Hawaii Jiu Jitsu Schools
Jiu Jitsu Classes in Honolulu
RSA Testimonials
The following testimonials are posted as they were sent. We welcome all contributions. Please send them to relsonrsahawaii@gmail.com. Thank you.
The first thing I got to say is Ronn Shiraki is a great guy, a great person - he’s a great teacher. When I lived in Hawaii back in 2001 he is one of the few guys who treated me really good on the island. He shared everything with me and trained with me everyday - awesome Jiu-Jitsu, awesome teacher. I'm so proud and honored to have been in his gym and share a moment with Phil, Kamal and all you guys…You guys should be honored and proud to have this instructor. He is a great person, Ronn Shiraki is a great beautiful athlete, very good technique - he’s a big guy but he moves like a lightweight. So guys, there so much, I mix words because I feel a little of emotion cause he a very good friend and it’s hard to talk about your friends when you really like them. So I just want to say thanks and anytime you guys are in Florida or here, I'll always open my heart for you. Like I said, Ronn thank you for the opportunity. Keep in touch, keep it simple like you are, keep it like the warrior as you are, and lets train hard - lets jump on the mats everyday - the best lifestyle in the World."
Daniel Moraes
Black Belt 5-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion
When I was in the Marine Corps and received my orders to Hawaii, I was a blue belt in BJJ. I researched the different schools in Hawaii and had planned to try several academies before I picked where I was going to train. The first school I tried was Ronn's academy and I knew immediately that I had to train with him. People who have trained before will instantly appreciate the highly technical and proficient execution of Ronn's BJJ. Those who are new to the art will appreciate his gift for teaching and may only later understand how rare it is to find an instructor of Ronn's caliber. My jiu jitsu improved dramatically in my nearly four years under Ronn's tutelage, but far more important to me than improved technical proficiency are the intangible lessons that I learned from Ronn. He is a pure expression of the art and I consider him a role model for both my jiu jitsu and my pursuit of bushido. His personal example of martial values served me well in combat in a way that is difficult to articulate but which I will always carry with me. Thank you Shiraki Sensei..."
Kelly Grissom
Retired Marine, BJJ Black Belt, Judo Nidan, Owner & Head Instructor of Leo Dalla BJJ, Stafford, VA
Ronn and I were blue belts together, purple belts together and brown belts together. We were promoted to black belt on the same day together. I've seen him go through competitions with me - both of us fighting the same days and working hard. I've seen him go through the ranks. I've seen him from when we were intermediate and now we're the advanced black belts and I'll tell you one thing about Ronn, he never hides behind any rank or titles - he doesn't hide behind technique. He's the kind of person who's gonna share any information with you guys. Work hard for you guys. Bring in the best possible training for you guys. I know he led by example, stepping up, smashing people, winning in competitions, demonstrating phenomenal technique and it's an honor for me to have taught on his mats. It's an honor to train his students. He's a one of kind person."
Phil Cardella
Relson Gracie Second Degree Black Belt WEC Fighter
Ronn has been with my father ever since I can remember. He is a great example of Jiu Jitsu. A very disciplined and dedicated man. He helped me a lot in my growth with Jiu Jitsu and is one of my father's best representatives not just on the mat; but off the mat as well."
Rhalan Gracie
National and International Champion, Mundial Finalist, MMA Fighter, Black Belt and Relson Gracie's son
Ronn Shiraki is a master teacher and one of the most knowledgable instructors in the art of BJJ I have had the honor to learn from. His expertise and mindset is a true testament to the Relson Gracie System. Ronn thank you so much for your patience and enthusiasm that your have shown me. Thank you so very much for everything. Sincerely, Ron Van Clief."
Ron Van Clief
Legendary American Martial Artist "The Black Dragon" UFC fighter and Hollywood Actor
Ronn Shiraki was tough in my Academy in Orem, Utah for a couple years. His skills as teacher and practitioner is the best as they came, his competition level is the best too. Anyone is lucky to have Ronn Shiraki as teacher and friend. I recommend Ronn for anyone. He is the nicest person you'll ever meet in your life."
Pedro Sauer
Gracie Humaita Red-Black Belt
Ronn and I trained countless hours together on the Gracie competition team in Utah. He's not only a tough competitor, but a talented and generous instructor. His Jiu-Jitsu technique and experience can benefit grapplers of any level."
Bart Smith
Rigan Machado Black Belt
Ronn Shiraki was my first BJJ instructor. 8 years later, I can still say that he is one of the best and most knowledgeable Jiu-Jitsu instructors I have yet to meet. Ronn is in many ways the “silent warrior” with his approach to Jiu-Jitsu. He has exceptional skills, but no ego to go with it. He doesn’t use a ‘sport Jiu-Jitsu’ approach to teaching, but teaches the art as it was meant to be taught; for hand to hand combat, but also ensures that all of his students demonstrate humility and self-restraint. He teaches his students how to finish their opponent, and this pays off in competition as verified by the success of his students in competitive Jiu-Jitsu fights. No matter where you train, or what your skill level, I recommend that everyone passing through the islands take the opportunity to train with Ronn."
