Aaron Milam has devoted his life to the study of martial arts. A black belt under Rey Diogo and John Danaher. Aaron opened RGA PDX in 2013 and has attracted some of the most talented athletes and instructors in Oregon. Good training is smart training. Our primary concern is to have respect for ourselves and our training partners, that is how we all get better together.
Your training partners will quickly become some of your best friends. Daily training develops a trust and camaraderie that is rare to find elsewhere. We look out for each other, on and off the mat. Why just go to the gym when you can get a much better workout, learn a new skill, and make new friends?
Your training partners will quickly become some of your best friends. Daily training develops a trust and camaraderie that is rare to find elsewhere. We look out for each other, on and off the mat. Why just go to the gym when you can get a much better workout, learn a new skill, and make new friends?
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved significantly since Maeda introduced Japanese style Jiu-Jitsu to the Gracie family in Brazil nearly 100 years ago.
Since then the art and practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has adapted and changed to suit the environment in which it is practiced; From Mixed Martial Arts settings to Collegiate-Style Competition, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means a variety of things to the body of practitioners in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Since then the art and practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has adapted and changed to suit the environment in which it is practiced; From Mixed Martial Arts settings to Collegiate-Style Competition, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means a variety of things to the body of practitioners in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Our Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals classes are a roughly four month long curriculum that provide the foundation for training at our school. You will learn basic philosophies, movements, and techniques of jiu jitsu. Once you have completed the course you should feel well prepared to move into our higher level classes.
Women are welcomed and encouraged to attend our co-ed classes, however, we also recognize that co-ed classes are a barrier of entry for many women. As a day one beginner who is learning the basics of self-defense and how to use your body efficiently, feeling comfortable and safe is necessary for effective learning.
Many parents place their kids in martial arts with the hopes that it will teach them respect and discipline, others out of concern that their child is being bullied - or even that their child is the bully, and still others because they have fond memories of their own martial arts classes as children.
Reviews (21)
Brian Han
Nov 28, 2021
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I visited Portland last weekend and dropped in for a Saturday fundamentals gi class taught by Professor Aaron. The instruction was top notch and I even had the honour to roll with Aaron himself. The gym has an outstanding vibe and everyone was incredibly friendly. Even though it was a fundamentals class, there was no shortage of higher level belts. This is no doubt the #1 place to train in Portland!
Lewis Pedraza
Nov 11, 2021
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I really enjoyed this juijitsu gym. I have had the opportunity to train all over the United States, Europe and Asia and this is probably tied for my favorite juijitsu gym so far. Aaron and his staff and students all taught well. Shout out to Eddy and Mario I enjoyed getting schooled by both of them. I'll definitely be stopping by again if I'm in the area.
Ruben Rodriguez
Oct 10, 2021
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Randy S.
Dec 22, 2019
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If you have a child and would like to help them build confidence or learn to defend themselves from bullying this is not the place. Eddie talks down to new kids, first timers that might be lacking confidence or are coming from a tough situation in life. Possibly being bullied. I saw him get after a first timer for asking a question during a demonstration, I understand it's proper etiquette to wait to ask but he didn't know. If that's a rule maybe take 5 minutes before the class to go over the basics with first timers instead of sitting on your butt at the front desk. Eddie Jamrog
Edwin Prado
Nov 11, 2019
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Benjamin Sutz
Oct 09, 2019
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RGA PDX is a stellar learning environment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling. It is however, an equally stellar environment of people, who both know how to express their craft and make friends in the process. I cannot recommend this school enough for those who want to take their Gi and NoGi game to the next level. The head instructor Aaron is fantastic in his attention to detail, and attention to the individual. Additionally, so is every other coach at this gym, with absolutely no exceptions.
5 stars hands down.
5 stars hands down.
G. Genovas
Sep 25, 2019
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Brad Salmon
Jul 08, 2019
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I've been training at Renzo Gracie Portland for five years and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I should have written this review a long time ago. Coach Aaron is an amazing practitioner and teacher of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with deep connections at the highest level of the game, and also a great guy. Every other instructor I have encountered here has also been great. This is the best place to start training thanks to a welcoming atmosphere, BJJ101 classes, and many large classes at a variety of times throughout the week. If you already have some skills you will find bunches of colored
Ray L.
Apr 11, 2019
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Sean Murray
Nov 29, 2017
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I recently joined the Muay Thai program at Renzo Gracie Portland and have found it to be an excellent experience so far. As a newcomer to contact sports, I have been welcomed comfortably. The flexible schedule and tremendous teacher, Eddie, have helped me learn basic technique and train rigorously. I could not recommend more for experienced fighters and beginners both.
Glen Harnish
Oct 02, 2017
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I was fortunate to train with Aaron at the BJJ Globetrotters camp in Maine this past week. Of all the fantastic instructors there, Aaron's classes were real standouts. I especially benefited from his unorthodox but easily understood and adopted back control techniques. In my opinion, Aaron is a real life Ninja and an awesome guy. Thanks!
Jack K.
Jun 11, 2017
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As an experienced BJJ athlete (training since Oct '08) I have seen countless gyms and instructor, and after moving to Portland, I can honestly say that Renzo Gracie PDX is the finest I have ever experienced.
Prof. Aaron Milam's ability to convey every technique in a simple and understandable manner is matched only by his ability to write a veritable symphony of ground fighting perfection while training with even the highest level BJJ competitors.
Further, Prof. Milam's impressive lineage and experience has lead him to create a bevy of young instructors and competitors who, under
Prof. Aaron Milam's ability to convey every technique in a simple and understandable manner is matched only by his ability to write a veritable symphony of ground fighting perfection while training with even the highest level BJJ competitors.
