PEOPLE
Aaron Milam
Practice as lifelong craftsmanship.
Aaron is the founder of Renzo Gracie Portland and co-founder of Workshop Jiu Jitsu. He has been a student of Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and other martial arts for more than three decades.
His classes explore principles of movement within technique, the slow development of understanding through long practice, and respecting the place of creativity in the martial arts.
Jason Kundell
Precision through patience.
Jason teaches with the same careful attention that defines both his martial arts and his work as a tattoo artist. After decades of training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he values precision, patience, and the quiet refinement that comes from returning to the fundamentals.
Kris Reid
Calm fundamentals.
Kris is known for his calm, encouraging instruction. He helps new students develop confidence through clear fundamentals, thoughtful repetition, and an atmosphere where questions are always welcome. Kris is known for his strong grip work and his appreciation of modern gi jiu jitsu.
Shawn Dy
Shawn has been a Jiu Jitsu practitioner since 2011. He has been teaching since 2018 and takes a principles-based approach in his instruction to help students develop skills and knowledge for sport and self-defense. In his own training, he strives for longevity and employs the philosophy of moving with each other rather than against one another, seeing every position as an opportunity for a deepened understanding of the art. Off the mats, Shawn can be found exploring the mountains of the Pacific Northwest showing off his sneaker collection to bears.
Frankie Ruiz
Frankie began his practice of jiu jitsu looking to learn self defense. His approach focuses on the daily grind and mechanical efficiency, but his true passion is making the art simple to understand. He believes everyone is capable of adapting and progressing. Seeing people excel and experience the tremendous benefits of jiu jitsu is the ultimate reward.
Coach Dave
Balance in all directions.
Coach Dave emphasizes a well-rounded approach to jiu jitsu, developing offense and defense together rather than relying too heavily on one side of the game. He has a keen eye for the gaps in a student's game and helps them strengthen weaker areas, building a more balanced and adaptable approach to practice.
Stewart
Stewart Sackett has worked as an early childhood educator since 2005. In both his day job as a teacher and his work as a coach, Stewart is passionate about teaching the most fundamental concepts in an accessible manner through clear direction, humor, and active play-based lessons. Stewart has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo. He also has over a decade’s experience training and coaching historical European martial arts.
A workshop is defined by the people who gather there. Every instructor arrived here by a different path. Some through decades of martial arts. Others through medicine, education, public service, art, or skilled trades.
Those experiences shape the way we practice.
We all remain students.