TESTIMONIALS RELSON GRACIE JIU-JITSU IN HAWAII

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."

- Ren Miyamoto
Honolulu Fire

I have the honor of writing a strong letter of recommendation for Sensei Ronn Shiraki and his Relson Gracie Ronn Shiraki Academy. I have known Sensei Ronn since 2017, when my two boys, aged 11 and 9, and my daughter, aged 6, started training under his tutelage. After watching my children grow in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the tremendous fun they were having, I began my own journey of growth under Sensei Ronn a year later.
Sensei Ronn not only inspires through the exhibition of his immense technical skills, but he leads and teaches with a gentle and patient heart that connects with even the youngest of his students. As a parent and student, I can speak about Sensei Ronn's extraordinary ability to connect and teach his pupils. I appreciated as a parent that Sensei Ronn made it a priority to teach the children's classes personally, unlike other academies where the focus may be predominantly on adult students. My children have benefited immensely in self-confidence and physical and emotional maturity from learning Jiu-Jitsu under Sensei Ronn.
As a neurointerventional surgeon, my hands are fundamental to the technical work that I perform in the hospital. I have benefited from training in an academy where proper technique and safety are maintained and practiced. Sensei Ronn creates a culture where personal growth, camaraderie, and safety are paramount. Even though our family recently moved back to the mainland to care for elderly parents, I have made lifelong friends and training partners in this academy.
I would give Sensei Ronn my highest endorsement in personal character, technical teaching, and academy culture. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

​Warm Regards,
Sung Bae Lee, MD, MBA
Medical Director of Neurointerventional Surgery

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

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."
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Daniel Moraes
Black Belt 5-time Jiu Jitsu World Champion

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

I have been a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada for over fifteen years which is also when I first started training in no gi grappling. I have been a practitioner and student of criminal justice, use of force and defensive tactics. A few years ago I decided to formally train in jiu-jitsu and started wearing the gi. Throughout my travels, I have been able to train from coast-to-coast in the mainland; from California to Florida. I have also been incredibly fortunate to visit jiu-jitsu schools internationally and practice with those teams. The utilization, understanding and application of jiu-jitsu has benefited me personally and professionally. A police officer who has the necessary skills and attitude from continuous self defense training is better equipped when dealing with resisting or combatting subjects. Officers that are confident with their abilities are less likely to be injured and less likely to injure the person(s) he or she is dealing with. I am grateful to be able to call Hawaii my home away from home and RSA my gym away from home. The RSA academy is truly one of the best schools that I have ever trained at. There are levels to competition and students at RSA are on another level. This school not only embraces humbleness but effectively embraces the grind without injuring one another. I highly recommend to any officer who is looking to be better trained and prepared, to train at the Ronn Shiraki Academy. I recommend everyone that is looking to gain another level of confidence in life to train at RSA.

J. Maier
M.S. Criminal Justice Administration
Las Vegas, Nevada Police Officer

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 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

​"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

From my first-hand experience and observation, I am able to enthusiastically recommend Ronn Shiraki as a jiu-jitsu instructor for children (or adults) desiring to learn the “gentle art” of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the tradition of Helio Gracie and Relson Gracie.
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My son started training jiu-jitsu at the young age of 4 with Ronn Shiraki. My son has continued his training with Ronn to this day, and he is now a 15 year old teenager. As a result, Ihave observed Ronn teaching my son for over a decade.

Ronn has over 20 years experience in the art of jiu-jitsu. Ronn’s skill level in teaching children jiu-jitsu is first-class, and at a top-notch level that I have not seen matched by any other instructor. Ronn cares deeply about the development of his “kids” class students. Unlike other academies, where relatively inexperienced adult students are often placed in charge of the instruction of kids classes, Ronn is the lead, and primary, instructor for his kids classes. Ronn knows what he is doing at a master level as a kids jiu-jitsu instructor, and he has the time-tested experience of having taught children the art of jiu-jitsu at a high level for many years.

