O2 Martial Arts Academy News!

O2MAA's Holiday Schedule

6/17/09

O2 will be Open on Sunday, July 5th!

O2 will be closed on the 4th of July, but we will be open for our kids' classes on Sunday, July 5th!

6/17/09

Congratulations to O2's Newest Purple & Yellow Belts!

Too Live Stu Kam and the Amazing Jonathan Testutani received their purple belts on Monday night. Both have been tearing up the mats for a while now and all the higher belts are very glad that they are now purples so it does not look that bad when they are all over them like a cheap suit.

We look forward to them helping to bring up the next wave of our stars of the academy.

Congratulations also to our top team of kids. Kaizen Nino, Casey Nitta, Liam Mason, and Kapena Fitzgerald were awarded their yellow belts on Sunday (Kapena on Monday night)! These kids are just unbelieveable with the amount of technique they show at such a young age.

6/15/09

O2 Day Classes Have Moved

Oahu Tae Kwon Do has moved locations hence, our day classes has moved as well.

The day classes are not located on Moanalua Road right near Buzz's Steakhouse, the Golf Driving Range, Maui Off Road, Pizza Hut, and Grace's Drive Inn. I believe the driveway is right across the street from the drive way to go in to Safeway.

There should be an Oahu TKD sign on the street so please look for that. I do not have the address yet, but will post it as soon as I get it.

See you in class!

5/25/09

Relson Gracie In-School Tournament Today!

O2's normal classes are closed today and we will be having a Relson Gracie In-School Tournnament starting at 5 pm today. If you have not pre-registered, please come at 4 pm so that we can get the tournament started as close as possible to 5 pm.

Entry is only $20. See you later today!

4/10/09

O2 Will Be Closed for Easter (Sunday)

O2 is closed this Sunday in observance of Easter. See you all Monday!

4/5/09

Congratulations to O2's Grant and Nicole on their baby Boy!

Grant and Nicole just welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Ezekiel, in to this world yesterday. They are such great people that we all know that they will make phenomenal parents.

By the way, with the name Ezekiel, you can be sure that he will have an insane sleeve choke! lol!

Congratulations to O2's Newest Purple John Watanabe

John is a guy that would easily fall through the cracks because he is so soft spoken and humble, but is very loyal and technically sound on the mats. John always jumps at the opportunity to assist in every way he can and it is our pleasure to promote a much deserving technician like John to purple belt!

3/16/09

Kickboxing & Boxing on Wednesdays Starting in April!

Since our kickboxing and boxing classes have been flooded, we are expanding to Wednesdays as well from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Kaleo Kwan and PJ Dean will be the head instructors for the classes on this new day.

Now we will have Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights for kickboxing and boxing from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

Try a class out! I'm sure you will be hooked (pun intended).

2/11/09

Congratulations to Chris and Shane

Chris Onzuka and Shane Agena finally received their black belts from Relson tonight at O2 Martial Arts Academy. Now O2 has four Relson Gracie Black Belts on our teaching staff as well as a huge number of brown and purple belts.

Chris matched me and went bare back for his dog crawl through the belt whipping line while Shane decided to keep the skin on his back somewhat intact and went with the gi. Both guys took their beatings like men as they graduated to their black belts.

Thanks to all the guys from the other schools and our O2 team that came to support Chris and Shane on this important night!

2/4/09

Promotions Tonight is On!

Please come by at about 8 pm to O2 tonight (February 4, Wednesday) to be there for the promotions of Chris and Shane to black belt.

The tentative schedule is we will do a 30 min warm up as usual followed by Relson teaching for about 30 minutes, and then we will go in to the promotions.

This will be a free class for all so don't miss it!

Relson had a last minute emergency and could not make the promotion so we scheduled it for next week Wednesday on 2/11/09.

1/29/09

Promotions on 2/4 & 2/6 in Hawaii May be Postponed

It is will great sadness that we mourn the passing of the Grandmaster.
Due to the Grandmaster's passing, the promotions may be postponed. Will update everyone as soon as we get more information.

Master Helio Gracie has passed away
Jiu-Jitsu loses its icon

It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsu’s success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, in Petropolis, mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.

“I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood,” said the Professor, as his last worlds.

The Master will be buried this Thursday afternoon, at 5 pm, at the Chapel of the Petropolis municipal cemetery.

Helio Gracie’s last public appearance occurred in December of last year, during a belt-promotion ceremony held by Gracie Humaita at the Guanabara Yacht Club.

In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Humaita academy, in Rio de Janeiro. Click here to see how the party went.

In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

All workers at Gracie Publishing, the company responsible for GRACIEMAG, NOCAUTE and GRACIEMAG.com are in mourning and express their condolences and sadness to the bereaved family, his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rherica, Robin and Ricci.

We will be back with more information shortly.

Source: Gracie Magazine

Master Hélio Gracie has passed away
By Guilherme Cruz

It’s with great sadness that TATAME.com informs that great Master Hélio Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along his brother Carlos Gracie, who had completed 95 years old in 2008, has passed away this morning in his house at Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro. Father of some of the best fighters in the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA history, like Rickson, Rorion, Royce, Rolker and Relson, Hélio’s funeral will be today, at 5p.m., at Petrópolis’ cemetery. Stay tuned in TATAME, we will bring more news as soon as available.

Source: Tatame

GRAND MASTER HELIO GRACIE PASSES AWAY AT 95

Helio Gracie, legendary patriarch of the Gracie family and father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has passed away at the age of 95, according to a report by GracieMag.com.

Gracie passed in his sleep early Thursday in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro, said another report on Sherdog.com, after he had been admitted to a local hospital a few days prior for stomach problems.

Gracie was recognized worldwide for his accomplishments in the sport of jiu-jitsu, as well as crossing over into other formats, while also serving as father to legends like Royce, Rickson, and Rorion Gracie, who helped found the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A 10th degree red belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Helio was a national hero in Brazil. His family name has carried on for generations of some of the best grapplers in the entire world, with their style defining a sport.

