Eclectic Instructor Promoted to Second Degree Black Belt
Left to Right - Sensei Chaye Thompson, Sensei Gary Hillesheim, Sensei Nick Formaro
In martial arts generally, promotions initially come at a furious pace and rapidly slow down with each progressive rank, with more stringent requirements for each promotion. At the Des Moines Judo Academy, rokyu, the rank associated with yellow belt, can generally be attained after two months, assuming you attend two classes a week, with gokyu, the orange belt, being achieved with an additional three to five months of study thereafter, assuming you train at the same pace consistently. After attaining Shodan, the first degree of black belt, advancing further requires further requires years of regular training for at least the next several promotions, as well as additional qualifications to be eligible.
On October 22nd, 2025, Sensei Gary Hillesheim qualified for and received his Nidan, or second degree black belt. Sensei Hillesheim is generally outspoken against shiai or competition, arguing that the restrictions on legal techniques disincentivizes learning the full curriculum of the Kodokan and thus stifles the creativity and development of the art, and thus chose not to qualify for promotion via competition. Instead, Sensei Hillesheim choose to meet the criteria for this promotion by learning and performing an additional Kata or “Form”, or pre-arranged routine of techniques used both for training and to demonstrate proficiency in a set of techniques or principles.
Sensei Hillesheim elected to perform the Katame-no-Kata, which translates to ”Forms of Grappling”, a routine consisting entirely of newaza or groundfighting techniques. To prepare for this, Sensei Hillesheim and Sensei Chaye Thompson trained outside regular class time to perform the Kata, and performed it as part of an examination on October 22nd, 2025. The choice of the Katame-no-Kata was in keeping with Sensei Hillesheim’s personal philosophy and teachings concerning Judo, in which he points out that there are there are five ways to win a judo match (throw, pin, strangulation, joint lock, and disqualification of opponent) but that must of competition focused Judo’s training is focused on a single method of victory (throws).
The Katame-no-Kata is deceptively challenging. Despite the tori (person performing the techniques) never having to lift or carry the uke (person on whom techniques are performed), and most of the kata being performed while kneeling, both parties actually exerted themselves enough to sweat while performing the kata. Maintaining proper posture while transitioning into and through the movements, as well as engaging in several stylized non-attack movements routed in Japanese history and tradition, adds to the challenge of performing this kata.
Left to Right: Top Row - Jacob van Cleaf, Sensei Ryan Suhr, Sensei Nick Formaro, Sensei Gary Hillesheim, Sensei Jeff Volcheck, Sensei Josh Pohl, Sensei Chaye Thompson
Bottom Row - Young White Belt Guy, Jake Kane, Adam Thompson, Zachary Strahl
Congratulations to Sensei Hillesheim and Sensei Thompson for performing the kata, and on Sensei Hillesheim’s promotion. Their diligence contributes to the ongoing success of the Des Moines Judo Academy, and reflects the attitude of excellence we strive to cultivate.
Accomplished Instructor adds one more to the List - Black Belt
From Left to Right - Sensei Rodriguez, Ryan Hanssen, Sensei Volcheck, Sensei Pohl, Sensei Burklund
Our dojo has long been honored to feature Sensei Ryan Hanssen as an instructor for the children’s classes, as well as a proctor in adult classes. Sensei Hanssen is a veteran and law enforcement officer, and has been certified to instruct for both, in addition to being a Judoka (judo practitioner) and tournament coach for the past eight years. Judo is not Sensei Hanssen’s first martial art or combat sport, having previously boxed extensively. Ryan managed to achieve all this while raising his two sons, Brayden (5th Junior Rank) and Jayce Hanssen (4th Junior Rank), who both also study jujitsu and muay thai (a brutal style of kickboxing that serves as the foundation for many MMA fighter’s striking game). All this is achieved while being active in his church and community, managing a marriage, and serving as his family’s primary source of transportation (due to disability related complications). Despite the stress and fatigue involved in all of this, Sensei Hanssen is perpetually positive, upbeat, and solution oriented. Until recently his was also “Ikkyu,” or the final rank of brown belt.
On Monday, December 30th, 2024, the students of the Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy, as well as many of his loved ones, gathered to watch Sensei Ryan Hanssen perform the “Nage-no-Kata,” a set routine of throws to demonstrate skill an competence in technique, if not necessarily combat ability, with John Long serving as his “uke” (person being thrown). This demonstration was the final requirement necessary for Ryan to receive his promotion to “Shodan” or the 1st Degree Blackbelt, which was granted immediately following the performance.
Congratulations and well wishes to the newly minted blackbelt, who chose a spectacular way to close out the year! (Ryan appears right of center in the associated photo in a white gi).
Brown Belt Promotion for Long-Standing Member
From Left to Right- Sensei Suhr, Romnick Pamatmat
On December 9, 2024, Romnick Pamatmat tested for and received his first brown belt rank of “sankyu.” Most judo organizations consider the brown belt to the tipping point where you are no longer considered a beginner, and no longer eligible able to participate in the novice division of competition. Attaining the rank is typically requires years of study and practice, as well as demonstrating mastery over several techniques, and competence with several more. The testing is also academic, requiring knowledge of the history of judo and Japanese terminology.
Romnick is a regularly attending member of the Academy and inspiration; not only finding time for health, training, and fitness, but also to raise his three children, all while keeping his wife (and the light of his life) smiling. On the mat, Romnick is a quick and dexterous opponent, frequently darting in and out of gripping range to make lightning fast attacks, most notable drop tai-otoshi, and seoi-nage.
His promotion is well deserved, and this author looks forward to seeing him develop through the ranks remaining between him and the first degree black belt or “sho-dan.”