BJJ Convert Develops Stand Up Game and Earns Promotion

From Left to Right - Sensei Chey, Johan, Sensei Rodriguez

BJJ practitioners looking to develop their takedowns are a regular sight at the Des Moines Judo Academy. Most pass through, polishing a throw or two for competition before returning to their primary art, never making it past white belt. June 5th, 2025, Johan split from the pack for that trend by testing for, and being promoted to, “rokkyu” or “yellow belt.”

Johan first joined our dojo in November of 2024, and was more than a little scared of doing “randori,” a form of sparring, upright. Since then, Johan has developed his “ukemi,” the skill of falling or being thrown with minimal or no injury, enough to overcome his hesitation and can be seen regularly taking on other students at the dojo on thursday nights. His favorite stand up moves thus far are O-Goshi and Sumi-Gaeshi. Johan continues to train on BJJ at the No Coast school twice a week. When talking about the changes Judo has made in his overall grappling game, Johan explained that it caused him to appreciate gi fighting over no-gi, due to the increased technicality.

We look forward to more exciting developments from this man just beginning to make major headway in the Gentle Way, and anticipate watching his grappling style evolve as he becomes even more comfortable upright.