RONN SHIRAKI
Relson Gracie Black Belt
Second Generation
Relson Gracie Black Belt
Second Generation
Second Generation
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Relson Gracie > Ronn Shiraki
Ronn started training and competing directly under Relson Gracie in the mid 90's when his childhood friend Marcus Otsuji took him to his first class at the University of Hawaii location. Some years later, armed with a desire to share his love for the art, he opened a full-time school in 2002 under the Relson flag teaching daily for the past two decades. Ronn continued to attend Relson’s classes at the Association Headquarters also referred to as the "Main Academy" which was a block from his apartment in Honolulu. It was there that he had the rare opportunity to continue to learn straight from Relson himself and train with some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of different lineages and skill levels from around the world including Brazil, Japan and the mainland U.S., many of which intentionally traveled to Hawaii to train with Relson. It was in this constant testing environment tied with Relson’s daily teachings that Ronn’s experience and “straight from the source” approach to instruction and sparring informs his practice and pedagogy. He was also known as one of the few gatekeepers at the time, training with anyone who entered the dojo. Ronn also spent two solid years learning directly under Rickson Gracie’s Black Belt Pedro Sauer in Utah from 1998 to 2000. A few months after arriving in Provo to attend school, Pedro Sauer allowed Ronn to work at his Orem location teaching beginner classes in exchange for tuition. While competing and teaching on the Mainland for two years, he was awarded his Purple Belt from Pedro Sauer. When he moved back to Oahu, Ronn asked Relson if getting his Purple Belt from Pedro was okay wherein Relson replied “Same Jiu-Jitsu, Congratulations.” Ronn's Jiu-Jitsu and teachings strive to emulate Relson’s aggressive, tight approach combined with Pedro’s fluid, movement-based style. Meaning and purpose for Ronn is found through fulfilling his mission to mold teachable students into able martial artists through deep contemplation and action. He also finds satisfaction through the creation and nurturing of lasting friendships with honorable people who demonstrate true integrity and understand the concept of loyalty.
Ronn holds a Bachelor's in Human Development from Brigham Young University in Utah and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Hawaii. His master’s thesis, “Elite Athletes Experiencing Flow: From Construct Development to Outcomes and Challenges,” examined peak performance in professional athletes. For the last 20 years teaching daily as Gracie school owner and instructor, belt ranks and trophies have never been my focus. It has always been about learning and growing in the art and witnessing the technical transformation of each and every student. Relson Gracie and Pedro Sauer coaching Ronn in Purple Belt Open, Ohio 2003
Go to Testimonials
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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 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." You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. 
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