Long Training Pair Promoted Together

From Left to Right - Adisa, Jae, Sensei Formaro, Sensei Suhr, Olivia

Under the USJA ranking system, under which the Des Moines Judo Academy operates, attaining the brown belt is a momentous occasion for several reasons.  Not only does it take years of study and dedication, it also serves as the delineating line between a novice and advanced student, with most tournaments only allowing those under brown belt to compete in novice divisions.

Monday June 9th, 2025, Adisa Ganic and Olivia McBee crossed this rubicon together when they were promoted to Sankyu.  The actual testing took place over the week prior, with the ceremony being conducted on the Monday to allow for the reverence due such an occasion.  The two young women began their journey into Judo together in approximately March of 2023, when they were the first two regular students in the Monday & Wednesday classes conducted by Sensei Suhr.  For months they were the primary, if not only, students in the now popular class time.  The two have supported each other through countless hours of training, promotions, injuries, and numerous tournaments, to arrive at this point.

Olivia, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr

Olivia, normally called “Liv” keeps a busy scheduled between work, frequent trips to visit her significant other, whom is finished technical school, crafting, training, and helping teach Des Moines Judo Academy’s children’s classes.  Though its rare to see now, due to an earlier injury, Liv has cultivated a great drop tai-otoshi.  Liv shines brightest in ground where, were weeks of drills following a leg injury have resulted in masterful skill at shime-waza or “choking techniques.”  Her hadaka-jime, commonly known as the rear naked choke, is excellent.  However, her ability to work her arms past nearly any defense for “nami-juji-jime” (normal cross collar choke)  and gyaku-juji-jime (reverse cross collar choke), often before her opponent realizes they’re in danger, is a marvel of the elegant interaction of technique maximizing on a natural advantage, and desmonstration of Seiryoku Zenyo.

Adisa, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr

Adisa, keeps a similarly busy schedule, maintaining employment, continuing her education, spending time with her significant other at his school, and training.  Adisa’s work learning Sensei Parkhill’s “sticky foot” method ko-soto-gari shows, with the attack often serving as her lead in, and consistently forcing a defensive response from her opponent. She often finishes matches with her swift tai-otoshi, launching near instantly at well chosen moments, which has brought her several wins at tournament, where she has consistently brought home medals.  Lately she has been seen working on expanding her foot sweep arsenal.

An African proverb states “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  Congratulations to both young women on coming this far, and we’re excited to see how far they go!

Judo Dojo Etiquette: Respect, Hygiene, Sparring, and Training Principles

Welcome to the world of Judo, where sweat meets soul and discipline checks your ego at the door. Whether you’re rocking a white belt or have stripes that could intimidate a zebra, one thing’s for sure—dojo etiquette isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s not just about mastering the art; it’s about respecting the space, the people, and the philosophy that got us here in the first place.

Let’s break it down—how to carry yourself like a Judoka and not a clueless tornado in a gi.

Bowing: More Than a Nod, It’s the Entry Fee

Bowing isn’t just a tradition. It’s your cover charge for entering a space of mutual respect. It tells the room: "I’m here to learn, not to throw people like a maniac without context."

You bow to your partner, to the space, to your coach. It's not submission; it's alignment. You're syncing your mindset with the art. That said, don’t overdo it. No need to bow mid-throw like you’re reenacting a Shakespearean tragedy.

Quick hits:

• Bow in at the start and end of class.

• Bow before randori.

• Don’t bow mid-fight like an NPC stuck in a loop.

• Eyes forward, not at the mat—respect doesn’t mean weakness.

Hygiene: Because Nobody Wants to Catch the Funk

Don’t be the smelly kid!

Wearing a clean gi isn’t just about smelling good. It’s about not being the reason someone wishes they had nose plugs taped inside their headgear.

Wash your gi. Trim your nails. Shower. No one wants to roll with human Velcro covered in funk. If you're not clean, you're disrespecting your partners. And the mat gods will judge you.

Pro tips:

• Toenails and fingernails = mini razor blades if ignored.

• Deodorant is not your enemy.

• If your gi stands up by itself, burn it.

Bonus Tip: No Shoes on the Mats

This one should go without saying—but just in case it doesn’t: shoes don’t belong on the mats. Ever. The mats are sacred ground where we train, fall, and sometimes accidentally eat floor. Dragging in dirt, germs, or dog poop residue from the parking lot is a fast track to ruining everyone’s day. If your footwear touches the street, it doesn’t touch the tatami. Flip-flops at the edge are fine. Street shoes? Absolute no-go.

Sparring Etiquette: How Not to Be "That Guy"

Here’s where a lot of new Judoka (and some veterans) mess it up. Sparring is not your audition for an action movie. You're not there to win. You're there to learn.