Last October, Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday. He will be remembered throughout time as the man who helped build this generation of fighters and grapplers that compete worldwide.

Known for many matches throughout his life, Gracie took on fighters from numerous different disciplines to help promote the jiu-jitsu legacy. One fight that attracted thousands of fans and even the president of Brazil was a match pitting Helio against Japanese judoka Masahiko Kimura.

The two warriors battled it out and in the end it was Kimura who applied a shoulder and arm lock that actually broke the arm of Helio, although he refused to tap. From that point on the hold known as the "reverse ude-garami" was forever referred to as the "Kimura," a move still used in jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts today.

In an interview with GracieMag.com, Gracie said about his death, "I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

The world has one less legend today after the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

Source: MMA Weekly

1/25/09

O2 Martial Arts Academy is Relson Gracie Hawaii Association Picnic Volleyball Champs!

A great day of fun was had by most of the Relson Gracie schools and the Queen Street academy, Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, Kaneohe Team and O2MMA attended and brought their teams for a fun tournament and a ton of great food. It was great to see members of each academy mingle and catch up with all the kids running around.

1/24/09

1st Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Picnic

We want to build team unity amongst the Relson Gracie team and what better way than to relax amongst friends and family, eat some good food, play some games and just hang out with everyone from all of the academies! Bring your academy banners if you have a way to hang them so everyone can find the area, which will be impossible to miss.

Here are the specifics:

When: Saturday, January 24, 2009

Time: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Where: Ala Moana Beach Park, Site #27 (Ewa side of park, on the boat harbor side)

Who is invited: All Relson Gracie students and your families.

RSVP: To your academy's instructor via email or phone.
What to bring: This will be a potluck so let your academy's instructor know what you plan on bringing so we can try to not duplicate too many dishes. You don't have to go hog wild with stuff and spend too much money. If you bring the equivalent of a $10 dish or so, we will have a ton of food. We want this to be an inexpensive, fun time to share with the team and our families.

- Please feel free to bring tents, tables, mats to sit on.
- Please also bring your own beverages.

Featured Events!
Academy Team Volleyball Contest with Trophy - Each academy is encouraged to create a volleyball team of members only (active academy student), no ringers or guests to compete against each other to win a trophy with a plate on it that says 1/24/09 Volleyball Champs to be kept at their academy for bragging rights until the next picnic.

Kids Games - We will have various games for the kids.

We are open to any other ideas that you may have, but please suggest something quick so we have time to set it up and get the things that we need to make it happen. As always, we welcome all the help that you can provide!

Please RSVP as soon as possible by email or phone with who is coming and if you are bringing your kids to your academy's instructor. Each academy will coordinate their attendees.

12/9/08

O2MAA's Annual Christmas Party's Date is Set

O2MAA Annual Christmas Party
Saturday, December 20, 2008

Potluck
Bring your family

Venue – O2 Martial Arts Academy
Time: 6:00 pm (please be prompt)


11/19/08

New Kids' Jiu-Jitsu & Adult Wrestling Class Starts Friday, December 5!

O2's technical genius, Shane Agena, will teach a kids class starting Friday, December 5 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. If this class does well, we may open a class on Mondays in the future. With Shane's excellent teaching style and techniques, he will take our kids program to new heights!

We are blessed to have none other than Competitor Supreme, Dave Chew, teaching an adult wrestling class starting Friday, December 5 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This class will be free for students taking two or more classes a week. Dave is an excellent teacher as well as competitor and he will also be showing wrestling techniques in our normal Jiu-Jitsu classes. We are already seeing the benefits of Dave's techniques on the mats.

Please spread the word!

8/27/08

Congratulations to all that was promoted including our two new brown belts!

O2MAA had one of our mass promotion nights tonight. Probably two of the most significant was that Bobby Moss and Neal Tomimatsu were promoted to their brown belts after many years of training.

There were a ton of guys that were promoted and we are very proud that they all stuck it out long enough under our strict standards to get promoted.

Congratulations to all the students that were promoted.

Relson is Teaching Class Next Tuesday at O2!

Make sure you come to next Tuesday to take class from our instructor, Relson Gracie who will be making a teaching appearance at O2! Class starts at 8:00 pm.

8/26/08

New Hope Jiu-Jitsu Ministry at O2MAA 1 Year Anniversary!

The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class that was opened as a Ministry for New Hope members at O2 Martial Arts Academy celebrates 1 year of existence. Gye Nitta and Grant Arakawa have done a great job of building a a fellowship amongst the students. They have helped introduce New Hope members to Jiu-Jitsu and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to New Hope. Congratulation on 1 year and many more!

8/19/08

New Hope Jiu-Jitsu Ministry at O2MAA's First Promotion

Normally we won't post all the promotions (altough we should), this is different as this in the first time some of the New Hope Jiu-Jitsu Ministry students were promoted to Blue Belt. Chris & Mike Onzuka, Shane Agena, Terence Matsuno and Chris Slavens were on hand to support the promotions of Jesse Durham, Rob Kim & Rob Kim Jr.. Congratulations guys and from the skill level of this class, there will be more promotions shortly.

7/6/08

Jeff Glover Seminar at O2 CANCELLED!

Jeff had a mix up with flight plans and actually leaves on Wednesday so his seminar at O2 this Wednesday night is CANCELLED. We will book him when he is in town next time.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

7/1/08

Jeff Glover Seminar at O2!

Jeff Glover who is one of the best young American Black Belts is going to have another seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy. That last one was one of the best seminars that we ever had and we have some some incredible seminars at our place.

Wednesday, July 9th
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: $35 (Cash please)

The seminar will be all no-gi.

You can pay in advance if you would like or just show up. Either way is ok, but if we are too packed, you will be left out to the people who sign up first.

6/24/08

Relson at O2 Tonight!

Relson Gracie will be teaching class tonight so show up at 8:00 pm sharp!

