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Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy
I sat down with Chris David, head trainer at Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy, who currently operates the top gym in Des Moines for the sport. Chris has been training in martial arts for over ten years and has a wealth of experience to bring to the table at the small location. With seven trainers and a diverse level of students, DMJJA is cranking out some skillful competitors in the area. When I walked in I was impressed with the traditional atmosphere and the professionalism, but don’t be fooled. Strolling through a small hallway, we opened into a weight room, treadmills, and a full cage.
Chris started training in 1999 in a basement with some Des Moines Xtreme guys, and has rapidly evolved his game since. Working under Caique Jiu-Jitsu, Chris brings a solid background into the gym. He says, “We’re not in the business of beating each other up, we’re here to teach the sport and help out guys that want to fight.” An overwhelming sense of respect came over me after digging deeper into his role as a trainer. The gym is doing an excellent job at promoting jiu-jitsu’s role in MMA as a sport, not a bloodbath.
The Cage
I asked Chris where we can see DMJJA in the future, and a simple response of a new facility was good enough for me. They are in the works for a bigger place and are still keeping it in the downtown Des Moines area. As far as I can tell, there are too many top notch trainers for their current space and a bigger facility will only make this gym become dominant in the Des Moines jiu-jitsu scene.
After hearing Joe Rogan say, “This guy’s purple belt is more like a black belt, I’ve seen that dude submit black belts before.” Referring to Kevin Burns, there is no doubt that Chris is doing a good job of training everyone at the gym. Training high-level UFC fighters is not all that DMJJA is focused on however; Chris also offers self defense and sport jiu-jitsu classes every week. I have always thought that DMJJA was the premier gym in Des Moines and Chris agrees with us saying, “I think your right.”
Chris David
Favorite Takedown: Single-Leg.
Favorite Submission: Darse/Arm Triangle.
Days A Week He Trains: Four.
Favorite Music To Train To: Rock (Kevin blasts techno all day).
Recommended Ratio Of Drilling/Sparring: 80/20.
Favorite Thing To Do Outside Of Grappling: Drink beer, play bags, and hang out.
Favorite jiu-jitsu Guys To Watch: Ricky Lundell and Roger Gracie.
Biggest Mistake New Grapplers Make: They need to slow down, learn the leverage, and acquire patience.
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