Match Energy

If your partner’s chill, you’re chill. If they ramp it up, match them (responsibly). It’s not a flex contest. It’s cooperative combat.

Don’t Try to Win Practice

If you’re training to be the dojo alpha, you're missing the point. Nobody gives medals for demolishing training partners. You’re either improving, helping others improve, or being a danger. Choose wisely.

Communication is King

Want to go hard? Ask. Want to keep it technical? Say so. You’re not a mind-reader and neither are they.

Avoid Injuries (Seriously)

If you hurt someone, you didn’t win—you failed. We only get one body. Protect yours and theirs.

Story Time: "Pal" and the Armbar Incident

Let’s talk about Pal. After class, we're sparring. I’m working grips and ground control—nothing nuts. Pal wasn’t vibing. He lets out a roar and goes full berserker, cranking a wild armbar like it’s Mortal Kombat. I was tapping, repositioning, doing the whole polite exit dance—and he still rips it.

Coach stops the session. The room freezes. I smile, take a deep breath, and say, “I think I’m done for the day.”

Later, Coach pulled Pal aside. Respectfully handled. Pal faded from the mat over the next few weeks. Not because of punishment—because people didn’t want to roll with a loaded cannon. No hate, just natural consequences.

Moral of the story: Don’t be the reason people flinch when your name gets called for randori.

Real Talk: Wins, Losses, and the Woo-Woo

Here’s the deal. Everyone wants to win. That’s baked into our DNA. But there’s winning... and then there’s winning at the cost of trust. The line between pushing yourself and becoming a problem is thin, and once crossed, it’s hard to uncross.

Progress isn’t always a highlight reel. Sometimes your win is getting tossed less. Or sensing balance better. Or backing off before you go full gremlin. That’s still growth.

Judo gems:

• Ju = gentle. Not weak—smart.

• Kuzushi = unbalancing. That includes ego.

• Aiki = blending. Not overpowering.

Train with flow. Win with humility. Lose with curiosity. That’s the woo-woo. That’s the art.

Wrap It Up: It’s About People, Not Points

The dojo is sacred—not because of the walls, but because of the people in it. If you're not making it safer, better, and more respectful, then what are you even doing?

• Respect your partners.

• Clean your damn gi.

• Don’t try to be the dojo warlord.

• Train smart. Communicate. Be cool.

At the end of the day, nobody remembers the throw. They remember how you made them feel.

Now go be the Judoka people actually want to train with.

Your Turn:

Let’s hear from you. How do you keep the good vibes rolling and the mat monsters respectful? Got a golden rule for training etiquette? A sneaky trick to build trust with your randori crew? Or a story where someone (maybe you) totally fumbled the dojo code? Share your thoughts below—let’s turn this blog into a black belt-level conversation. Steel sharpens steel, after all.

Why Judo? How it Enhances Your Martial Arts Journey and Complements Kali & Silat

If you’re looking to dive deeper into martial arts, there’s one art that stands out as a game-changer: Judo. But why should you consider Judo as part of your martial arts journey? And how can it enhance what you already know in arts like Kali and Silat? Let’s break it down. Grab your gi, get ready, and let’s jump into this!

Why Take Judo?

Judo isn’t just about throwing people around, although let’s be honest—that’s a major part of it. At its core, Judo teaches you the principle of using your opponent’s energy and momentum against them. It’s like the ultimate game of chess where leverage, timing, and balance become your weapons of choice.

The best part? You don’t need to be the Hulk to throw people. Judo’s all about strategy. It’s not about muscle—it’s about using your opponent’s movement against them. The real fun comes when you figure out how to outwit, out-maneuver, and outsmart your opponent, all while making it look like a smooth, effortless throw.

And hey, Judo’s not just a mind game—it’s also fantastic for conditioning. Your body will get leaner, faster, and stronger. You'll build flexibility, explosive power, and a solid core. And those grueling grip fights? Totally worth it when you feel how much they improve your throws.

How Does Judo Enhance Other Martial Arts?

When you step onto the mat for Judo, you’ll start to notice some unexpected perks in your other martial arts too. The throws, the groundwork, the grip work—all of these techniques integrate seamlessly with your existing skills.

Judo is applicable without the gi

If you’re practicing Kali, Judo’s emphasis on leverage and balance is a game-changer. Think about it: you’re used to controlling distance and offense with weapons, right? But when you know how to throw and off-balance someone in the blink of an eye, it transforms the way you flow through a fight. You go from strike to takedown, and that transition? Smooth as butter.

In Silat, you’ll feel the same magic happen. Judo’s groundwork techniques (or ne-waza) will enhance your low stances, joint locks, and trapping. Ground control in Judo isn’t just about taking someone to the mat—it’s about dominating them there. So whether you’re using Silat’s quick strikes or Judo’s throws, you're stacking your game like a house of cards—perfectly balanced.

