OFFICER RANKS UP

From left to right - Conner Essery, Sensei Suhr, Jake Kane

On October 8th, 2025, Connor Essery, an officer with the Des Moines Police Department, earned his first promotion, becoming gokyu and receiving his yellow belt.  Connor came to judo from a background in Brazillian Jujitsu, where he is a third stripe white belt (equivalent to a judo green belt in their ability with newaza).  Connor’s interest in understanding the roots and origins of BJJ, and in developing his upright game, led him to begin studying Judo.

Connor has been rapidly improving his upright game, particularly with his favorite throw, O-Soto-Gari.  That being said, his ground game still exceeds his upright, with his favorite submission being sankaku-jime. Conner most frequently attends Monday and Wednesday classes, staying late to to attend the fundamentals classes as well.

Off the mat, Conner engages in horseback riding and spending time with his wife.