Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy

Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy operates at 2625 86th Street in Urbandale, Iowa. Located in Westmark Plaza II between Hickman and Douglas, the academy delivers traditional martial arts training, classical judo throwing mechanics, and ground grappling instruction for students across the Des Moines metropolitan area. Instruction is directed by fifth-degree black belt Bret Parkhill, who began judo in 1987 in Oklahoma under Olympian Pat Burris and has taught continuously in the Des Moines area since 1992. The teaching staff includes third-degree black belt Dennis McMahon, who trained under Parkhill and brings extensive sambo and wrestling background, alongside second-degree black belt Ryan Suhr, who has trained since 2017. Academy coursework features structured training divisions accommodating various experience levels. Programs include Adult Judo, Adult Judo Fundamentals, Kids Judo, Kali-Silat, and open mat training. Classes combine standing throws, off-balancing techniques, joint locks, pins, and controlled live randori to cultivate physical conditioning and tactical grappling proficiency.