How Kali, Silat, and Judo Work Together

Now, let’s break it down even further. Kali, Silat, and Judo each bring something unique to the martial arts table. Kali gives you the skills to defend yourself at range—whether you’re dealing with sticks, knives, or just your empty hands. Control and distance are your friends, and Kali makes sure you’re always in control.

Silat takes it to a whole new level with its deceptive movement, low stances, and utilizing your environment to outsmart your opponent. Think of it as fluidity with a side of sneakiness. It’s the art of being tactical—weaving in and out of strikes with joint locks and close-quarters combat.

Then you’ve got Judo, the king of throws, grappling, and ground control. Judo isn’t just about standing—it’s about transitioning from standing to the ground with ease and grace (well, at least grace with a little sweat). And once you’re on the ground? You’re staying there—it’s your playground.

Now, imagine combining all three. You’ve got strikes from Kali, evasion and tactical movement from Silat, and takedowns from Judo. A complete martial artist who can adapt to any situation and finish strong—whether that’s with a strike, throw, or submission.

Des Moines Judo Academy: A Unique Opportunity

At Des Moines Judo Academy, we’re the only Judo dojo in the Des Moines area—you’d have to drive a couple of hours to the nearest one! But we’re lucky enough to also teach Kali, Silat, and Weapons right here at DSM Judo Academy. That’s a double whammy of awesomeness! This rare opportunity to train in multiple arts under one roof is something most schools don’t offer, and it’s an incredible advantage for anyone who wants a well-rounded martial arts experience.

Not every school is interested in expanding their scope to include multiple arts, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a lot of merit in schools that want to focus on one style and become masters of it. However, here at DSM Judo Academy, we’re able to bridge multiple styles to give our students a comprehensive view of martial arts. Whether you’re looking to explore Judo as a standalone discipline or integrate it with your existing Kali or Silat practice, we’ve got you covered. It's a rare opportunity, and we’re proud to offer it.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re new to martial arts or have been practicing for years, Judo adds a critical layer to your martial arts toolkit. It’s not just about throws—it’s about control, timing, and leveraging your opponent’s energy. By combining Judo with the strikes and weapon skills of Kali and the deceptive, close-quarters combat of Silat, you’re building a martial artist who can handle any challenge that comes their way.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on the mat, embrace Judo’s art of balance, and watch how it complements your entire martial arts journey. Plus, with Kali and Silat on the side? You’ll be one of the most well-rounded martial artists out there.

Your Turn:

What other martial arts do you train in besides Judo? How do you see how other arts complement Judo, or how Judo enhances the skills you already have? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation rolling! After all, we’re all here to learn and level up together.

Far Travelling Pair Promoted Together

From Right to Left - Sensei Pohl, Ian Schaff, Jon Milliedge, Sensei Hilleshiem

Ian and Jon, regulars at Saturday open mats, have taken the next step on their journey into the Way of Gentleness, by being promoted to “gokyu” or orange belt. The duo normally spend several hours every Saturday developing their skills from approximately 9:30 AM until the open mat host is done the day or events demand they yield (usually around 12:40 PM), so they can work master what they learn training with each other during weekday. On May 3rd, 2025, they chose to forego training to instead demonstrate what they’ve learned in the pursuit of recognition of their hard won skills. Testing was overseen by Sensei Hilleshiem and Sensei Pohl, who determined the two passed muster, while a few stragglers looked on.

Ian, a student of jujitsu, bujinkan, and kali-silat in addition to Judo. As to be expected his “newaza” or “ground fighting” (the portion of combat that takes place after one or more of the combatants has fallen to the ground) is more developed than his “nage waza” or throwing techniques, he not only demonstrated competence with the required number of throws, but demonstrated an affinity for tai-otoshi, o-goshi, and uchi-mata. When not training, Ian enjoys tabletop roleplaying games, making mead, hunting, and spending time with his beloved dog.

Jon, a judoka with an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and wrestling background, who also cross trains in jujitsu and bujinkan, has a more robust standing game of the pair, despite Ian having a better flare for technical details. Jon also posses boundless positivity and enthusiasm, which makes long training sessions go by and the blink of an eye. While his foot sweeps won him gold and silver in the Governor’s Cup earlier this year, and even earned praise from Sensei Parkhill, Jon chose to instead show off his o-soto-gari, ippon seoi-nage, and tani-otoshi, all of which he’s been drilling endlessly since March. When off the mat, Jon spends most of his time with his family, being married and a father.

Rokkyu Duo Clean Up at 2025 Governor’s Cup

From Left to Right - Kasten Lappe, Jon Milledge, Ian Schaff

On March 15th, 2025, two yellow belts or “rokkyu” from the Des Moines Judo Academy made their competitive debut at the Iowa Governor’s Cup Tournament, which was hosted by Teikiatsu Judo in Ames, Iowa. Adult competitor turnout was a sharp decline from 2024, during which sensei and academy founder Bret Parkhill made his final regular appearance coaching. Despite adult participation being thinned by scheduling and recent injuries, Karsten Lappe and Jon Milledge made up for quantity with quality.

