RONN SHIRAKI
Relson Gracie
Fourth Degree Black Belt
Relson Gracie
Fourth Degree Black Belt
Fourth Degree Black Belt
Ronn Shiraki started Jiu-Jitsu under Scott Devine who taught lessons for those waiting to enter Relson's group classes at the University of Hawaii. Shortly after in the Summer of 1996, Ronn began his training directly under Relson Gracie.
Relson's Hawaii academy had the good fortune of having him personally teach classes on a daily basis. His local students also had the opportunity to train with practitioners of different styles and skill levels from around the world: many of which traveled to Hawaii to train specifically with Relson. In the years that followed, Ronn’s formal study of Jiu-Jitsu and desire to train with everyone who walked through the academy door led him to be one of the "gatekeepers" at the school. He also competed and won against all belt levels both locally and on the mainland.
Ronn’s training history and “true to the source” approach to instruction informs his practice and pedagogy. A skilled and empathetic teacher, his past students include members of the Honolulu Police Department, the DEA, the FBI, and every branch of the military.
Ronn also spent a significant amount of time learning directly under Helio Gracie / Rickson Gracie Black Belt Pedro Sauer in Utah [1998 to 2000]. At the time, Pedro had just started to expand his association but was already known as being one of the most technical teachers coming out of Gracie Humaita in Brazil. After training and teaching for Pedro Sauer for two years, Ronn was awarded his Purple Belt. To ensure his respect for Relson was untarnished, when back on Oahu, Ronn asked Relson if he should wear the new rank. Relson reached out his hand and replied, “Same Jiu-Jitsu, congratulations my friend.” Relson’s recognition further validated Ronn's time under Pedro Sauer.
Coupled with nearly two decades under the tutelage of Relson, Ronn's Jiu-Jitsu and teaching is a reflection of Relson’s aggressive, tight approach combined with Pedro’s fluid, movement-based style.
Ronn earned a Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. His master’s thesis, “Elite Athletes Experiencing Flow: From Construct Development to Outcomes and Challenges,” examined peak performance in professional athletes. His degree enabled him to seamlessly integrate his intellectual passion for training with his love and respect for how Jiu-Jitsu is taught and practiced.
For Ronn, his life and Jiu-Jitsu was never about the money. It is about molding willing students into able artists and maintaining lasting friendships with honorable people. It is keeping the art in perspective in this complex world and gaining knowledge and wisdom on a daily basis through study, subjugating the ego and constantly scrutinizing personal beliefs.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lineage: Helio Gracie > Relson Gracie > Ronn Shiraki.
Watch Pedro Sauer share his thoughts about Relson Gracie
Relson's Hawaii academy had the good fortune of having him personally teach classes on a daily basis. His local students also had the opportunity to train with practitioners of different styles and skill levels from around the world: many of which traveled to Hawaii to train specifically with Relson. In the years that followed, Ronn’s formal study of Jiu-Jitsu and desire to train with everyone who walked through the academy door led him to be one of the "gatekeepers" at the school. He also competed and won against all belt levels both locally and on the mainland.
Ronn’s training history and “true to the source” approach to instruction informs his practice and pedagogy. A skilled and empathetic teacher, his past students include members of the Honolulu Police Department, the DEA, the FBI, and every branch of the military.
Ronn also spent a significant amount of time learning directly under Helio Gracie / Rickson Gracie Black Belt Pedro Sauer in Utah [1998 to 2000]. At the time, Pedro had just started to expand his association but was already known as being one of the most technical teachers coming out of Gracie Humaita in Brazil. After training and teaching for Pedro Sauer for two years, Ronn was awarded his Purple Belt. To ensure his respect for Relson was untarnished, when back on Oahu, Ronn asked Relson if he should wear the new rank. Relson reached out his hand and replied, “Same Jiu-Jitsu, congratulations my friend.” Relson’s recognition further validated Ronn's time under Pedro Sauer.
Coupled with nearly two decades under the tutelage of Relson, Ronn's Jiu-Jitsu and teaching is a reflection of Relson’s aggressive, tight approach combined with Pedro’s fluid, movement-based style.
Ronn earned a Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. His master’s thesis, “Elite Athletes Experiencing Flow: From Construct Development to Outcomes and Challenges,” examined peak performance in professional athletes. His degree enabled him to seamlessly integrate his intellectual passion for training with his love and respect for how Jiu-Jitsu is taught and practiced.
For Ronn, his life and Jiu-Jitsu was never about the money. It is about molding willing students into able artists and maintaining lasting friendships with honorable people. It is keeping the art in perspective in this complex world and gaining knowledge and wisdom on a daily basis through study, subjugating the ego and constantly scrutinizing personal beliefs.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lineage: Helio Gracie > Relson Gracie > Ronn Shiraki.
Watch Pedro Sauer share his thoughts about Relson Gracie
