BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii: Your Complete Training Guide

BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii: Your Complete Training Guide

Looking for BJJ gyms in Honolulu Hawaii? The island offers over 17 verified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. This makes Honolulu one of the best places in America to train BJJ. You’ll find world-class instruction and a welcoming community.​

Honolulu has deep roots in martial arts. Members of the legendary Gracie family established schools here decades ago. Today, the city boasts exceptional black belt instructors. The training quality rivals anywhere in the world.

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Why Train at BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii

Honolulu’s BJJ scene is special. The island has more Gracie-lineage black belts per capita than most mainland cities. You’ll learn authentic techniques passed down directly from the source. This isn’t watered-down Jiu-Jitsu.​

Year-round warm weather means consistent training. You won’t miss classes due to snow or extreme cold. The tropical climate keeps you motivated. Plus, you can train outdoors when you want a change of scenery.

Hawaii’s martial arts culture emphasizes respect and tradition. Gyms focus on self-defense and personal growth. Not just sport competition. The community is incredibly welcoming. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a week or a new resident, you’ll feel at home on the mats.

Top BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii

Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team HK

Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team HK stands out among BJJ gyms in Honolulu Hawaii. Located at 1712 S King St, this academy has deep Gracie family connections. Lead instructor Todd Tanaka holds a 6th-degree black belt.

The school employs more Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt instructors than any other Hawaiian academy. This means expert guidance in every class. You’re learning from the best.​

Programs include beginner classes for ages 4 and up. They offer advanced competition training. Kids programs focus on anti-bullying. Women’s self-defense classes address real-world scenarios. They even have anti-kidnapping workshops for children.

Students praise the detailed instruction. “Todd, the main instructor, is very detailed and has created a great atmosphere to learn in,” one reviewer noted. The academy prioritizes self-defense over sport. This reflects traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu philosophy. You’ll learn techniques that work in real situations.​

Gracie Technics Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Gracie Technics ranks as one of Honolulu’s highest-rated BJJ gyms. The school holds a perfect 5.0 rating from 188 reviews. That’s impressive consistency.​

Located at 1222 Kaumualii St, this academy is led by Rylan Lizares. Lizares earned his black belt under Pedro Sauer. Sauer is one of the most respected instructors in BJJ worldwide.

The academy offers adult fundamentals and advanced classes. They have women-specific programs. Comprehensive kids training is available. Competition preparation helps athletes succeed. Fitness-focused BJJ works for non-competitors.​

What sets Gracie Technics apart is personalized attention. Instructors tailor programs to individual goals. Whether you want self-defense skills or competition medals, they’ll guide you. The intro program helps beginners understand what BJJ truly means. You’ll learn basic positions and movements in a safe environment.​

If you’re just starting your BJJ journey, this academy makes the transition smooth. The welcoming atmosphere helps nervous beginners relax.

Island Jiu-Jitsu

Island Jiu-Jitsu operates from 760 Halekauwila St in Kakaako. Founder Jason Vigil started teaching in his backyard in 2010. The academy officially opened in 2012. Vigil received his black belt in 2013 from Jason Izaguirre.​

Island Jiu-Jitsu proudly identifies as a “No-Politics dojo”. All students are welcome regardless of previous affiliation. No gym politics or drama exists here. The focus stays on learning and improvement. It’s an ego-free training environment.​

Black belt coaches teach every class. Even beginners learn from experienced instructors. This accelerates your progress significantly.​

The Friday women’s-only drilling class creates a safe space for female practitioners. Women can focus on technique without feeling intimidated. It builds confidence quickly.

For those wondering whether BJJ is hard to learn, this gym makes it accessible. The supportive environment helps students progress faster.

MANO Jiu Jitsu

MANO Jiu Jitsu sits in beautiful Manoa Valley at 2752 Woodlawn Dr. The location in Manoa Marketplace makes parking easy. You won’t circle the block looking for a spot.

Lead instructor Jun Hyodo built this academy around community. The school has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 31 reviews. People love training here.​

MANO’s mission is simple: spread the love of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This philosophy creates a welcoming atmosphere for beginners. Nobody gets left behind.​

The academy focuses on traditional BJJ fundamentals. Safe training protocols protect students from injury. Character development through martial arts builds better people. You’ll make lasting friendships on the mats.

Students describe the vibe as “family-oriented” rather than competitive. You’ll improve your skills while making genuine connections.

Relson Gracie Ronn Shiraki Academy

The Ronn Shiraki Academy at 737 Kapahulu Ave offers old-school BJJ training. This is a smaller, more intimate academy. You get direct attention from high-level instructors.

The gym emphasizes “art and soul” martial arts. Training methods come straight from Brazil. No watered-down techniques. This academy rejects martial arts commercialization.​

You won’t find flashy marketing or aggressive sales tactics. Just pure Jiu-Jitsu. The focus is on mastery, not money.

Students call Ronn Shiraki “the complete package” and “the best teacher of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu”. His techniques match top black belts worldwide. The academy primarily offers men’s team classes and youth programs. The focus is on technical excellence and traditional values.

For practitioners interested in the Gracie family lineage, this academy maintains direct connections to the source.

More Excellent BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii

Gracie Barra University

Gracie Barra at 1750 S King St follows a structured curriculum. The program divides into three levels for clear progression.

GB1 (Fundamentals) teaches basic positions, escapes, and submissions. It’s perfect for white belts learning foundation. GB2 (Advanced) covers complex techniques and combinations. It requires minimum belt stripes to enter. GB3 (Expert) focuses on competition strategies and advanced concepts. This is for experienced practitioners only.