Mike and Chris on Channel 9 Early Show

Mike and Chris will be on the early morning show at about 6:15 or 6:30 am demonstrating techniques with Uproar Magazine. I know most of you are probably not up at that time, but if you are, tune in.

6/18/08

Congratulations to Our New Brown Belts!

Long time O2 students Bernard Villanueva, Gye Nitta, and Kyle Snyder-Olivares were awarded their brown belts last night. All three are technically excellent and leaders at our academy.

Kaleo Auwae, who heads Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, was awarded his first stripe on his brown as well. Kaleo has been our right hand man for years as well as our best friend and incredible grappler and teacher.

5/19/08

O2MAA BBQ at Waipio Gentry (Central Oahu Regional Park) For Memorial Day!

O2 Martial Arts Academy is hosting a BBQ at Waipio Gentry (Central Oahu Regional Park) and all of 02MAA as well as all the Relson Gracie Schools are invited.

It will be on Monday, May 26 and will be atWaipio Gentry (Central Oahu Regional Park) across the street from Jack in the Box. There are bathrooms and a kid's jungle gym. We will try to set up camp right there.

It will be potluck as usual so bring a small dish and hang out with the team. Brush up on your volleyball skills because we will be playing!

Bring the family for a day of fun and get some time to talk story with the entire team.

Hope you can make it!

If you are not getting a blast email from us, please email us by clicking here so that I can put you on our distribution list!

O2MAA In School Tournament a Success!

We had a great turnout from all the schools and had some great matches to keep the Relson Gracie team sharp as a couple of large tournaments are coming up soon!

Thanks to all the competitors that supported the tournament and to all the guys that helped out to make it run smoothly. We banged out the tournament in less than 3 hours which was great being that it was a Sunday!

5/4/08

Friday Classes are Back to the Gi!

Shane Agena has decided to go back to training with the gi on Fridays. This will start this Friday, May 9th so please remember to bring your gi.

See you in class!

5/3/08

Womens and Kids' Kickboxing Class was a Great Success!

Kaleo Kwan and Chris Slavens lead an army of women and kids in our first kickboxing class! We had many of the kids from our kickboxing class continue on to take our kickboxing which we hoped they would. We also had a few mothers take the class with their kids to get a great work out in and get to spend some fun time with their kids!

Please encourage any women of any age to come and try out the Sunday class! Everyone got a great workout while learning some legitimate kickboxing techniques!

5/3/08

Congrats to Big Neal & Kim!

The O2 Martial Arts Academy family grew by one more! Congratulations to Neal and Kim who had a new addition last night! Neal is in trouble now because he just had a beautiful baby girl!

Congrats to Team Papakolea's Koa

One of the young lions from Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Team, Koa Asperilla just reported that he won the Advanced Teen No Gi Division at Grappler's Quest. Now he is the champ for Grappler's Quest and NAGA in the same division and has two belts to show for it! One of Koa's teammates Joe took 3rd!

Great job representing in Vegas boys!

5/1/08

O2MAA's Kaleo Kwan and PJ Dean to Fight on the EliteXC Card!

Kaleo Kwan will be fighting BJ Penn's Mike Aina which is probably the best fight on the entire card. Both are considered the top kickboxers in the state and both are coming off impressive performances. Kaleo and Mike both are very solid on the ground, but I think everyone will agree that this will be a stand up war.

PJ Dean has just been inked to fight HMC's Dean Lista. Dean is a very solid and experienced opponent and we look forward to a great fight. PJ wants to continue his winning and will train like a madman for this fight.

Good luck to two of our studs in their upcoming wars!

O2MAA's Ryan and Don Cabinian to Fight at the next HFC!

Two of our top grappling studs, Ryan and Don, will be fighting in an MMA match at the next HFC at Dole Cannery on May 9th. Please come and support two of our closest friends and fierce competitors.

4/30/08

Women and Kids' Kickboxing Classes Start Sunday, May 4!

O2MAA will now be offering women and kids kickboxing classes immediately following our kid's BJJ classes on Sunday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This will be a non-competitive, fun environment where kids and women can safely learn legitimate kickboxing techniques, get a great workout before the long work and school week, and have fun!

The kickboxing classes will be held at O2 Martial Arts Academy!

O2's Kaleo Kwan, who is the best kickboxer in the state will be the head instructor. Kaleo is a great person and I guarantee that you will enjoy yourselves and get a great workout.

This is a great opportunity for mothers and sons and daughters to do something together!

Prices are $40 a month for women and kids taking just this class. If kids are adding on the kickboxing class and taking the Jiu-Jitsu class, then the tuition is only $60 for both the BJJ kids class and kickboxing classes!

These classes are only open to new students and existing Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students. We do not allow students from other BJJ schools to take these classes. Sorry!

4/27/08

2008 O2 Martial Arts Academy
In-School Gi & No Gi Tournament
2008 O2 Martial Arts Academy
In-School Gi & No Gi Tournament
Sunday, May 18, 2008 @ 6:00PM
Pre-register if possible. Walk ins ok!

OPEN TO ONLY RELSON GRACIE SCHOOL STUDENTS!

You can come in at 4:00 pm to register. We will have our classes running
so we will try to possibly keep the registrations outside.

The tournament will be held at:
O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kamehameha Hwy, #208A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
(Between Best Buy & Cutter Ford Aiea, Above Goodwill)

Belt Divisions (Gi/No Gi) Time Limits

White/Novice 5:00 Min

Blue/Intermediate 6:00 Min

Purple/Advanced 7:00 Min

Weight Divisions*

Up to 150lbs

150 – 175lbs

176 – 200lbs

200 and over

For more information call Mike (808) 381-9530 or Chris (808) 381-5959 or email info@onzuka.com

· Gain much needed tournament experience.

· Test your conditioning & try out new techniques.

· Build team loyalty with other affiliate schools.

· This will help you enter the next big tournament with more confidence!

4/24/08

O2MAA Day Classes Coming Soon!

