Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Honolulu, HI

Our Story

For over 21 years, Relson Gracie Team Papakōlea Jiu-Jitsu Academy (TPJJ) has served the Honolulu community by providing high-quality instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and personal development.

Founded in January 2005, TPJJ was built on a simple belief: Jiu-Jitsu can change lives.

Our academy welcomes students of all ages and experience levels. Whether someone is stepping on the mats for the first time or has trained for years, our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and ego-free environment where everyone can grow.

Through training, students develop not only effective martial arts skills, but also qualities that extend far beyond the academy:

• Discipline
• Confidence
• Respect
• Physical fitness
• Mental resilience

At Team Papakōlea, we believe that strong individuals create strong families and strong communities.

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Our Legacy

Relson Gracie Team Papakōlea Jiu-Jitsu was founded by Professor Kaleo Auwae, a 6th Degree Black Belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie.

Born and raised in Papakōlea, Hawaiʻi, Kaleo began training under Master Relson Gracie in 1994, during the early era when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was first gaining international attention through the rise of the UFC.

From those early days, Kaleo committed himself to preserving the traditional Relson Gracie approach to Jiu-Jitsu—an approach rooted in:

• Strong fundamentals
• Technical precision
• Discipline and respect
• Loyalty to team and community

Over the years, Professor Kaleo has helped develop champions across all ranks and divisions, including youth competitors, adult athletes, and lifelong practitioners of the art.

Beyond competition, his greatest pride is helping students develop confidence, character, and purpose through training.

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Community

Team Papakōlea Jiu-Jitsu began with a mission to serve the Papakōlea community by offering a positive environment where youth and adults could train, learn discipline, and stay on the right path.

What started as a small academy rooted in the neighborhood has grown into a thriving martial arts community that now serves students across Honolulu.

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Today, TPJJ operates two locations in Honolulu:

- Papakōlea Location - Papakōlea Community Development Center

- Kakaʻako Location - One block from SALT Kakaʻako

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Even as the academy has grown, the culture remains the same:

A tight-knit ʻohana of students, parents, and families who support one another both on and off the mats.

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Our Philosophy

At Team Papakōlea Jiu-Jitsu, we believe Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport.

It is a lifelong practice that teaches people how to face challenges, overcome adversity, and build confidence in themselves.

Our academy culture is built around several core values:

Humility

No ego. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone is always learning.

Respect

Respect for instructors, training partners, and the traditions of the art.

Perseverance

Growth happens through effort, patience, and dedication.

Community

Our academy is more than a gym—it is a family that supports one another.

Legacy

We carry forward the teachings of our instructors and share them with the next generation.