How Did O2 Martial Arts Academy (formally known as Academia Casca Grossa de Jiu-Jitsu) Get Started?

The rise in popularity by Royce Gracie's victories in the UFC caused a craze of people interested in learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This led to the formation of a waiting list and facilitated the creation of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aiea Academy, now called the O2 Martial Arts Academy (formerly Academia Casca Grossa de Jiu-Jitsu).  This branch was opened to accommodate people on the waiting list and for students who lived on the central and west side of Oahu.  Relson chose four of his top students to open and teach this academy.  Scott Devine (Black Belt), Sam Mahi (Black Belt), Chris Onzuka (Black Belt), and Mike Onzuka (Black Belt) were the first students that were certified by Relson Gracie to open and teach a separate academy, which became the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aiea Academy.


(Left to right) Chris Onzuka (Black Belt), Scott Devine (Black Belt),
Kofi Debrah (Black Belt), Sam Mahi (Black Belt), Michael Onzuka (Black Belt)

The Aiea Academy has produced many state, national and international champions and has been another champion factory for the Relson Gracie team.  Since then, the popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has subsided and attendance is now at reasonable levels.  Scott Devine (Black Belt) has moved to Georgia and is teaching at the association there. Kofi Debrah (Black Belt) also periodically assists at the main and Aiea Academies.


Photo taken on 7/7/98 (missing Kofi Debrah)

O2 Martial Arts Academy classes are also assisted by numeous advanced belts that are not only proficient in Striking and Jiu-Jitsu technique, but also in the ability to pass on their knowledge in order to maintain a high teacher to student ratio and the highest level of personal instruction possible.


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