Hawaii Jiu Jitsu Schools
Jiu Jitsu Classes in Honolulu
RSA Testimonials
Jiu Jitsu Classes in Honolulu
RSA Testimonials
RSA Testimonials
Testimonials are welcome and can be sent to relsonrsahawaii@gmail.com "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..." "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." "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." "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." "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." "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." "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." Student / Public Testimonials
"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." "After experiencing back-to-back injuries, I was hesitant to return to Jiu-Jitsu training in fear of further injury and the need to stay healthy for work and a new baby girl. After hearing about RSA, I decided to call Ronn Shiraki and discuss my concerns. Ronn took the time to answer my questions and explained how I could train smart and achieve my personal goals. I have been training at RSA for over a year now, and can say without hesitation, that Ronn is the best Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Hawaii. Over the years, I have trained at many different martial art schools and law enforcement training facilities. From those experiences, I have learned the necessary characteristics of a good / effective instructor. In this regard, Ronn has displayed a rare blend of technical knowledge, clear and concise presentation, relevant application, and a friendly and welcoming demeanor that promotes internal motivation, loyalty, and teamwork. Through his leadership, the students at RSA are respectful and willing to help fellow teammates meet their daily goals, whether that includes learning a new position, working on transitions / submissions, or training for competition. At 44 years old, I am confident I can continue to improve my Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Ronn and with the support of Team RSA." "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!!!" "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." "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." "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!!!" "Since starting Jiu-Jitsu in March 2009, I've entered as many tournaments as possible. 4 Triple Crowns, 2 NAGA's, 2 Pac Subs, 2 Quest for Champions 1 Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open and 5 In-House tournaments. By far, the toughest competition I've faced is rolling in RSA with Ronn's students everyday. Thats a true testament to Ronn's teaching ability, skill, and passion for Gracie Jiu Jitsu. He is also one of the best human beings I've ever met. I feel blessed to train at RSA." "As a 16 year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department, I can attest to the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a system of self defense techniques coupled with a highly researched and proven methodology. Growing up with martial arts as part of my life, I have had the honor of working with and training under some of the best instructors in the world, from Kenneth Funakoshi to Relson Gracie. I have had the privilege to train with Ronn both individually and as part of his group classes. He is an effective compassionate teacher whose talent and commitment is evident in his student’s achievements in competitions around the world and in their line of work on a daily basis. Ronn Shiraki in my opinion is one of the best martial arts instructors currently practicing in Hawaii and his style and instruction of Jiu-Jitsu is essential for everyone from the hard core competitor to individuals seeking to expand their fitness repertoire. Anyone who has trained with and studied under Ronn can attest to his passion and excellence towards instruction. With Ronn you can expect to improve greatly in all aspects of Jiu Jitsu; from the physical conditioning, mental strategy, to spiritual development." "You know the saying, "People who can't do, teach." Well, Ronn Shiraki is the complete package. He is the best teacher of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu I have ever experienced and a fierce competitor as well. Ronn uses easy to understand examples, while teaching complex technique. Ronn stands alone as a teacher because his teaching style as well as his own Gracie Jiu-Jitsu technique, flows and is seamless." "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." "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." "I have been involved with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for the last fifteen (15) years competed in numerous tournaments as well as sponsored a few of them trained with all of the Gracie Brothers and Professor Helio Gracie was an original investor in the Ultimate Fight with Rorion Gracie. In addition, I have had extensive personal training with Relson Gracie. Throughout all of these experiences and time, I can make the statement with great respect that Ronn Shiraki is the most competent and complete Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor outside of the Gracie Family I have encountered. I watched him train the Kaneohe Team kids to be so precise and exact with their techniques that they became a powerhouse of winners in all of the tournaments they entered. Ronn has a great method for teaching what I consider is true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu hard-smart training with technique practiced over and over. I believe in Ronns ability so much that I have my son train under him and ONLY with him. I recommend Ronn Shiraki's private lessons for anyone who is serious about learning and/or improving their Gracie Jiu-Jitsu." "Best and most technical instructor I've ever trained with." "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." "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." "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." "Ronn has always been a role model for me growing up in the academy. The most technical, dedicated, and humble person you can come across. Whether you're an adult or kid he's always welcoming." |
