<![CDATA[RSA - News]]>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:45:49 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[2026 MARCH FUJI BJJ OPEN IN HONOLULU, HAWAII]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:58:10 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/2026-march-fuji-bjj-open-in-honolulu-hawaii
Picture
Congratulations to the RSA competitors at the last Fuji Open who won Gold Medals:
​
Aria Gold Gi
Peace Gold Gi
Wilhelm Gold Gi
JJ Gold Gi
JJ Gold No-Gi
Jonah Gold Gi
Picture
Picture
]]><![CDATA[MIYAMOTO MUSASHI]]>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:09:39 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/mentorship-time-and-the-meaning-of-loyalty"The Way is in Training." 
]]><![CDATA[RSA HAWAII]]>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:07:43 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/january-15th-2026"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." 

​-Isaiah 43
​]]><![CDATA[Day Crew 2026]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:33:47 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/day-crew-2026
Picture
]]><![CDATA[FUJI OPEN: 2025]]>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:31:48 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/december-08th-2025Congratulations to all competitors who represented the school today with exceptional performance and discipline. Special acknowledgment to Grandmaster Relson for attending and supporting the team as they submitted nearly every opponent. 

Team Results
​
Jay Jay
Gold
Bronze
Aria
Gold
LC
Gold
Silver
Jayden
Gold
Silver
Peace
Gold
Bronze
Noah
Gold

Thank you, Grandmaster Relson, for the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.]]><![CDATA[RSA]]>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 07:36:22 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/noa-yamashiroLove & Honor]]><![CDATA[2025 NAGA]]>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 07:15:13 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/2025-naga
Picture
Congratulations to RSA competitors at the 2025 NAGA in Honolulu, Hawaii. We are grateful for everyone who represented our academy with great courage, humility, and technical success. Results below:

Jay Jay Hansen
Gold Gi
Gold No-Gi

Aria Wong
Gold Gi
Gold No-Gi

Peace Wong
Gold Gi

Diego Chang
Gold Gi

Suren Yaghmai
Gold Gi

Sarai Wong
Silver Gi
Silver No-Gi

LC Awaiya
Bronze Gi
]]><![CDATA[SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 GRAPPLING INDUSTRIES ROUND ROBIN RESULTS: GOLD & SILVER]]>Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:01:49 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/september-20-2025-grappling-industries-round-robin-results-gold-silver
Picture
We’re feeling nothing but humbled and grateful after this past weekend’s competition. Our team showed not just skill, but heart, perseverance, and the spirit of jiu-jitsu.

Jay Jay gave us one of the most memorable performances of the day—fighting with sheer heart and grit from start to finish

Silver x2 – Jay Jay (2)
​
We are deeply thankful for the support of our teammates, families, and community. These results remind us that while medals shine, it’s the growth, lessons, and spirit on the mats that matter most.
]]><![CDATA[RSA HAWAII]]>Sat, 30 Aug 2025 21:43:24 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/august-30th-20252026]]><![CDATA[CHECK-IN SYSTEM & CANCELLATION REMINDER]]>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:00:12 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/new-older-kids-beginner-class-section-on-tuesdays-opening-next-weekNew Check-in System
Please check-in before every class. If there are any mistakes regarding class number or dates, please update your information Here as soon as you can.

Cancellation Policy Reminder
If you’re on autopay, please remember to submit cancellation requests before tuition is processed. This keeps everything fair and consistent for everyone.

At RSA, we don’t use contracts or long-term agreements—our school runs on mutual trust and the commitment of our families. Steady tuition support allows us to sustain our programs and continue providing quality instruction.

