of success on the mats. Whether you intend to be a high level competitor, just learn a new and engaging skillset, or somewhere in between, Renzo Gracie Des Moines has a place for you.
Our Programs
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Each month our All-Levels Class shifts focus to look in depth at a particular concept, position, or submission based on the needs of the gym as a whole. Classes flow more freely and are open to multiple avenues of focus based on the level of students who attend.
All- Levels classes start with a takedown technique or area of focus, continue onto the monthly mat focus, and conclude with live training. Students at any level can enter into the All-Levels classes if they want to pursue a deeper understanding of grappling than provided in the Fundamentals course.
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Throughout a 4-month rotating curriculum, the Fundamentals program focuses on; defensive structure and movement while escaping bad position, maintaining dominant control and top submissions, guard and how to sweep or submit from it, and passing the guard with balance and economy of movement.
In the Fundamentals Class, students will learn basic concepts surrounding all facets of grappling, as well as specific examples of these concepts. All classes start with a controlled takedown, continue to the mat, and conclude with structured live training. New students can enter into any class during the cycle as a complete beginner.
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In the Women’s class we open a space for women to come and train exclusively with other women. This class is offered for free to non members in an effort to allow women looking to introduce themselves to the benefits of Jiu Jitsu less of a barrier to entry.
In the Women’s Class, we focus primarily on safe and effective applications of submissions and the control of space that allows us to execute them.
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Kids learn all types of grappling through the practice of universal movements, specific techniques, and games based training. Each month shifts focus for each of these 3 areas, with techniques taught on both the mat and the feet. Safe application of takedowns, pins, and submissions are explored, with an emphasis on control and partner safety.
Kids will learn how to use their bodies for sport and self defense, push themselves physically and mentally, and grow confidence through dedicated improvement of their skills.
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In an open drilling format class, students are allowed to focus on what positions, concepts, and submissions they feel the need to improve on. There is no formal instruction in the Drill Class, but instead time for the individual to dive into their own needs or what their coach suggests a focus on. If new, students are required to have at least a 1:1 ratio of instructed class (Fundamentals or All-Levels) to Drill Class.
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Open rolling with your community!
Arguably the most fun and fulfilling time on the mats, Open Mat is the time to come in and just roll. Open Mat is open to all students of RGADSM and all visiting students from any gym, for FREE.
Memberships
All memberships month to month.
No contracts.
Fundamentals
$100/month
An entry into the art of control over a resisting opponent.
Whether you’re looking to learn how to use your body in a new way, join a community of people bettering themselves, or looking to develop a base of self defense, the RGADSM Fundamentals Program can guide you down the road toward an understanding of grappling. From feet to floor, we cover both concepts and practical applications of grappling to help you build your skills.
Fundamentals Members have access to all Fundamentals classes, Open Mats, Women’s Class, and Drill Classes.
Unlimited
$125/month
Expanding your knowledge and diversifying your skillset.
From Fundamentals to All-Levels, you can discover how deep the rabbit hole goes. If you desire a broader and more well-defined understanding of grappling, while testing your skills against full live resistance, you’ll find it here. Shifting focuses month-to-month will allow you to dive into each area of study in turn and sharpen your skills beyond a fundamental understanding.
Unlimited Members have access to All-Levels classes, Fundamentals classes, Drill classes, Women’s Class, and Open Mats
Kids (7-13)
$90/month + $100 initiation fee (covers Gi and Belt)
Self Defense, Discipline, and Confidence.
The RGADSM Kids Program helps develop your child’s all around grappling skills, focusing on the fundamentals of control, and the safe application of takedowns and submissions. Kids learn self defense and competitive applications of Jiu Jitsu through both technical drilling and skill building games.
Kids Members have access to all 3 Kids Classes per week
Drop-Ins Welcome!
$20/Day Drop-In Fee
FAQs
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The best attire for your first class is a pair of athletic shorts and a T shirt. Whatever you would wear to be comfortable at a regular gym to work out. Avoid baggy clothing or clothing with large pockets. Make sure to take off jewelry before training.
Other than attire, just bring an open mind and willingness to learn!
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Overall, just be a nice person.
Treat training like having a conversation. Start with introductions and handshakes, then civil discussion (taking it easy and just playing around). Once you get to know someone better, you can have the harder conversations (higher intensity training). When beginning to train, or rolling with anyone you have never trained with before, you should err on the side of going too light. It is much safer for all to add intensity gradually as you go.
More specifically, DON’T;
Grab individual fingers (all four, or none)
Put your hands on anyone’s face
Strike in any way (punch, kick, headbutt, elbow, knee)
Scratch or bite
Grab hair
Crank submissionsDO;
Clean your training clothes after each use
Trim your fingernails and toenails
Thank your training partners
Wear sandals in the bathroom
Slow down and breath -
No.
The shape you will get into while training grappling is different than what any other form of exercise can get you into. You may have a big gas tank, but if it’s not filled with grappling gas, you aren’t going to go far on a mat.
Expect to get tired when you start. That is a part of the journey. You will not be able to keep up the first time you do anything physically and mentally demanding at a high pace. Get on the mats, take one thing from each class, and stay consistent.
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Absolutely not.
We all start at the beginning. Without those in front of us we have no real paths to travel. The culture we have created at RGADSM is that people who have more knowledge help bring up those under them to better understand what they are doing.
Eventually you will be the person reaching back to help the next newcomer up. This is the cycle of growth in our community. We help each other up as we embark on a challenging journey.
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Our Kids Classes begin at age 7 and end at age 13/14, depending on the kid. Once kids age or size out of the Kids Class they are invited to the adult classes.
Contact Us
Interested in trying a class?
Curious about our programs?
Dropping in?
Let us know a little about you and your goals and we will be in touch shortly!