The day classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Prices are:
$40 for once a week for a month
$80 for twice a week for a month
$100 for three days a week for a month

You can also mix day and night classes with your tuition!


The day classes will be held in the Oahu Tae Kwan Do academy on the second floor in the building directly behind us which is Makai (Ocean side) of the bike path facing the Ocean. The facility is very nicely equipped with Swain/Zebra type mats and air conditioning which makes it very comfortable to train during the day all year round! We are excited to finally offer day classes to our students new and and old that have shifting schedules or changed jobs that can only train during the day!

The classes will be taught by Sam Mahi who is one of Relson Gracie's first black belts and he will be assisted by a number of purple belts that will be shifting in and out as their schedule allows.

Please spread the word about the day classes! Sam is an excellent teacher with incredible technique so we know that you will love his classes!

4/23/08

Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Camping Trip

May 9 - 11th (Friday - Sunday)
Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, an O2MAA association, has organized a camping trip and has invited O2 students to join the fun!

The location is a beach house with huge yard. You need to bring your own tent to sleep in and there is a sign up for food to bring with Auntie Emma. There are bathrooms and showers that you can use in the house, but we have to sleep outside.

Beach House
68-603 Crozier Drive

Waialua, HI 96791-9305

637-4612 house phone during these days if you get lost.

Directions from Sam's Club Pearl City to Beach House:

1: Start out going WEST on KAMEHAMEHA HWY/ HI-99 W toward ACACIA RD.
Continue to follow KAMEHAMEHA HWY. 0.8 mi

2: Take the I-H2 N ramp toward MILILANI/ WAHIAWA. 0.5 mi

3: Merge onto INTERSTATE H2 N. 7.6 mi

4: INTERSTATE H2 N becomes WILIKINA DR. 3.7 mi

5: WILIKINA DR becomes KAUKONAHUA RD/ HI-803. 4.0 mi

6: Stay STRAIGHT to go onto FARRINGTON HWY/ HI-930. Pass through 1 roundabout. 2.7 mi

7: Turn RIGHT onto OLOHIO ST. 0.4 mi

8: Turn LEFT onto CROZIER DR. 0.1 mi

9: End at 68-603 Crozier Dr, Waialua, HI 96791-9305

Estimated Time: 31 minutes Estimated Distance: 19.96 miles

Hope to see you there!

4/10/08

RIP Lars Chase

O2MAA student Lars Chase passed away earlier this week. He was a great friend who always put people in a good mood and was a fierce competitor on the mats. When you rolled with Lars, you better bite down, prepare for a battle, and hope for the best. He represented our school many times in competition and we were honored that he came to our school and that we had a chance to meet him.

His funeral services are
this Friday (4/11/08) from 10:30 am to 2:00 PM at the Moanalua Community Church and burial will be held at Punchbowl cemetary at 3:00 pm.

We are asking that the guys from O2 that attend wear their green O2MAA t-shirt in honor of the training that Lars did at the school

Moanalua Community Church
4867 Bougainville Drive, Honolulu Hawaii 96818
The church is located on the street that is between the NEX and the Golf Course right near Moanalua Shopping Center (more Makai).

4/9/08

O2MAA Has Two New Purple Belts!

Congratulations to long time students Chris Slavens and Kelly Pahio who were awarded their purple belts last night. Both gentlemen have excellent technique as well as are true leaders for our school. Chris Slavens co-instructs our boxing and kickboxing classes with Kaleo Kwan and always helps out with every aspect of the school Kelly is known as the question man and always is searching for the inner working of the techniques and also is a major contributor to the school.

Congratulations to Chris and Kelly!

4/6/08

O2MAA will be Offering Day Classes!

We always wanted to offer day classes to our students, but our lease agreement does not allow us to run day classes at our location. We have found a new location to run these day classes in the same area!

It would not be right of us to say to our students that if you want to remain loyal to us and to the Relson Gracie team and can only train during the day to not offer day classes.

That being said, we are proud to announce that we are offering
day classes beginning Friday, May 2. The classes will be taught by none other than Sam Mahi, one of the first Relson Gracie Black Belts and one of the founders of O2MAA (formally known as the Relson Gracie Aiea Academy & Academia Casca Grossa de Jiu-Jitsu)

The day classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The day classes will be held in the Oahu Tae Kwan Do academy on the second floor in the building directly behind us which is Makai (Ocean side) of the bike path facing the Ocean. The facility is very nicely equipped with Swain/Zebra type mats and air conditioning which makes it very comfortable to train during the day all year round! We are excited to finally offer day classes to our students new and and old that have shifting schedules or changed jobs that can only train during the day!

Please spread the word about the day classes! Sam is an excellent teacher with incredible technique so we know that you will love his classes!

4/3/08

Rex has Left the Relson Gracie Team


Long time Relson Gracie Student and assistant instructor at O2MAA, Rex Barnum, has left the Relson Gracie Team and has opened a new school for Gracie Barra which is a rival school to the Relson Gracie Team.

Relson's rules are very simple. All Relson Gracie students can only train at Relson Gracie schools and no other BJJ student can train at one of his schools. MMA schools are exempt from this rule because they do not compete in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Obviously, the MMA schools that are aligned with a BJJ team is included the schools that Relson Gracie students CANNOT train at or have their members train at Relson's schools. This stems from teaching students directly or indirectly that will compete against a Relson Gracie student and not represent the Relson Gracie Team. How would you feel if you taught someone a technique that they used against one of our team members in a tournament while representing a different team or vice versa? Also, by letting practioners that do not compete, but still train at their own school come an take classes, they will teach their home team the techniques to use against us, which I refer to indirectly teaching other schools to compete against us.

Rex did not want to comply to this rule as well as felt he needed a change so he left the team. We tried our best to talk him back in to the team, but he decided to leave.