We’re grateful for your understanding and support. By honoring this policy and planning ahead, you help us keep our community strong and thriving.
]]><![CDATA[MORE GEMS]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:57 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/more-gemsKielen Nitta’s coach, Robert Drysdale, dropping some gems.
]]><![CDATA[RSA]]>Sat, 26 Jul 2025 07:49:09 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/congratulations-eli-pape<![CDATA[INDEPENDENCE DAY CREW]]>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:09:58 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/die-hards
Picture
]]><![CDATA[RICKSON GRACIE INTERVIEW: WISDOM]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:20:33 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/rickson-gracie-interview-wisdomRickson Gracie discusses the significance of training depth, revealing the mindset that has defined his legendary life and wisdom in martial arts. Citation: Gracie, Rickson. “Rickson Gracie (Jiujitsu / MMA Legend).” YouTube, uploaded by PlugOneTwo, 9 Dec. 2014, https://youtu.be/TMf2lAc-bso?feature=shared.
]]><![CDATA[DRYSDALE ON BJJ MINDSET]]>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:39:29 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/june-13th-2025In a segment featured below from the Fighters Advice YouTube channel, world-class competitor, coach, and historian Robert Drysdale (5th-degree black belt under Léo Vieira, IBJJF World Champion (2005), and ADCC Absolute World Champion) shares powerful insights on what truly shapes success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Drysdale, who is widely respected across the global BJJ community, including here at RSA, challenges the belief that success depends on elite training environments. Instead, he emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining the right mindset, getting your values straight, taking full accountability, and resisting the influence of today’s feel-good, self-esteem-driven culture that can often hinder real growth. His message thoughtfully reflects themes we’ve explored in our earlier post, while offering a candid and timely perspective. Full credit to the Fighters Advice channel for producing and sharing this valuable conversation.
View full YouTube interview here
]]><![CDATA[TRIPLE CROWN RESULTS]]>Sun, 08 Jun 2025 05:53:21 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/june-7-2025-hawaii-triple-crown-resutsGold & SILVER RESULTS
Gold x 3
Finn
Noah
Styles

​Silver x 4
Brison
Ken
Peace
Styles
Congrats to everyone who competed at the June 7, 2025 Hawaii Triple Crown—every competitor earned a medal. Great job!
]]><![CDATA[LOYALTY, MASTERY, AND GRACIE JIU-JITSU]]>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:57:56 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/staying-true-in-a-trend-driven-culture
In a culture shaped by trends, the value of loyalty can quietly fade. This exploration, grounded in psychology, philosophy, and lived experience, suggests that lasting growth is less about variety and more about depth.
View full article
]]><![CDATA[PATHWAYS]]>Mon, 26 May 2025 20:17:38 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/pathways
Picture
“In the crucible of challenge and responsibility, gratitude may deepen into humility, or entitlement may harden into pride. We invest deeply in time, care, and belief but there are no guarantees. And still, day by day, we continue not out of naivety, but from steady conviction. Because there are those, solid to the core, who rise above the ego, proving that light still breaks through the abyss of disappointment and our spirits are lifted by hope in a newer generation, one shaped by a culture purposefully grounded in the timeless values of honor, loyalty, respect, and enduring promise.”
Picture
]]><![CDATA[JUSTIN NIHEI • GENERAL SALES MANAGER • SERVCO USED CAR OPERATIONS • RSA BLACK BELT]]>Sun, 04 May 2025 07:30:03 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/special-rsa-advantage-on-servco-automobiles
Picture
All active RSA members will receive special pricing on any preowned vehicle at any of Servco’s Oahu locations.
​
• Servco Toyota Honolulu
• Servco Toyota Leeward
• Servco Toyota Windward
• Servco Subaru Waialae
• Servco Subaru Honolulu
• Servco Lexus Honolulu

Please contact Justin at:
(808) 778-7207
or
justin.nihei@servco.com to schedule an appointment.
​
]]><![CDATA[IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM RSA: RELSON GRACIE MAY SEMINAR]]>Sat, 26 Apr 2025 09:30:30 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/important-seminar-relson-gracieWe are honored to announce a truly special event at RSA. Since Relson Gracie’s return to Brazil a few years ago, our appreciation has only deepened for the rare privilege we had in learning from him here in Hawai‘i. As one of the original Gracie brothers who helped ignite the global martial arts revolution, Relson Gracie remains a living legend and a direct link to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This is a rare opportunity to learn from the source, and we strongly encourage everyone to mark their calendars and be part of this moment in our academy’s history. We will also be holding a special promotion ceremony during the event, and your presence and support will mean the world to all those celebrating their journey. Thank you for being part of the RSA family — we look forward to seeing you there!]]><![CDATA[NAVIGATING FRUSTRATION AND PERFECTIONISM IN BJJ: INSIGHTS FOR OUR STUDENTS]]>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:16:49 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/navigating-frustration-and-perfectionism-in-bjj-insights-for-our-studentsIn our BJJ classes, I’ve sometimes observed that some students deal with frustration and the desire for perfection especially during challenging drills or competitions. These feelings are natural, yet they can sometimes hinder progress and enjoyment.

