Our Team

CARSTEN CARLSEN
Second Degree Black Belt

HEAD INSTRUCTOR/OWNER

Throughout his 25+ years of grappling experience, Carsten has developed a unique style and method of practicing and teaching all forms of grappling. Starting his journey on the High School wrestling mats of Wisconsin, Carsten continued to wrestle through college where he was a four-year letter winner at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. After moving to Portland, OR in 2011, Carsten found and fell in love with Jiu Jitsu.

In 2013 Carsten began training with Renzo Gracie/John Danaher black belt Aaron Milam. Under Aaron and the Renzo Gracie Portland banner, Carsten became one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier grapplers. He successfully competed at national and international levels, winning multiple regional titles, a match on the first Submission Underground, and placing 3rd at the ADCC East Coast trials. In March 2018, Carsten earned his Black Belt from Aaron. 

Carsten has also coached and cornered fighters at both the amateur and professional level, including in the UFC.

Carsten holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Criminal Justice.

DERRICK FLAIG
Black Belt

ALL LEVELS AND FUNDAMENTALS INSTRUCTOR

Derrick started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2015. He joined Renzo Gracie Des Moines shortly after they 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, Fight2Win, and many other regional promotions. He has medaled at several IBJJF Majors including; No Gi World Championships, No Gi Pan  Championships, and No Gi European Championships (all at purple belt). Derrick earned his black belt in September of 2024.

A Des Moines native, Derrick graduated from Urbandale High School, and earned his BA in Business Administration from Grand View University and a Masters of Jurisprudence from Drake University.

  • Bubba Mulhulland

    FUNDAMENTALS/KIDS INSTRUCTOR -
    PURPLE BELT

    Bubba has been a dedicated practitioner of Jiu Jitsu since 2021. Drawn by the limitless progression and physical and mental challenges, he commutes 3 hours round trip 5-6 times a week to train and teach at RGADSM. This incredible commitment and dedication helped earn him his purple belt in September 2024. Off the mats Bubba enjoys weight lifting and spending time with his family. 

    Bubba graduated high school in Webster City, Iowa and earned a A.A.S in diesel technology at Iowa Central Community College.

  • Ryan Catron

    KIDS INSTRUCTOR -
    PURPLE BELT

    In search of an active hobby, Ryan started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2019 in Ames, IA. Grappling quickly transitioned from hobby to a lifestyle and passion for Ryan, inspiring him to focus his coaching and training to help others discover this same passion. A detail oriented and dedicated practitioner, Ryan brings enthusiasm and an eye for technical growth to the Kids Class mats.

    Ryan is a successful small business owner and avid lake goer. When not on the mats in summer months, you’ll find him on his boat wake surfing.

  • Bode Conlan

    KIDS INSTRUCTOR -
    BLUE BELT

    Bode started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2021 at Renzo Gracie Des Moines. In addition to regularly training his grappling at RGADSM, Bode wrestled for Roosevelt High School. He enjoys coaching kids classes and preparing them for competition. Bode has successfully competed in several local competitions, and constantly strives to be a better practitioner and instructor.

    Bode earned his Blue belt in April 2023.

  • Jill Hughes

    WOMEN’S CLASS INSTRUCTOR -
    PURPLE BELT

    Jill started Jiu Jitsu in 2019 at Renzo Gracie Portland, training under Hannah Sharp. She relocated to Iowa in 2020 and joined RGADSM, quickly becoming a dedicated and highly valued member of the gym. As a women’s coach, Jill excels at helping female students sharpen techniques, develop confidence, and navigate their individual journey.

    Jill is a mom to two accomplished wrestlers, Calvin and Clara, and holds a BS in Nursing.