We ask that all Relson Gracie students DO NOT train at Rex's school. He has been telling some of the guys at our school to come over to train because he has an open door policy. This is AGAINST the rules of the Relson Gracie Team. If you would like to train with other guys, you are welcome to train at the other Relson Gracie Associations (other than O2MAA on different days) such as Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, Team HK, Kaneohe Team, Queen St. Academy, Hawaii Kai, Gracie Kahalu'u, and Kauai Technical Institute and these are all schools just in Hawaii so there are many options for our teach to get some fresh bodies to roll with and still stay within the team. Relson has many schools on the mainland as well that you will be welcomed with open arms.

Please spread the word if you bump in to other students.

1/28/08

O2MAA will be Open on Super Bowl Sunday!
I have confirmed with Chris that he will be teaching next Sunday which is a national holiday (at least as far as I am concerned). The kids classes will be run as normal and there will be open mat for our students.

Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu BBQ at Ala Moana Beach Park!

Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu is hosting a BBQ at Ala Moana Beach Park and all of 02MAA is invited.

It will be on Saturday, Feb 9 and will be at Ala Moana Beach Park on the Ewa End of the park. The site number is 27.

It will be potluck as usual so bring a small dish and hang out with the team. Brush up on your volleyball skills because we will be playing!

Hope you can make it!

1/26/08

Relson Gracie Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy
8:00 - 10:00PM
Tuesday, 2/26/08

All O2MAA students are welcome attend. This will count as a regular class.


1/25/08

Congratulations to 2 O2MAA Members!

Bo Suh has been a fixture at our academy, but moved back to New York after getting out of the military and returned to training with Team Renzo Gracie. Bo was just awarded his purple belt by Nick Serra. Congatulations brother, you deserve it!

And our O2MAA family has grown by one more member. Jan Combs recently delivered a bouncing baby boy. Tanner Kala Combs was born on Monday, 1/21/08 at 5:18 am. This kid is going to be part of our heavyweight team because he weighed in at a healthy 7lbs 13oz. Congratulations to Garry and Jan and their beautiful baby!


12/16/07

O2 Martial Arts Academy In-School Gi & No Gi Tournament
Today!

Sunday, December 16, 2007 @ 5:30PM

Pre-register by Wednesday, Dec 12 (if possible).

Walk ins ok!

The tournament will be held at:
O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kamehameha Hwy, #208A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
(Between Best Buy & Cutter Ford Aiea, Above Goodwill)

Open to ALL Relson Gracie affiliates
$20 Entry fee

Weight Divisions*
Up to 150lbs
150 - 175lbs
176 - 200lbs
200 and over

Belt Divisions (Gi/No Gi) Time Limits
White/Novice 5:00 Min
Blue/Intermediate 6:00 Min
Purple/Advanced 7:00 Min

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Rules (points & advantages)

*Kids divisions will be determined at time of event by amount of entrants

Sorry, this is not a spectator event due to space constrictions.

- Gain much needed tournament experience.
- Test your conditioning & try out new techniques.
- Build team loyalty with other affiliate schools.
- This will help you enter the next big tournament with more confidence!

For more information call Mike (808) 381-9530 or Chris (808) 381-5959 or email info@onzuka.com

11/29/07

O2 Martial Arts Academy Needs Help Moving In!

We will need some guys help moving the mats and other items in the new space and also installing the wall mats. We are planning on starting work on Saturday, December 1st at 8 AM. If you can come by and help, that would be great! I am sure we could use the man power.

Here are the list of things to do:
Install wall mats (if you have a screw gun/drill or screw driver, please bring it)
Move floor mats in to new space
Install the wall fans
Install the door hardware
Move the desk, refrigerator, chair, benches, etc
Move the lockers and roller shelves
Install the wall mirrors
Install the eye hooks in the beam and the heavy bags
Install the puzzle floor mats (what we have now which we will need to get more).

Sorry for the late notice, but we are trying to rush to get everything done and have been working to 2 and 3 am almost every night since Friday.

11/19/07

O2 Martial Arts Academy In-School Gi & No Gi Tournament

Sunday, December 16, 2007 @ 5:30PM
Pre-register by Wednesday, Dec 12 (if possible).

Walk ins ok!

The tournament will be held at:
O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kamehameha Hwy, #208A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
(Between Best Buy & Cutter Ford Aiea, Above Goodwill)

Open to ALL Relson Gracie affiliates
$20 Entry fee

Weight Divisions*
Up to 150lbs
150 - 175lbs
176 - 200lbs
200 and over

Belt Divisions (Gi/No Gi) Time Limits
White/Novice 5:00 Min
Blue/Intermediate 6:00 Min
Purple/Advanced 7:00 Min

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Rules (points & advantages)

*Kids divisions will be determined at time of event by amount of entrants

Sorry, this is not a spectator event due to space constrictions.

- Gain much needed tournament experience.
- Test your conditioning & try out new techniques.
- Build team loyalty with other affiliate schools.
- This will help you enter the next big tournament with more confidence!

For more information call Mike (808) 381-9530 or Chris (808) 381-5959 or email info@onzuka.com

11/18/07

O2 Martial Arts Academy X-mas Party!

Please spread the word to anyone else in class because we are probably missing a bunch of people.

You are cordially invited to our annual O2 Martial Arts Academy X-mas party!

Here are the specifics:

When: Saturday, December 8, 2007

Time: 6:00 pm to ?

Where: Mike's House (email us for directions)
381-9530 Mike's Cell/40434 Mike's Nextel Private ID
381-5959 Chris' cell

Who is invited: All O2MAA students and your families.

What to bring: This will be a potluck so let us know what you plan on bringing so we can try to not duplicate too many dishes. You don't have to go hog wild with stuff and spend too much money. If you bring the equivalent of a $10 dish or so, we will have a ton of food. Last year, we had plenty of food. We want this to be an inexpensive, fun time to share with our team and our families.

Schedule:
6:00PM - Party starts
7:00PM - Announcement by Chris & Mike and dinner is served!
8:00-8:30PM - Grazy Times movie starts?
8:30PM - $1 Bingo Starts
9:30PM - PS2 Tournament Starts
We will play it by ear on the schedule as usual.