This structured approach ensures steady progress. You’ll master fundamentals before advancing to complex techniques. Nothing gets skipped.

Gracie Barra is one of the world’s largest BJJ organizations. Your membership works at Gracie Barra schools globally. According to IBJJF records, Gracie Barra consistently produces championship-level competitors.

Caveirinha Jiu-Jitsu Family

Caveirinha Jiu-Jitsu Family welcomes everyone to their 1050 Ala Moana Blvd location. The name reflects their philosophy: training is a family affair.They accept all age groups from kids to seniors. All body types are welcome. Experience levels range from complete beginners to black belts.The organized and safe environment helps nervous beginners feel comfortable. Instructors scale techniques to individual ability levels. You’ll never feel overwhelmed.

HMC Jiu Jitsu Honolulu

HMC Jiu Jitsu at 555 N King St specializes in both gi and no-gi training. This variety prepares students for any situation.​Gi training teaches traditional grips and techniques. No-gi focuses on wrestling-style controls. Learning both makes you well-rounded.If you’re deciding between gi vs no-gi training, this gym lets you try both before choosing.

Kahala Jiu Jitsu

Kahala Jiu Jitsu serves East Honolulu from 1215 Center St. This neighborhood location is convenient for Kahala residents. No long drives across town.​

The academy offers comprehensive BJJ programming. From beginner fundamentals to advanced competition prep. Everything you need is under one roof.

What Programs Do Honolulu BJJ Gyms Offer?

Most BJJ gyms in Honolulu Hawaii provide diverse programming. You’ll find options for every goal and age.

Beginner programs teach fundamental positions safely. You’ll learn basic escapes, guard positions, and simple submissions. Most academies offer free trial classes. No commitment required upfront.​

Kids programs accept children as young as 4. Classes focus on discipline, respect, and anti-bullying skills. Physical techniques come second to character development. Understanding the kids BJJ belt system helps parents track their child’s progress.

Women’s classes offer specialized self-defense and women-only sessions. These address real-world scenarios women face. Friday drilling classes let women train without male partners. This builds confidence in a supportive environment.

Advanced training includes competition preparation and expert-level instruction. Rolling sessions get intense. Techniques become more complex. You’ll push your limits.​No-gi classes feature wrestling-style grappling without the traditional uniform. The focus is on body control and speed. It complements your gi training perfectly.

What to Expect at BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii

• Your first class will feel overwhelming. That’s completely normal. Every black belt started exactly where you are. They remember the confusion and nervousness.
• Most Honolulu BJJ gyms feature large mat spaces. Expect clean facilities with shower access. Some have weight training areas too. The equipment is well-maintained.​
• Honolulu’s BJJ community emphasizes respect. Ego gets checked at the door. Higher belts help lower belts improve. Nobody makes fun of beginners.
• Many instructors hold black belts under prestigious lineages. You’re learning from world-class practitioners. Not weekend warriors teaching on the side.
• Nearly all academies offer free trial sessions. Take advantage of this. Visit multiple gyms before committing. Each has a different vibe.​
• Most gyms offer morning, lunch, and evening classes. You can train around your work schedule. No excuses for missing training.

How Much Do BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii Cost?

• Expect to pay $120-180 monthly for unlimited training. This is slightly higher than mainland prices. Hawaii’s cost of living affects everything.​
• Some gyms charge less for limited class packages. Drop-in rates typically run $20-30 per class. Good for travelers or occasional visitors.
• Most academies require a monthly membership fee. One-time enrollment fee runs $50-100. You’ll need to purchase a BJJ gi for $80-150 initially.
• Before buying expensive gear, read our guide on choosing your first BJJ gi. Don’t overspend on day one. A basic gi works fine for beginners.
• The investment pays off quickly. According to the American Council on Exercise, martial arts training provides better fitness results than traditional gym workouts. You’ll see changes fast.

Tips for Choosing BJJ Gyms in Honolulu Hawaii

Don’t commit to the first gym you see. Visit 3-4 options. Every academy has a different vibe. What works for your friend might not work for you.Watch a class before signing up. Observe how instructors teach. Do they give individual attention? Are students helping each other? These details matter.

Check instructor credentials. Research the head instructor’s lineage. A black belt from a respected teacher matters. Quality instruction makes all the difference.Pick a gym near home or work. Long commutes kill consistency. You’ll skip classes if driving takes 45 minutes. Location is crucial for long-term success.

Ask about contracts. Some gyms require long-term commitments. Others offer month-to-month options. Know what you’re signing. Read the fine print.Talk to students after class. Are they friendly? Do they seem genuinely happy training there? The community matters as much as instruction.

Check mat condition and bathroom facilities. Dirty gyms spread ringworm and staph infections. Cleanliness protects your health.

Starting Your BJJ Journey in Honolulu

BJJ gyms in Honolulu Hawaii offer world-class instruction in paradise. The combination of expert teachers and welcoming communities creates ideal conditions. Year-round perfect weather is a bonus.

Whether you want self-defense skills, fitness improvements, or competitive success, Honolulu has the right academy. The hardest part is choosing which one to visit first.Start by visiting Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team HK, Gracie Technics, and Island Jiu-Jitsu. Take their trial classes. See which environment feels right. Trust your gut.

Remember: the best age to start BJJ is right now. Whether you’re 5 or 55, there’s a place for you on the mats. Don’t let age hold you back.

Don’t overthink it. Just show up. Your first class is the hardest. After that, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to start. Everyone feels this way.The Honolulu BJJ community is waiting to welcome you. Oss!