To shed light on these experiences, I’ve curated a series of videos by Dr. Patrick Cohn, a mental game coach specializing in youth sports psychology. These resources explore emotional hurdles young athletes may face and offer different ways of understanding them:
  1. How Perfectionism Stifles Young Athletes' Success
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqj0uPDwnIg
    Explores how striving for flawlessness can impede performance and enjoyment.
  2. Helping Young Athletes Cope with Frustration
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gukWEroSG00
    Discusses strategies to assist athletes who become frustrated during competition.
  3. How to Help Young Athletes Cope with Frustration – Part 3
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yBwmR2jeDE
    Continues the discussion on supporting young athletes in handling frustration effectively.
  4. How Athletes Become Frustrated in Sports
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnGQEwq9lLk
    Provides additional insights into maintaining composure and enjoyment in sports.

Understanding the Impact: Three Key Concerns

1. Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression
Children who feel pressured to be perfect often experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression. This can stem from fear of failure, comparison, or external expectations.
2. Heightened Frustration Leading to Performance Decline
Excessive frustration can negatively affect performance. When kids focus more on outcomes than learning, it can lead to tension, mistakes, and loss of motivation.
3. Burnout and Loss of Interest in the Sport
When perfectionism and pressure persist over time, some young athletes feel mentally and physically exhausted—often losing interest in the activity entirely.
4. Disruption of Flow: the Optimal Learning State
The constant stress of needing to perform perfectly can prevent children from entering flow: a deeply focused mental state where learning, enjoyment, and peak performance converge. As highlighted in my master’s thesis on peak performance, flow is essential for meaningful development. Without it, learning becomes forced and mechanical rather than natural and fulfilling.

These examples highlight common psychological challenges that come up in youth sports, particularly in BJJ. Parents and coaches who understand these emotional responses may be better positioned to support long-term growth and enjoyment.

With over two decades of experience teaching kids and a background in psychology focused on growth and performance, I’ve found these topics to be especially important. Still, you know your child better than anyone. These videos and ideas are just shared as food for thought and something to consider and adapt however feels right for your family.

Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with your child’s development. Your involvement plays an important role both on and off the mat.]]><![CDATA[JIU-JITSU TRAINING PARADIGMS]]>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:44:54 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/rsa-differenceBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools vary widely in structure, goals, and culture. This overview offers a clear look at how RSA’s mastery-focused approach differs from more commercial models, helping students and families better understand what defines the training experience.
View full article
]]><![CDATA[RSA BLACK BELT STANDARD]]>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 12:42:15 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/april-05th-2025A manifesto on loyalty, depth, and the historical roots behind RSA’s Black Belt standards.
View full article
]]><![CDATA[KIDS TUESDAY & THURSDAY 5-7 YEAR OLDS: CLASSES EXPANDED]]>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:56:40 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/kids-tuesday-thursday-5-7-year-olds-classes-expandedWe are pleased to announce that our small kids (ages 5-7) classes are now open for new applications. Intermediate level classes will commence at 5:15 pm and continue until 6:15 pm. Beginner students (ages 5-7) will have their sessions from 5:15 pm to 5:55 pm. For a detailed overview of the updated schedule, please visit our Schedule Page. Aloha!]]><![CDATA[RSA HAWAII]]>Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:22:17 GMThttps://www.ronnshiraki.com/news/ibjjf-orange-county-kidsRSA 2002 - Present]]>