Our Instructors
Bret Parkhill
5th Degree Black Belt
Mr. Parkhill got his start in judo in 1987 training in Oklahoma under 1972 and 1976 Olympian Pat Burris and World Champions in Sambo - Ron Tripp and Amy Ehlenfeldt. He has been teaching continuously in Des Moines since 1992.
“I believe that the biggest value in training in judo or sambo is the effect it has on your mind and your body. By training yourself in attacks and defense, you will improve your balance, strength, flexibility and stamina, all the while developing a more active and alert intellect. You will become more decisive, more thoughtful and less susceptible to panic and anger, thus becoming a better person. These attributes will help a person succeed in life more than just the ability to throw or submit someone.” - Bret Parkhill
Dennis McMahon
3rd Degree Black Belt
Dennis McMahon is a 3rd Degree black belt under Bret Parkhill and formerly ran a wrestling program for local teenagers. Dennis also has experience with Sambo and is as likely to be in his sambovka as his gi.
Ryan Suhr
2nd Degree Black Belt
Ryan Suhr has been training since 2017 and holds the rank of 2nd Degree black belt in Judo. Ryan runs a rigorous class and is fond of showing numerous variations to each technique, allowing students to find the version with which they’re most comfortable. He enjoys table top games and writing science fiction.
Nick Formaro
3rd Degree Black Belt
Nick is a 3rd Degree black belt under Bret Parkhill, in addition to training in Brazilian Jujitsu. Nick approaches instruction with a straight forward, yet laid back attitude that belies his impressive experience and makes lessons easily absorbed. When he’s not teaching, Nick enjoys cooking and golf.
Jeff Volcheck
3rd Degree Black Belt
Jeff is a 3rd Degree black belt under Bret Parkhill and former collegiate wrestler. Jeff has a life long passion for all forms of grappling and is a fountain of knowledge. He often pulls from his immense experience to give members individualized coaching and drills to help them through rough patches in their development, or teaching atypical variations of techniques more tailored to the individual’s abilities.
Chris Dilley
3rd Degree Black Belt
Chris is a 3rd dan black belt under Bret Parkhill, and the father of Brooke Dilley.
Chaye Thompson
Black Belt
Chaye earned his black belt under Frankie Williams in Sioux City. A former ranking competitor on the tournament circuit, Chaye brings a wealth of experience to his classes, often focusing on combinations and competitive strategies
Gary Hillesheim
Black Belt
Gary is a black belt in judo under Bret Parkhill, a one stripe black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu under Erik Paulson and Jared Bahr, a black belt in Taekwondo, and 2nd Degree black belt in Bujinkan. Gary has a passion for martial arts history and tradition, and when not in the Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy can usually be found sharpening his skills at another school. Gary frequently pulls from his varied experience to offer alternative solutions to members having difficulty grasping a lesson or its significance.
Josh Pohl
Black Belt
Josh is a black belt in judo under Bret Parkhill, as well as a former high school wrestler and swimmer. Driven for success and possessing a strong work ethic, Josh is very active in the judo competitive circuit and can often be found refining the details in techniques when not teaching.
“Mastery is whatever keeps your head in the game and keeps you moving forward.”
Brooke Dilley
Brown Belt
Brooke is a brown belt in judo under Bret Parkhill and started judo when she was only 6 years old. She is also the daughter of Chris Dilley.
Ryan Hanssen
Black Belt
Ryan is a black belt under Bret Parkhill, and has been certified as a tactics instructor for law enforcement and military. Ryan is a law enforcement officer and a veteran of our armed forces. Ryan is a major part of our kids program. Ryan is excellent at working with kids and holds the program to a high standard, as his own sons are in it. Ryan also competes when his busy schedule allows, and has been certified as an instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics for law enforcement and military.
Grace Pohl
Brown Belt
Grace is a brown belt in judo under Bret Parkhill and former state qualifier for wrestler. Grace teaches the kids judo classes, as well as coaching adults on how to refine their technique