What we have planned so far (everything is tentative at this point)

1. Grazy Times - An annual videography of the past year compiled by award
winning video producer and videographer Gye Nitta. (Hopefully Gye has been working on this!)

2. PS/2 tournament. $5 entry fee with all the money being distributed to the top three placers. The top three placers will be immortalized on our Kick Ass Tournament Trophy! Don't worry for those who don't play, we handicap the experienced players to make it fair.

3. Bingo for cash! $1 a game or so and the winner gets the pot. We did this last year and it was a blast.

We are open to any other ideas that you may have, but please suggest something quick so we have time to set it up and get the things that we need to make it happen.

Please RSVP as soon as possible by email (preferably, info@onzuka.com or just reply to this email) or phone with who is coming and if you are bringing your kids.

10/13/07

2007 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Champ Rani Yahya Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy This Wednesday 11/14!

Thanks to Burton Richardson, who has arranged a No Gi Submission Wrestling seminar with the best submission grappler in the world and active MMA fighter, Rani Yahya. Rani has a myriad of titles in submission grappling, but is most known for coming out of no where after living and training with Rickson Gracie to win the Brazilian Abu Dhabi trials only to come short that year (2005). However 2007 was going to be different and Rani dethroned multiple time champ Leo Vierra to capture the title and bragging rights of being the world's best submission grappler. Rani has also been regularly competing in MMA and was featured on WEC Wreckage competing in MMA, most notably beating UFC veteran, Mike Hominick.

Here are the details of this once in a lifetime seminar!

What: 2007 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Champion, Rani Yahya
No Gi Submission Wrestling Seminar

When: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Time: 6:00 - 8:00PM

Where: O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kam Hwy, #206A (second floor)
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
(between Best Buy and Cutter Ford Aiea)

Cost: $40 per person

10/23/07

Kaleo & Mike Leave Wednesday for ShoXC

O2MAA and Eastsidaz's Kaleo Kwan leaves Wednesday for Santa Inez, California for his fight on ShoXC against the Muay Thai fighter Malaipet. The fight will be an MMA event and the first of his three fight contract with EliteXC.

Mike, Shelden Saiki, and Koa Ramos from O2MAA will be there to support Kaleo and Mike, along with Mike Malone will corner Kaleo. Eastsidaz that will be coming as well include Kimo Wolfel and James.

Also coming is Kaleo's wife, son, two nephews, and their friend. He will have a good sized cheering section with all of us there.

Please say a prayer for Kaleo that he performs to the level that we all know that he can and defeats Malaipet in this event which will be aired nationally on Showtime.

There will be a viewing at Tsunami's on Keeaumoku and at the Icon Gym on Kalanianaole for those interested in seeing the fight.

Good luck Kaleo!

10/22/07

Hawaiian kickboxer joins Kau Inoa, places his name
Written by Public Information Office
Friday, 19 October 2007

Native Hawaiian MMA fighter Kaleo Kwan, right, signed papers yesterday placing his name in the Kau Inoa registry. Kwan also agreed to help spread the word about Kau Inoa. At left is Kwan's trainer, Mike Onzuka. Lisa Asato photo.

Hawaiian kickboxer joins Kau Inoa, places his name

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Governance Hale announced yesterday a new partnership formed with professional boxer, kickboxer and mixed-martial arts (MMA) fighter Kaleo Kwan. Kwan is of Native Hawaiian ancestry, born and raised in Waimanalo.

Po'alima, 26 'Okakopa 2007, Kwan will be fighting in Las Vegas, Nevada for ShoXC. Kwan’s fight will be aired on the Showtime national network, where he will be wearing Kau Inoa gear.

"This is a great opportunity for us to embark on new territory and gather more Hawaiians from across the US," said Kaelene Nihipali of Hawaiian Governance Hale. "Please help us in welcoming Kaleo to the OHA ‘Ohana, and show your support for him in his upcoming ventures."

Kwan has also agreed to promote Kau Inoa by appearing in a television commercial urging Hawaiians to "place their name" on the Kau Inoa rolls.

Native Hawaiian MMA fighter Kaleo Kwan, left, greeted OHA Hawaiian Governance Hale Director Theresa Bigbie yesterday. Lisa Asato photo.

Kwan is the second Native Hawaiian MMA fighter to partner with OHA.

Earlier this year, fighter BJ Penn agreed to support the Kau Inoa effort. He is currently appearing in a multimedia campaign that includes print ads, radio spots and television commercials.

Penn fought for the UFC lightweight title in 2001, but lost in a close decision. In subsequent fights, he went up a division to welterweight and won the belt, only to have it stripped later when he left the UFC.

Next month, Penn gets another shot at the UFC lightweight title belt.


Kaleo Kwan and Mike Onzuka with the OHA Hawaiian Governance Hale group, yesterday. Lisa Asato photo.

For more information on Kaleo Kwan, please see http://www.proelite.com , or on his trainer Mike Onzuka's site at http://www.onzuka.com .

For more information on ShoXC, see http://www.elitexc.com .

For more information on BJ Penn, please see http://www.bjpenn.com .

For more information on Kau Inoa, please see http://www.oha.org

Source: Oha.org

9/10/07

Ryan Cabinian Dominates at HFC!

O2MAA family member Ryan Cabinian dominated defending champ Donald Gonzales of BJ Penn's MMA on Saturday night at the Hawaii Fighting Championships. Ryan executed perfect strategy and used his unstoppable wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu technique to dominate the match from start to finish. Ryan and Donald did trade and Donald hit Ryan with some good shots, but was unable to hurt him. Donald has been knocking out everyone as of late and has one punch knockout power so it was a huge step up in competition for the debut of Ryan.

Congratulations to Ryan on his win and we appreciate him and his family always supporting O2 Martial Arts Academy and us!

