Kid's Program

Real Self-Defense. Psychological and Athletic Development.

Background: RSA Teaching Philosophy
RSA cares for our youngest members by helping them develop and thrive socially, mentally, and emotionally. We train students to pursue mastery through deliberate practice and dedication for internal rewards rather than using external validation through easy badges or belt colors. We adhere to the notion that the ever increasing number of belt ranks in the Jiu-Jitsu community reinforces an instant gratification mindset that is prevalent in today’s “now” and “more is more” culture.

Hard Work, Patience and
​Discipline
At RSA we teach children Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in its purest form and practice with a focus on developing character and perseverance. Our mission is to instill within students the confidence and fortitude that arises from within themselves through hard work, patience and discipline. Because we use these standards and format, admittedly, some students quit before ever really understanding the art and the unforeseen abilities they could one day possess.

The Dip and the Reward: Parents
Members of our kid’s program have the opportunity to grow in confidence, self-mastery and a solid understanding of basic technique and principles necessary for Jiu-Jitsu mastery. However, along with our teaching staff, parents are a vital part of the equation: nudging their child through the discouraging times or as author Seth Godin calls it, “the dip,” that window of hardship which precedes advancement or a change of course to another activity.

We’ve seen kids who had very little natural talent, low interest and ability struggle for a long period of time. Yet, after years of dedication and the support of engaged parents, these same individuals have developed into some of the toughest members of our school exhibiting a new sense of self-confidence and excitement at practice which is carried over into their lives outside of class and often result in more positive social interactions at school and at home.

​Again, there are no short cuts but with the right mindset - in coaches, students and parents - effort is compounded and success inevitably achieved. In short, if you’re looking for a program with a quick rewards system, RSA will not be a good fit.

​Instruction
Classes are taught by Fifth Black Belt Ronn Shiraki along with a team of handpicked Assistant Instructors. Widely known as one of Relson Gracie’s top students, Ronn Shiraki has obtained his knowledge directly from the master and passes his training experience to all his students. RSA strives to maintain an intimate class environment while exposing students to all levels of experience and skill.

Classes are limited in size as we believe a lower instructor to child ratio is one of the most important parts of a martial-arts program for kids.

At RSA we are committed to providing training to all dedicated members regardless of financial background. Help is available for members who are experiencing financial hardship. We do not use contracts or long-term agreements to lock members into paying tuition. Please contact us for a free introductory class.

For the past few years, I’ve been hearing the same regretful sentiments expressed by my friends, all set to send their graduating senior away to a mainland college - “Boy, I wish my child knew self-defense so I wouldn’t worry so much.” I didn’t want that to be me. I had taken Jiujitsu from Ronn many years before. I had done my research and followed MMA enough that I knew that Jiu-Jitsu’s efficacy in real life combat situations was undeniable. I knew that Ronn had the top kids program on the island. And not wanting to be one of those regretful parents, I enrolled my daughter at RSA. Best decision of my life.
I would encourage any parent to just come down and watch. Ronn is such a dynamic instructor and to see how he relates to the kids is simply amazing. Ronn is by nature a fun guy, but he runs a tight ship and keeps all the kids in line. He is strict and firm but always fair. To witness how proficient and technically sound the kids are, you know right away that this is not daycare or little kiddy games; this is Jiu-Jitsu, the real thing. The kids are actually learning and internalizing martial arts skills.
To be honest, my daughter wasn’t as thrilled as I hoped she would be after the first few weeks of class. Initially it was a challenge to keep her motivated and interested, but now it is pure joy to see how she looks forward to her Jiu-Jitsu days. To see her excited to see the other kids at class, to see her fist bump the other kids in class, to hear her encouraging her teammates, and to hear how proud she is to be part of a team - absolutely priceless.
I should also say that it is a refreshing approach that Ronn has as an instructor. He does not subscribe to the AYSO soccer concept of pay your fees, show up, and get a trophy. Ronn motivates the kids to perform and pushes the kids to realize their potential. Belts are actually earned. Just showing up is not enough. The kids learn character and discipline and perseverance.
So when my daughter goes off to college in a few years, I can at least feel a little more secure knowing that she will go off on her own knowing real self-defense.”

​- Matt Chung
​RSA Kids Program Parent

The Ronn Shiraki Academy (RSA) is an excellent Jiu-Jitsu studio for students of all ages and skill levels. My son Kamahele is a multi-sport athlete who has been training with RSA since he was eight-years old. We love the hands-on mentorship of our son. Ronn and his teaching staff are fantastically attentive and caring of all the keiki at the RSA Academy. The instructors foster an atmosphere of respect, kindness and good old fashion hard work. The focus on sound mechanics and repetition translates well to the other disciplines my son participates in, like music, art, bodysurfing, skateboarding, tennis and racquetball."

- Pete Britos, Ph.D.
Hawaii Pacific University Professor, Filmmaker, Artist,
Creative Director Black Sand Hawaii

​Ronn Shiraki made us and our children feel welcomed to his class. Ronn’s attention to detail and willingness to train complex positions to the finest details made it easy to understand. It motivated my wife and I to also join. I have seen my children grow from it being routine to being a part of their lives.

In Jiu-Jitsu you maximize results with the least amount of energy. You learn the value of positions. You begin to maneuver yourself to best conquer your problems. You learn that even in the worst of positions you still have to relax and breathe. You learn the value of camaraderie, that in life it’s better to make friends than enemies that helping others helps you in return. Amazingly, Jiu-Jitsu teaches you humility. Your ego lets go and you begin to take risks. Failure becomes a part of everyday life, and you begin to use it to grow.

I can’t thank Ronn enough for inspiring my children to be great practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu. If you are looking for a place to learn the art and role on the mats come to Relson Gracie RSA the best Dojo in Oahu, HI."

- Michael & Gloria Yaport
US Army, Hawaii