Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines operates at 4711 University Ave in Des Moines, Iowa. Situated centrally within the Des Moines metropolitan area, the academy delivers Renzo Gracie lineage Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling instruction to students of all skill levels. The academy is owned and directed by head instructor Carsten Carlsen, a second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with more than twenty-five years of grappling experience. Carlsen competed on the collegiate wrestling team at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville before taking up jiu-jitsu in 2011 and earning ranks under Renzo Gracie black belt Aaron Milam. The teaching staff emphasizes positional hierarchy, leverage mechanics, submission transitions, and controlled live training. Class offerings accommodate beginners and seasoned grapplers through organized training tracks. Programs feature Fundamentals, All-Levels instruction that introduces takedown setups and monthly position focuses, Kids Jiu Jitsu, Women's Class sessions, and open mat training designed to foster technical growth and practical self-defense proficiency.