Aaron Milam is a fourth-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under John Danaher and head instructor at Renzo Gracie Academy Portland, which he also owns, and co-founder of the Workshop Jiu Jitsu association. He began training in 2000 under Carlson Gracie-lineage instructor Rey Diogo before relocating to New York. Over 25 years he has competed in BJJ, judo, and submission grappling, and now teaches a systematic, concept-driven curriculum and leads seminars internationally, including BJJ Globetrotters camps.