Karsten, is a young man of 22 years of age who attends most, if not all, weekday classes at our dojo and occasional Saturday open mats. Standing 6’7”, Karsten fought in the 220lbs+ senior men’s open rank, winning both his matches against the green belt, or “yonkyu,” Brent Shipley from Sempai Judo. Karsten’s first match was won by application of the “renraku waza'“ (combination technique; when two or more attacks are made in sequence) Uchi-Mata, followed by O-Soto-Gari, earning an “Ippon” (full point, which wins a match). His second match was won by scorring Ippon via “Osae Komi” (pin), a varient of Yoko-Shiho-Gatame (commonly referred to as side control in jujitsu), after taking his opponent to the ground without scoring, securing the gold medal for his division. A southpaw, Karsten is known in our club for his explosive strength, preference for extremely high collar grips, and his love of Uchi-Mata, which he’s striven to improve since he first arrived at the Des Moines Judo Academy.

Jon Milledge, a man of 35 who stands at approximately 5’8”, fought in both the senior men’s middle weight novice, and the senior men’s 161lbs & Under open rank divisions. Jon, an mma fighter in the process of winding down his mma career, is one of a pair of far travelling Judoka who consistently grace our dojo at Saturday open mats and the occasional Thursday class. Jon fought five total matches between the two divisions. While Jon lost his first match by throw for Ippon, he went on to only have one more loss for the day, by submission while attempting to pass guard. Jon’s extensive drilling of “ashi waza” (leg/foot techniques), particularly foot sweeps, showed, as he scored “Waza Ari” (half point, two of which are required to win a match) by both Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi, and De Ashi Barai. While he did win one additional match by submission, the highlight of the adult competition of this tournament was an Ippon scored using Nidan Ko-Soto-Gari as a counter to Uchi-Mata, further demonstrating Jon’s ashi waza dominance. Sensei Parkhill, reviewing a video of the match, commented that the counter was “a thing of beauty!” Jon took gold in the open rank, and silver in the novice.

Despite being the only adult judoka to take to the mat or “tatami” to represent our Academy at this tournament, they were not alone. Ian, Jon’s long time training partner and travelling companion, was also present to give his support despite being wounded. Jon’s family was also present to cheer him on, and were enthusiastic, if frequently confused. The three are seen together in the cover photo for this entry, celebrating their victory.

Mass Promotion on Monday

Four members who regularly attend Monday classes were all promoted on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Christian Wilson and Kasten Lappe both recieved their first promotion, moving from white belt, which has no Japanese name in the USA Judo ranking system, to yellow belt or “rokyu.” Both young men began training a few months ago, and have wrestling backgrounds, which have benefitted them in transitioning to judo. Both have worked hard, with Christian having already experienced his first competitive win at the Governor’s Cup in November of this year.

Logan Ballanger and Jacob van Cleaf both recieved their third promotion, transferring from orange belt or “gokyu,” to green belt or “yonkyu". The training partners and rivals made fast friends upon first meeting in their first week of training at the Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy. Since then, they’ve committed to making this journey together, being consistently promoted at the same time, with each at times delaying testing to allow the other more time to prepare and be certain of success. The bantering pair can frequently be found training together, both in our dojo and attending open mats elsewhere to test and further develop their skills.

Both pairs are featured in photograph, along with several of the instructors who helped them make it this far.

Second Part of Far Travelling Pair Promoted to Yellow Belt

Ian, a regular attendee of Saturday open mats and semi-regular Thursday student, travelling an hour each way from south western Iowa, has finally earned his promotion. Testing at the end of open mat on Saturday, November 22rd, 2024, with Sensei Gary Hilleshiem, Ian earned his yellow belt or “rokkyu.” Ian’s long time friend Jon Millidge served as his “uke” or “person upon whom a throw is performed” for his examination, and stood with him for his promotion picture. Ian is featured in his signature olive drab gi, with its Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy patch prominently featured.

Ian has a strong general interest in martial arts, and studies jujitsu in addition to judo, as well as several other styles of armed and unarmed combat. However, due to a lifelong dream of studying Judo, Ian began making the drive to Des Moines several months ago to become a member of the Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy, and we are richer for his choice.

Upcoming Tournament in Ames

The Iowa State Championship will be held in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. Check in and on site enteries 8:30 to 9:30am Nov.9th. Referees meeting will be held at 10am. Tournament competition will begin at 10:30am. All competitors should register via SmoothComp at the link below.

https://usajudo.smoothcomp.com/en/event/19661