Yannis P. Papastamatiou, PhD
Marine Biologist, University of Florida
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Student / Public Testimonials
"As a parent, trainer, and coach, I can honestly say that Ronn Shiraki is Hawaiis premiere Jiu-Jitsu instructor and the first person I brought my children to when it was time to take their ground game to the next level. His teaching style, techniques, drills, and innovative insight helped my boys achieve great success in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and even wrestling."
Lindy Terao
Parent of RSA Student National and International Champions - David Terao and Josh Terao
Sharing a personal story:
I had an episode of Bells Palsy back during graduate school December 2016 (too much stress). The left side of my face was paralyzed for a while. I now only have about 90-95% functionality of the muscles on the left side of my face. It was a tough recovery mentally because my health was going down the toilet. My body weight was at a record high 215 lbs and I'm only 5'6".
Summer 2017 my good friend Cung Le, UFC veteran and Strikeforce Champion came to Hawaii to shoot Hawaii 5-0 action scenes as a bad ass bad buy. He was relentless with his health. Even on vacation and he'd be working out. I'd take him to the Honolulu Club every night and he'd tear up the elliptical machines before we'd go eat pho. He introduced me to Uriah Faber (before his fight with Dominique Cruz) while we were eating at Duc's Bistro with Ian Nguyen holding it down... Uriah was cutting weight so we ate the banana blossom super health salad. Showing my asian roots around the dinner table, I served Mr. Faber some Vietnamese food on his plate (thinking to myself that I'm serving Uriah food, what a trip)... In walks in a bunch of other actors from the Hawaii 5-0 set and last but not least, it was Ronn Shiraki from Ronn Shiraki Academy. I've heard about Ronn through a bunch of friends of knew through jiu jitsu and mma. He is a sixth degree black belt under master Relson Gracie, one of his best students. Ronn comes into Duc's Bistro with a ginger shot and gave it to Cung Le. Ronn was also on the set of Hawaii 5-0 as a bad guy that was trying to kill Cung's character. Anyways, I thought to myself as Ronn gave Cung the ginger shot like (master = master, Bruce Lee serving Chuck Norris hot tea) both of these amazing gentlemen have super clean diets and have had very accomplished martial arts careers. I started paying attention. My business started taking off during graduate school but my health was taking a dive. I made a choice within the next few weeks to join Ronn's dojo and my life has changed forever. The physical and mental challenges I've endured with my training partners at Relson Rsa has helped me walk the path of an entrepreneur. There are lonely days when you don't have all of the answers so you have to be physically and mentally fit to take on all challenges. Playing with intensity all those years in basketball, volleyball, and tennis has torn up my body so much but as the body slows down, you gotta find out ways to continue moving and for god's sake, do yoga often... It's helped my jiu jitsu tremendously. I guess to summarize this long ass story is that if you're feeling down and out, get up and keep going. Surround yourself with a good team and love your family with all of your heart.
Mano Nguyen
CEO NK Management
"As a parent, trainer, and coach, I can honestly say that Ronn Shiraki is Hawaiis premiere Jiu-Jitsu instructor and the first person I brought my children to when it was time to take their ground game to the next level. His teaching style, techniques, drills, and innovative insight helped my boys achieve great success in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and even wrestling."
Lindy Terao
Parent of RSA Student National and International Champions - David Terao and Josh Terao
"Ronn Shiraki’s emphasis on technique has drawn many accomplished athletes, coaches, celebrities, and newcomers to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu. His attention to detail allows his students of all levels to continually improve and train hard. The culture of the Ronn Shiraki Academy (RSA) possesses a strong camaraderie amongst its students and instructors which provides a positive environment to practice Jiu Jitsu. I’m very pleased with joining RSA and would like to thank Ronn and his instructors for their teachings. I would also like to thank the RSA members for their support and encouragement to learn and train hard."
Baba Mahoe
Battalion Chief, Honolulu Fire
"Ronn Shiraki is a naturally gifted Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. His sparring on the mat, Gi or no Gi can only be described as genius. As an instructor he is very professional and meticulous in the teaching of techniques. I promise you that your Jiu-Jitsu game will improve ten fold. If you are just beginning there is no place better to start. This guy is the Bruce Lee of Jiu-Jitsu."
Ryan Tamashiro
Honolulu Police Officer
"Ronn Shiraki, first and foremost is one of the most trustworthy and honest person I have had the privilege of knowing. As a Honolulu Police Officer, I was looking for an instructor with superior credentials, but more importantly an impeccable reputation. Upon speaking with the training staff from various the law enforcement agencies (ie. FBI, DEA, HPD, Secret Service, Federal Air Marshals, etc) one name continued to rise to the top Ronn Shiraki. His love for Jiu-Jitsu is only outdone by his passion and love for the Gracie Family. This is evident in his teaching style. I once heard Professor Relson Gracie say, "I think Ronn was a Gracie in a former life." That, in itself sold me on training with this Jiu-Jitsu phenom. I would highly recommend private lessons with Ronn Shiraki. If I had to describe Ronn in one word, it would be "Phenomenal."
