Island Jiu-Jitsu

Island Jiu-Jitsu at 760 Halekauwila St in Honolulu offers a welcoming place for students to train traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu alongside progressive, modern techniques. The academy’s approach is built around self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Gi, and No-Gi training, with a broader martial arts school environment that also includes women’s self-defense. Its stated philosophy is notably open and inclusive: it is a no-politics dojo that accepts people regardless of age, gender, affiliation, experience, or flag. That spirit gives the academy a distinctive place in the local BJJ community, especially for newcomers looking for a serious but approachable training room.

The instruction lineup reflects both lineage and competitive depth, with instructors including Helio Gracie, Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez, Gui Mendes, and Jonatha Alves. That mix signals a connection to classic Jiu-Jitsu roots as well as contemporary technical development, which can be especially appealing for students who want a well-rounded path through the art. The academy also welcomes children, with students as young as 4 years old training there, making it a practical option for families who want a place where kids and adults can grow on the mats.

One of Island Jiu-Jitsu’s most distinctive offerings is its weekly Women’s Only Drilling class every Friday, along with a monthly women’s self-defense class held every last Friday. That self-defense program is designed to teach how to protect yourself from both standing and lying-down positions, giving participants useful skills that extend beyond sport-focused training. For practitioners interested in broadening their game, the combination of Gi and No-Gi classes alongside self-defense work provides a versatile training experience that supports both practical awareness and technical progression.

For visitors and regular students alike, the academy’s amenities add convenience to the training routine. Island Jiu-Jitsu accepts credit cards, offers garage parking, bike parking, and wheelchair accessibility, and is good for kids. Dogs are allowed as well, and military members can take advantage of a military discount. Taken together, these details make the gym easy to access and friendly to a wide range of students. For anyone in Honolulu seeking a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy that balances tradition, inclusion, and real-world self-defense, Island Jiu-Jitsu presents a compelling local option backed by a clear teaching philosophy and a broad program lineup.