Student Promoted to Rokkyu, Securing White Belt Record

Jason Maluilo and Sensei Suhr

Jason Maluilo first began to grace the Des Moines Judo Academy with his presence in mid-August of 2024, attending classes two to four times a week as his work schedule permitted. With the exception of period of approximately three months, Jason continuing in this fashion, chasing skills rather than promotions, and content to remain a white belt. On May 21st, 2025, after a couple weeks of ribbing by certain of his fellow students and prodding from instructors, Jason tested for the rank of “rokkyu” or "yellow belt, and passed.

A typical judoka at the Des Moines Judo Academy who trains two days a week remains a white belt for approximately two months.

Jason ended his tenure as a white belt at a couple days after nine months, almost doubling the time of the previous holders’ record of 5 months.

Jason’s silent and observant nature made him easy to overlook, making this feat possible. Despite being reserved, his uchi-mata and drop seoi-nage speak for themselves, each reflecting the intense amount of training and attention to detail they received during his tenure as a white belt. Jason is most commonly seen at Monday and Wednesday classes and Saturday open mats, though lately has been frequenting Wednesday fundamentals classes. When off the mat, Jason is a skilled dancer, which led to him developing balance and body control which assist him in his study of Judo.

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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.

Far Travelling Member Promoted

While many of our members were at tournament on November 9th, 2024, Jon Milledge was testing for, and promoted to, “rokkyu,” earning his yellow belt. Jon is a regular attendee of Thursday evening classes and Saturday open mats, who also trains in Bujinkan with Sensei Hilleshiem, and has both a wrestling and MMA background.