Black Belt Memorandum
The IBJJF belt system is not the Helio Gracie system. It was made up by the IBJJF administration.

Relson Gracie and RSA abide by the same system Helio established with his family. No one can argue that the development of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu derived from inspiration—the belt system when closely studied appears to be just as inspired. The Helio system [whether Purple Belt or Black Belt] as opposed to other systems maintain the value of what each rank represents as well as help students to stretch toward meaningful goals without watering down the significance of each level.

​Black Belts desiring to continue on the path toward master and receive degrees need to teach at their home academy. In an association meeting with Hawaii and Mainland chapters in attendance, Relson strongly emphasized what it takes to get promoted—the way Helio Gracie did for him.

As we move into "safer" waters - we invite our members and new members alike to start thinking about training at RSA soon.

It’s been almost a year since we closed our doors and things have been extremely rough for everyone. We hope that you are all safe and recovering in all areas of your life.

Fortunately for RSA, with the help of many generous and loyal friends, a kind and patient landlord and a lot of creative problem solving, we are still here.

We hope that you can remember the benefits you received while training: community, exercise, developmental goals and well, you know the rest.

If you want to restart your journey toward Black Belt, please send us a shout out by filling out the form below.

Is it that time?

As of September 9, 2020 RSA has removed all social media accounts.
​
The misuse of this technology by advertisers, data miners, corporate owners and end users with a lack of regulation or change surrounding the destructive social and psychological impact on people gave strong impetus for this decision and position.

​This decision wasn’t made overnight but after a long period of deliberation and lingering cognitive dissonance and seemed like the natural and right thing for our organization - as we are more than just a small business with marketing needs.

​In no way do we discredit or judge anyone using this platform (who are we to soap box billions of users). However, we stand by our conviction until alternative means of digital connection free from pernicious activity is created or discovered, if ever.

Please check the news page regularly once we start up classes again when the turmoil and conditions surrounding the pandemic takes a turn for the better.

For more information on our social media perspective, please check out the following sources:

Documentary on Netflix:
https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224
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Audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B07CX4NPL4&source_code=ASSORAP0511160006

Keep checking back for information on school. Businesses are being shut down and losing their pants. We still have Gi pants.

The following schedule changes are in effect as of 3/18/2020

In accordance to the recommendation of social distancing, RSA classes will be on hold until things recover. Stay well everyone. Contact us if you need anything at all.

Aloha,
​RSA

Team, we've gotten inquiries from student/parents about what RSA will be doing to minimize the threat of the Coronavirus. Here are a few measures we are taking.

All instructors please let your class know to stay off the mats if they feel even some what under the weather.

Instruct everyone who uses the restroom to wear slippers provided and wash hands thoroughly before returning to train.

Ben George will be picking up a sprayer and Mano will be providing disinfectant solutions. On top of mopping the mats please ensure that the clean up crew sprays down the wall mats, water fountain, the stairway railing, table near the lockers, and the railings people lean on (where the windows use to be) 1:10 bleach ratio will be used when refilling the sprayer.

Remind students/parents to take home water bottles. Minimizing the use of the water fountain also might be a good idea.

Lastly, there are some students that are on a financial agreement with the academy. They are required to stay and help clean.

Any other input would be appreciated.

Students please remember that Jiu-Jitsu is a close contact sport and if you have any reservations about training, please remain off the mats.

Justin

Yannis and Jay get their second and first Balck Belt degrees from Cyborg. Congratulations...Super cool. Miss you guys, come visit us in Honolulu soon.

RSA would like to thank Rhalan Gracie for showing some great techniques from the guard tonight. The seminar was a great success and vibes positive prevailed.

We will be closed on Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving as well as on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Years Day.

Please be safe everyone. 2020 is coming soon :)

Relson Gracie on Helio Gracie Belt System [Spoken in Portuguese]

Aiden Pena, Sensei Virgil’s son, randomly went up to one of the instructors and shared his idea on fighting [fighting challenges] and getting strong. Great advice Aiden.

Sean Springer, an instructor at RSA, recently sent the following articles on Jiu-Jitsu styles and effectiveness. I believe they are important reads for the serious, experienced and novice practitioner.

​Links Below:

Article 1
​https://40pluscustomer.40plusbjj.com/fundamentals-and-presuppositions

​
Article 2
​https://rollingaroundbjj.com/fights-end-up-on-ground/?fbclid=IwAR3in0HHxsA9MVYhcTmA7Z8IhkRpFumEPXeGV6VpUvUPbxS-8gAv_fsaqfM

Day:
Friday, April 5th
Time:
5:30-7:00
Per Person:
$40

Normal Friday classes canceled that night.

“I wrote this song [Star Bright] while traveling abroad. Some of these places I’ve been while others I have yet to explore. Regardless, what a wondrous and magnificent planet we inhabit and most of all, it’s the beautiful and kind souls we meet along the way that really make it feel like home.” - Duff Kelly

Competitors and parents please go to www.hawaiitriplecrown.com to enter.

Please mark down the following information on your calendars:

​Birthday Party Details
Location: Champs Sports Bar on Waialae
Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 8:00 PM

Come down and celebrate Justin, Phil, Kalani and Eric’s 29th birthday.

Please drink responsibly and cab or get a designated driver. Thank you.

Congratulations to our new
Brown Belts:
Bob H., Sean S., Craig O., Bryson M. and Daniel C.
Purple Belts:
Stacey F. and Lee H
Blue Belts:
Kristi M.
​Rico
Awesome job guys.

RSA is taking an all-inclusive team photo this a Saturday at 9:00 AM. Please come and be a part of this very special moment in RSA history.

The academy will be completely closed on the following days:

• Christmas Eve
• Chistmas Day
• New Years Eve &
• ​New Years Day​

Please have a safe and fun holiday.

RSA’s new Tuesday night Strength and Conditioning and Gi class headed by Justin Nihei was a success with over 30 students participating. Thank you to all the instructors and students who came out.