Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines
About
Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines offers comprehensive martial arts training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and karate. The gym features a diverse coaching staff led by owner and head instructor Carsten Carlsen, a second-degree black belt, with specialized instructors for different age groups and skill levels. From fundamentals classes for beginners to advanced training sessions, the academy provides structured programs for all experience levels, including dedicated kids classes taught by qualified instructors at various belt ranks.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the high-level training environment and technical excellence of the instruction, with specific appreciation for owner Carsten Carlsen's detailed teaching approach. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere where students are friendly and the gym community elevates everyone's skills through cross-training and knowledge exchange. Visitors appreciate the easy drop-in process and accessibility for all skill levels, from solid fundamentals classes for beginners to challenging sessions for advanced practitioners. Multiple reviewers specifically recommend the gym for families and travelers, noting it has become a regional hub for quality martial arts training.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Precision Submission Grappling
a year ago
As a fellow gym owner in the Des Moines metro, I have immense respect and admiration for the community and culture that Carsten and his students have built at Renzo Gracie Des Moines. Their gym has become an epicenter for the area’s best to cross-train, exchange knowledge, and elevate each other’s skills. They’ve moved beyond outdated traditions that no longer serve the martial arts community while maintaining a high standard of respect, discipline, and technical excellence. I owe a significant portion of my growth as both a practitioner and coach to the people who make up this gym, and I strongly encourage anyone, even my own students, to take advantage of the high-level training environment that Renzo Gracie Des Moines provides.
Kevin Y
5 months ago
I've visited many bjj gyms in the area, and decided to sign up here, which to me says a lot given the number of great gyms around. The instruction is top notch and the students are friendly. I am very glad this place is here.
Kevin Vaughan-Carber
6 months ago
Great Jiu Jitsu program in Des Moines! All levels welcome - solid fundamentals classes for beginners and plenty of hard rolls for folks who like to get after it! Owner Carsten is a top tier instructor who takes care to explain the details behind techniques.
Andrew Hill
9 months ago
I was in town for business. I called Carsten and was able to drop in for a Gi class. Great environment, great technique, and great class. I would suggest for you, or your family. Jiu Jitsu make travel all the better!
Dan Stabile
4 months ago
Great instructor and communication, responds promptly. Easy to stop by/drop in, sign up is easy. Instructors and participants are welcoming and awesome. Highly recommend!
Contact
4711 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Jill Hughes
Little Kids/Women’s Class Instructor
Purple Belt
Started Jiu Jitsu in 2019 at Renzo Gracie Portland. Excels at helping female students develop confidence and technique.
Ryan Catron
Kids Instructor
Purple Belt
Started Jiu Jitsu in 2019. Passionate about coaching and helping others discover grappling. Detail-oriented instructor.
Carsten Carlsen
Head Instructor/Owner
Second Degree Black Belt
25+ years grappling experience. Former college wrestler. Trained under Renzo Gracie/John Danaher black belt Aaron Milam. Competitor at ADCC trials, Submission Underground. Coaches UFC fighters.
Derrick Flaig
All Levels and Fundamentals Instructor
Black Belt
Active competitor at Submission Underground, Onnit Invitational, Fight2Win. Medalist at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds, Pans, and Europeans. Earned black belt in 2024.
Bubba Mulhulland
Fundamentals/Kids Instructor
Purple Belt
Dedicated practitioner since 2021. Commuted extensively to train and teach. Earned purple belt in 2024.
Bode Conlan
Kids Instructor
Blue Belt
Started Jiu Jitsu in 2021. Also a high school wrestler. Enjoys coaching kids for competition. Earned blue belt in 2023.