Further, Prof. Milam's impressive lineage and experience has lead him to create a bevy of young instructors and competitors who, under
Damian Mooney
Jun 08, 2017
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I have had the privilege to train with some world class instructors and Aaron sits right at the top of the list. He legitimately makes me want to move to Portland just to train with him everyday. Aaron has a way of breaking down moves and concepts so that anyone from the complete beginner to a very advanced student can understand and remember what is being taught. I can not recommend him highly enough, you would be foolish not to train with him if the opportunity presents itself. Truly a gentleman and a warrior.
T. W.
Jun 04, 2017
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Had the pleasure to be instructed by Aaron. A lot of his concepts were newer to me (very intricate about grips and tying people up with your body instead of the Gi), but the way they were presented and drilled really helped to understand them. Within my next few rolls I found myself easily applying them and wanting to add them to my game (especially back attack sequences that are a bit more non-traditional than usual chokes). If I'm ever back in PDX, I wouldn't hesitate to take the opportunity to train at this academy.
Sharon F.
Jan 31, 2017
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My name is Dave -- it's been about one year since I posted a review of RGA PDX so I thought I would post a follow up. I've managed to train about 3 days per week most of the time and my technique and stamina have consistently improved. Even though I have lost an additional 5 pounds, I am much stronger than I was a year ago.
Not only do I thank Professor Aaron Milam for coaching me though this past year, I especially want to thank my training partners at RGA PDX. We train hard, keep each other honest, respect each other, and have fun doing so. It doesn't get any better than that
Not only do I thank Professor Aaron Milam for coaching me though this past year, I especially want to thank my training partners at RGA PDX. We train hard, keep each other honest, respect each other, and have fun doing so. It doesn't get any better than that
Sean M.
Sep 04, 2016
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I can't offer a better explanation of the sport as a whole than those who have written about it before me but I can offer my experience.
It's weird to think how times flies but I couldn't imagine what I'd be doing on a daily basis or what I'd be doing to stay in shape had I not been asked to try out Jiu Jitsu (Thanks as always Tim). I had no mat experience in my life, like a lot of new 101 students. However that's an excellent part about how Coach Aaron structures his course material and pace of class, it works for anyone who joins, no matter where their experience
It's weird to think how times flies but I couldn't imagine what I'd be doing on a daily basis or what I'd be doing to stay in shape had I not been asked to try out Jiu Jitsu (Thanks as always Tim). I had no mat experience in my life, like a lot of new 101 students. However that's an excellent part about how Coach Aaron structures his course material and pace of class, it works for anyone who joins, no matter where their experience
Doug F.
Nov 24, 2015
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This review is specifically regarding their kids program:
We have been attending RGA for around 8 months and we absolutely LOVE it!!! Coach Justin and owner Aaron have worked very hard to build a warm and welcoming environment. We felt very welcome from day one and there is no hidden costs/price BS that we found with many of the others local gyms in town.
The kids program is divided into two age groups (5-7 and 8- up). The younger class is the perfect mix of fun games, good fundamental Jiu Jitsu instruction, and wrestling. The older kids get more instruction and wrestling time. Through Coach
We have been attending RGA for around 8 months and we absolutely LOVE it!!! Coach Justin and owner Aaron have worked very hard to build a warm and welcoming environment. We felt very welcome from day one and there is no hidden costs/price BS that we found with many of the others local gyms in town.
The kids program is divided into two age groups (5-7 and 8- up). The younger class is the perfect mix of fun games, good fundamental Jiu Jitsu instruction, and wrestling. The older kids get more instruction and wrestling time. Through Coach
Logan E.
Oct 21, 2014
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I think it's pretty simple: If you live in the Portland area and you don't at least check out RGA PDX for one of Aaron Milam's classes, you're doing yourself a huge disservice.
Aaron's comprehension of technique and ability to teach, both concepts and actual moves, is virtually second to none in Portland. He's opened up my game (4.5 years into my Jiu Jitsu life) and undoubtedly made me a better grappler in the short time I've spent with him.
RGA PDX isn't my home-base, but it's my home-away-from-home and I feel incredibly luck to have the opportunity
Aaron's comprehension of technique and ability to teach, both concepts and actual moves, is virtually second to none in Portland. He's opened up my game (4.5 years into my Jiu Jitsu life) and undoubtedly made me a better grappler in the short time I've spent with him.
RGA PDX isn't my home-base, but it's my home-away-from-home and I feel incredibly luck to have the opportunity
Christopher R.
Jun 14, 2014
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Corey W.
Jan 09, 2014
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Mind blowing! Every time I walk through the doors I am blown away. Great group of people both men and women. Come in with the reassurance that you will be welcomed and made to feel at home. Never been on mat a day in your life? No problem. Are you a knotted eared veteran looking to tie somebody up in a knot? Come on in :)
Timothy D.
Jan 08, 2014
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Full disclosure: As of this January (2014) I've been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Aaron Milam steadily for five years. That said, here are some fun facts about Aaron:
1. Aaron Milam's reputation as a competitor in New York City (and at Renzo Gracie NYC specifically) is unparalleled at his weight. I am not over-stating my opinion when I say that he has the finest technique that I have ever personally observed.
2. Aaron's academic pedigree makes him a uniquely gifted teacher as well. I have met very few people who are so capable of formalizing and teaching a sport/art as
1. Aaron Milam's reputation as a competitor in New York City (and at Renzo Gracie NYC specifically) is unparalleled at his weight. I am not over-stating my opinion when I say that he has the finest technique that I have ever personally observed.
2. Aaron's academic pedigree makes him a uniquely gifted teacher as well. I have met very few people who are so capable of formalizing and teaching a sport/art as