From my personal observation in watching Ronn teach jiujitsu to my son (and many other children) over the years, I can attest that Ronn is exceedingly gifted in his instruction of children. I believe Ronn’s technical mastery of the techniques of jiu-jitsu, and his educational background in human development and psychology, allows him to teach any child the art of jiu-jitsu regardless of whether the child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner (or some combination thereof). Ronn’s technical instruction in teaching the various positions and techniques of jiu-jitsu is second to none. He has an uncanny ability to convey complex kinesthetic concepts in simple terms that children can easily understand. Ronn has a knack for getting the best out of his students while also keeping his students in good spirits and humor. Ronn is able to implement age appropriate references to various pop culture touchstones (e.g., Star Wars, etc.) that children can relate to which allows him to easily to express deep concepts in the art of jiu-jitsu that might otherwise be too difficult to express to children (given theoften limited attention spans available). Ronn has also been able to seamlessly impart invaluable character lessons (growth mindset, perseverance, effort, humility, respect for others, jiu-jitsu is for self-defense only and don’t be a bully, etc.) during breaks in his specific technical instruction.

Although he could simply rest on his laurels and still be head and shoulders above other instructors, Ronn possesses a Shokunin spirit in his method of teaching both the technical and spiritual elements of jiu-jitsu. Ronn is constantly seeking to improve his skills as a jiu jitsu instructor. Over the years, I have observed him continuously seeking out information on improving human performance and achieving peak performance,methods of acquiring skill and talent, and developing a growthmindset in children, particularly as such information pertains to enhancing his talents as an instructor of jiu-jitsu.

I would like to share some observations of my son’s development during the 11 years that he has been under Ronn’stutelage.
First, at the time my son started training jiu-jitsu at age 4 with Ronn, he was physically small for his age, and not particularly athletic or coordinated. When he was younger, my son was more interested in music and chess than traditional sports (such as basketball, football, baseball, etc.). Over time, however, I observed that as my son’s knowledge of the techniques and art of jiu-jitsu increased under Ronn’sinstruction, his overall strength, stamina, coordination, and physical abilities also increased. Now that my son is a teenager, although he does not play traditional sports, and he is now more interested in achieving his goals academically, because of his jiu-jitsu training, he came to the realization, during his physical education classes, that his functional body strength exceededmany of his peers that play traditional sports.
Second, because of his training in jiu-jitsu and gaining practical self-defense skills, I have also observed that my son is able to handle himself with the quiet confidence that a regular practitioner of the martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu possesses. Because Ronn’s instruction of jiu-jitsu to children also includes escapes and counters to common bullying tactics (headlocks, etc.) in a proven tested environment, a child who learns such techniques will have real confidence his/her martial art will work if ever needed. As a parent, I believe jiu-jitsu is a particularly effective martial art for children to learn to be able to have the confidence to deal with bullies. Unlike other martial arts, jiu-jitsu gives a child more gradations of self-defense options and control over a potential bully that are proportionate to the level of physical threat involved. In contrast, other martial arts typically require striking (kicking or punching) which may be disproportionate to pushing and shoving tactics commonly employed by bullies.
Third, over time, as my son has learned more and more of the techniques and art of jiu-jitsu, I have observed that he has been learning to enjoy the kinetic “chess” dimension of jiu-jitsu that involves sequences of techniques or “moves”, anticipating actions & reactions, creating “forks” or dilemmas, and maintaining his composure while engaging in advanced dynamic problem solving. The overlap of the cognitive-physical aspects of the art of jiu-jitsu make it a rare activity that exercises the mind & body. I am happy that he is involved in a healthy activity that can be of physical and cognitive benefit to him for a lifetime.
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After reading the above, I hope you will have gained more insight into Ronn Shiraki’s unique talents and why I enthusiastically recommend him as a jiu-jitsu instructor for any child desiring to learn the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

​Neil Verbrugge
Attorney & RSA Black Belt

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."

Grandmaster Ron Van Clief
Legendary American Martial Artist "The Black Dragon" UFC fighter and Hollywood Actor

"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

"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

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 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

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

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

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
Investigator

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

"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

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