9/10/07 & 9/11/07

Kimo Kreis Returns to the O2 Martial Arts Academy!

Relson Gracie Black Belt Kimo Kreis will be teaching this Monday (9/10) 6:30PM class and Tuesday (9/11) 8:00PM class at O2 Martial Arts Academy. Kimo is a black belt under Relson Gracie, but started his Jiu-Jitsu career at O2MAA back when it was known as the Relson Gracie Aiea Academy. Kimo is in town for a couple of weeks before heading to California to open a Relson Gracie association there.

9/3/07

No Class Monday!

In observance of Labor Day, O2MAA will be closed. We will re-open on Tuesday!

In case you did not see it, the holiday schedule is posted on the window (both inside and out).

8/26/07

O2MAA and Relson Team World Championship Update!

Kron Gracie (son of Rickson) beat Hawaii's own Rylan Lizares (who took 3rd place) by choke and choked his opponent from the mount in the finals to take the brown belt championship in his weight class.

Kyle Snyder-Olivares loss by 3-0 (guard pass) in the open weight purple belt.

Kaleo Hosaka lost by 6-0 from a hip heist to mount with 1 min left.

Roger Gracie is in the finals of the absolute and his weight class of the black belt division.

Jake Mapes of Maui JJ won his first match and then was submitted by arm bar in his weight class and was submitted in the first round of the absolute. I think I got that right.

8/24/07

O2MAA and Relson Team World Championship Update!

Mikey Bright of Kaneohe Team lost his first match by 2 points.

Dave Chew from the main academy won his first match 8-0, but lost his second match by 9-4.

Pono Panangaran that runs Relson's Kauai school lost by armbar in the purple belt division, but was doing well.

Kyle Snyder-Olivares won his first match 2-0 in the purple belt, but lost his second match 6-0 off a BS takedown and while rushing to get the takedown back slipped to his back and his grips were shot.

8/23/07

O2MAA and Relson Team World Championship Update!

Jensen Kona lost by 6 points in his first match. He was down by 2 advantages and had to try for a last minute take down. Rex Manglicmot lost his first match by armbar.

Robert "Les" Felipe's registration got screwed up so he could not compete.

Lindsey Arcangel lost by 5 or 7 points, but had his opponent in a tight triangle at the end of the match.

Assistant Instructor Kyle Snyder-Olivares was reunited with the team after moving to California. He is competing in a day or two and is about 180 lbs and solid.

Pono Pananganan from Kauai, Dave Chew from the main academy, and Mikey Bright from Kaneohe Team is up there with Chris and the team.

8/5/07

Promotion Days!

We always say that we are terrible motivators using belt promotions. We are concentrating so much on getting all of you better by our teaching methods, drills, and sparring that usually belt promotions are one of the last things we think of. Also, we want to keep the integrity of the belts so that if you get a belt promotion, you can compete at the World Championship level. Some people take longer than others, but that is because some people are just more athletically inclined, have past experience that helps them absorb Jiu-Jitsu faster like wrestled or played judo previously, and/or have more time to invest in training which will naturally produce faster results.

We will be having two big days of promotions on Monday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 21. If you train on Mondays and Fridays, please try to make it on Aug 20 and if you train any of the other days (Tue - Thurs), please come on Aug 21.

Please help us spread the word and don't worry, you will not influence us to give you a belt or stripe by showing up or helping spread the word. You will get a promotion if you deserve it. We do not do charity work. We always say that a white belt is the last belt that you buy and that it is our honor to promote the students that train with us and invest their time and hard earned money with us. It would be a crime for us to give someone a belt that does not deserve it because we would be providing a false sense of security which could be life threatening. Our jobs are to teach you self-defense, build self-confidence, and self-worth as well as influence you to be an overall moral and ethical person by leading by example. Belt promotions based on taking a certain number of classes do not ensure that you have absorbed the material and can apply it properly. This can only be determined on a personal level for each student. Just enjoy Jiu-Jitsu, pay attention in class, and try the techniques while sparring. You will get better.

Our feeling was always that a student should never ask for a promotion because it cheapens the entire system of belt promotions. In fact, the guys who ask to be promoted usually get put in the back of the line.

See you all on Aug 20th and 21st!

7/31/07

The Boys have a Blast in Maui!

As expected, we did some male/team bonding during this trip. We get to learn a lot about each other when you have to stay with about 10 guys within 3 rooms and a living room. We also learned that if you plan on going out, you should not let a Tomimatsu participate in a drinking game called quarters. Now Kevin's name is "Crash and Burn" Tomimatsu. Please feel free to call him that. He'll understand. Another life lesson for the guys is never, ever fall asleep early with the other guys up. For all of you that did not come, you may want to make sure you make it to our annual X-mas party where we wil probably have our resident video editing guru, Gye Nitta, make a special "Adult" version of a video where it will show what happens to the boys that take a light nap. We have a special way of waking them up that I'm sure you will enjoy. We did.

We had mixed results, but all the boys did well and showed a lot of technique which is what is important. Shane had a fluke injury at about 1-1/2 minutes in to his match with Kaleo Lopez of Kamole. While they were jocking for position standing, Kaleo's thumb accidentally went right in to Shane's eye and cause a decent cut on his eye lid right near his eye. I made the call to pull Shane out of the match because I did not want him to risk further injury. He was bummed of course, but for the guys who don't know, I am blind in my right eye. I am forever worried that if I lose sight in my left eye, I am screwed for life and my money making skills are gone. I would never put anyone in this position if I could help it and I could definitely help it with Shane so it was a no brainer to pull him out. He trained his ass off, but I always say that you judge a man by his character and character is developed by how you handle disappointments and losses. Shane will bounce back and is itching to get back to training. Just do me a favor and keep him from sparring for at least 2-3 weeks until that cut heals so he can get back to 100%.

For those who missed this tournament, we set an all time record by finishing the tournament a little after 5 pm! The tournament ran extremely smooth with at least 4 matches going at one time and some times 6 matches going on during the Kid's division. The staff did a great job at keeping the tournament moving and the competitors put on a great show for everyone!

