WORKSHOP / RGA • PDX
OUR TEAM & OUR HISTORY
AARON MILAM HEAD INSTRUCTOR
THIRD DEGREE JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
Aaron Milam is the head instructor at Workshop / RGA PDX. He has over 25 years of martial arts experience, 17 years of Jiu Jitsu. Aaron began training jiu jitu in Los Angeles under Carlson Gracie legend Rey Diogo. In 2005 graduate school brought him to New York city where he continued to train on Renzo Gracie team with John Danaher, under whom he was given his black belt in 2008. During his years of training he has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and submission grappling, regionally and internationally. Aaron holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in philosophy.
Aaron’s style uniquely combines these two branches of the Gracie family as well as incorporating the best elements of wrestling and Judo. His academic background and close training under Professor Danaher have helped him to develop an advanced teaching ability rarely found in the jiu jitsu community. Aaron is a frequent instructor to blackbelts of many local schools, and regularly travels nationally and internationally for seminars.
Our History
While living in NYC Aaron ran the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at a NYC multi-discipline combat sports gym for about 8 years before teaming up with his training partner Jin Yung and rebranding that team as Workshop jiu jitsu. RGA PDX maintains affiliation with that team as well as with the larger Team Renzo Gracie. Workshop Jiu Jitsu has a third affiliate school led by Professor Larry Hope in Honolulu, HI.
Workshop – Portland / RGA PDX was founded in 2013 and changed locations a few times before landing in our present facility in 2014. Since opening, we have attracted some of the most talented local athletes and instructors as well as being the home of the Portland Fire grappling team. We pride ourselves on maintaining the finest instruction available and a school culture where everyone can develop towards their own personal goals , whether that is high level competition, recreation, self-defense, or general fitness.
RGA PDX has built itself at the center of the Portland jiu jitsu community; as host to the weekly all city open mat and Portland Judo’s Shiai tournament as well as our own seasonal tournament – the Portland Sunday open.