Pat Loo
RSA Student, Honolulu Police Department
"As a member of our US Armed Forces, I have had several deployments and PCS moves that have provided me the opportunity to visit multiple other academies and training venues since my Jiu Jitsu journey began with Ronn Shiraki in 2007. Undoubtedly, the camaraderie and learning environment that Ronn has established is the most humbling and refreshing I’ve seen. The culture in Ronn’s academy not only promotes a positive learning venue that encourages your Jiu Jitsu growth but develops a sense of family and belonging within the academy. Ronn has an ability to teach Jiu Jitsu through the simplest steps and language that is easily understood at all levels. His program is truly life changing. If you are new to the area or have yet to start Jiu Jitsu, visiting RSA is a must. Ronn will make whatever inhibitions you have fade, as he makes your journey the most comfortable and encouraging experience you could ever have."
Major Nathan M. Setka
MPAS, Aeromedical Physician Assistant
"I consider myself lucky, privileged, and honored to call Ronn Shiraki both my teacher and my friend. His teaching has been among the best that I've received, and with his help, my Jiu-Jitsu game has improved a great deal. The techniques he teaches are effective, efficient, and highly functional. Everything I have learned from him has contributed to improving my game and to helping me develop a greater overall understanding of the art. Having also been lucky enough to free train with him on many occasions, instead of being discouraged by watching him constantly get the best of me, I am, instead, enthusiastic and encouraged at seeing how much there still is to learn. I fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu because of the endless combinations and the scientific and 'thinking' aspects of the game. I'm confident that there will always be more to learn, and that's what I love most about it. I'm also confident that as long as I continue to train with Ronn Shiraki, my game will continue to evolve and improve for the better. There is a great sense of camaraderie and selflessness that I have encountered from his other students as well. Unlike many gyms I've been to, there seems to be a distinct lack of ego and machismo present at Ronn's gym. Everybody is there to help each other get better. Nobody stands out as having 'something to prove'. I enjoy feeling like I am just one of many there that genuinely loves the art and is interested in seeing its evolution. I could go on for days about how great a place Ronn Shiraki's gym is to train, but the best way to learn is to experience it for yourself. much mahalo to Ronn Shiraki and all the great students that train at his gym for always making me feel welcome and for making my training experiences there so great!!!"
Vince Krause
BJJ Brown Belt and Professional Muleke
"The Relson Gracie Ronn Shiraki Academy has helped me improve my Jiu-Jitsu by making my ground game much more accurate. I learned techniques that blew my mind and since then won almost all my fights by submission without really getting hit. At the academy, I feel comfortable like I'm with family and it makes the learning process a lot more enjoyable and easier to learn as well as advance my technique. I'm proud to say that I am a RSA student. Thank you to Ronn Shiraki and Relson Gracie for teaching me the beautiful art of Jiu-Jitsu and Grandmaster Helio Gracie for creating this art!!!"
Danny Lopez
RSA Student, Professional MMA fighter, 2009 and 2010 NAGA Champion
Ronn Shiraki is by far one of the most gifted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors hands down. Either competing or teaching, you will see a masterful blend of wind, water, and fire combined with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Thank you Ronn for sharing your love and knowledge of this powerful martial-art."
Gye Nitta
Relson RSA Black Belt, Former Head Instructor of New Hope Jiu-Jitsu
I have known Ronn Shiraki for 23 years. His talent goes far beyond the mat. Ronn is genuinely a great human being with great compassion for his family, friends, students and peers. His passion for life is reflected in his Jiu-Jitsu and teaching style. He is a true artist. Anyone would be fortunate to learn from Ronn, both on and off the mat."
Chris Moon
Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer, State of Hawaii, DNLR
Ronn Shiraki is known by a few nicknames, "the Hammer", "the Jedi", but most importantly as "the gate-keeper of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu". After meeting Ronn, I realized that he lived up to that title not only in the way he teaches Jiu-Jitsu, but also by his character. I spent two hours working techniques with Ronn. Ronn's love for jiu-jitsu and teaching shine through in his attention to detail of the technique. His style and technique are on par with any of the top black belts that I have trained with over the last fourteen years. I would highly recommend that any BJJ student who comes to Hawaii to look Ronn up for instruction, no matter what their rank, because Ronn understands that jiu-jitsu is not just a bunch of techniques, but the Gracie legacy."
Frank Mullis, Jr.
Milledgeville, GA - MMA Agent, Southeast Rep for www.mmaclothing.com , Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School Owner