Don't miss next year's event!

Results

Team Competition Standings

1st Place Maui Jiu-Jitsu 68 Points
2nd Place Relson Gracie 44 Points
3rd Place Longman 38 Points
Brazilian Freestyle 22 Points
New Life Martial Arts 8 Points
KG Jiu-Jitsu 7 Points
Ka Mole Jiu-Jitsu 6 Points
Fight For Life 3 Points
BJ Penn 3 Points
Gracie Kailua 3 Points

Keiki

6-8yrs

1st Place Josiah Patao (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Makoa Dasilva (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

1st Place Maven Walker (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Journey Enosara (Relson/Papakolea)

1st Place Wailani Villas-Boas (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Imehana Villas-Boas (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

9-10yrs

1st Place Micah Vanatta (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Blake Cramer (KG Jiu-Jitsu)

1st Place JD Walker (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Noah Yap (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)

1st Place Micah Vanatta (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Sunnie Saffery (Relson/Papakolea)

1st Place Jeremiah Patao (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Blake Cramer (KG Jiu-Jitsu)

10-11yrs

1st Place Slayden Lloyd (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Forrest Elmer (New Life Martial Arts)

10-12yrs

1st Place Bobby Castle (KG Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Edward Ai (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

1st Place Neysha Laumatia (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Sam Warren (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

12-13yrs

1st Place Kaile Heredia (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Kobi Price-Bisera (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

1st Place Bryan Peralta (Relson)
2nd Place Rex Hazuka (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

13-14yrs

1st Place Hunter Hazuka (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Paul Pestana (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

14-16yrs

1st Place Braden Rapozo (Ka Mole)
2nd Place Kainalu King (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

15yrs

1st Place Aldene Sumic (New Life Martial Arts)
2nd Place Jacob Birch (New Life Martial Arts)


Adult

White Belt

Super Feather Weight (141 lbs.)

1st Place Chris Aubrey (Longman Kona)
2nd Place Brandon Finley (KG Jiu-Jitsu)

Feather Weight (154 lbs.)

1st Place Chris Kono (Relson/Papakolea)
2nd Place Austin Rapozo (Ka Mole)

Light Weight (167.5 lbs.)

1st Place Darin Ho (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Luke Dumaran (Fight For Life)

Middle Weight (181 lbs.)

1st Place David Tirado (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Sulu Kahele (Longman Kona)

Med/Heavy Weight (194.5 lbs.)

1st Place Fredrick Puou (New Life)
2nd Place Aaron Moskua (Fight For Life)

Med/Heavy Weight Masters (194.5 lbs.)

1st Place Sage Spalding (Relson)
2nd Place Gilberto Castro (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Heavy Weight (207.5 lbs.)

1st Place Kris Lieber (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place August Zilisch (Fight For Life)

Super Weight (221 lbs.)

1st Place Anthony Chang (Longman)
2nd Place Richard Agdeppa (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Open

1st Place Anthony Chang (Longman)
2nd Place Andrew Francisco (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Blue Belt

Super Feather Weight (141 lbs.)

1st Place Daniel Morales (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Kevin Kennedy (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Feather Weight (154 lbs.)

1st Place Brian Pate (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Regi Morales (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)

Feather Weight Masters (154 lbs.)

1st Place Robert Nagao (Relson/Kauai Technical Inst.)
2nd Place Sergio Lussich (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Light Weight (167.5 lbs.)

1st Place Lindsey Arcangel (Relson/O2 Martial Arts Academy)
2nd Place Colin Messer (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Middle Weight (181 lbs.)

1st Place Kawika Stewart (Longman)
2nd Place Brooks Navares (Gracie Kailua)

Med/Heavy Weight (194.5 lbs.)

1st Place Gavin Pamarang (BJ Penn)
2nd Place Lars Chase (Relson/O2 Martial Arts Academy)

Super Heavy (221 lbs.)

1st Place Blane Dorton (Relson/O2 Martial Arts Academy)
2nd Place Russel Morita (KG Jiu-Jitsu)

Absolute (222+ lbs.)

1st Place Sam Streep (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Kelly Kobayashi (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Open

1st Place Blane Dorton (Relson/O2 Martial Arts Academy)
2nd Place J oel Bouhey (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Women Open

1st Place Danyel Chirico (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Nancy Kapiko (Relson/Papakolea)

Purple Belt

Feather Weight (154 lbs.)

1st Place Jake Scoval (Longman)
2nd Place Alfredo Vilas-Boas (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Light Weight (167.5 lbs.)

1st Place Jonathan Moeller (Longman)
2nd Place Chris Andrion (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Middle Weight (181 lbs.)

1st Place Pono Pananganan (Relson/Kauai Technical Inst.)
2nd Place Daniel Espinoza (Gracie Kailua)

Med/Heavy Weight (194.5 lbs.)

1st Place Alan Forsyth (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Kawika Ganancial (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Open

1st Place Jake Scoval (Longman)
2nd Place Jonathan Moeller (Longman)

Brown Belt

Light Weight (167.5 lbs.)

1st Place Luke Hacker (Longman)
2nd Place Kaleo Lopez (Ka Mole)

Med/Heavy Weight (194.5 lbs.)

1st Place Jake Mapes (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Ermin Fergerstrom (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)

Open

1st Place Gilson De Souza (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd Place Chris Nardi (Maui Jiu-Jitsu)

Black Belt Exhibition match

Jeff Glover (Las Vegas) defeated Aaron Moeller (Longman Kona)

6/21/07

Dan Henderson Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy!
Current Pride Lightweight & Middleweight Champion

When: Sunday, July 8, 2007

Time: 4:30-7:30PM

Where: O2 Martial Arts Academy
(between Best Buy & Cutter Ford Aiea)
(2nd floor above Small Engine Clinic)
98-019 Kamehameha Highway, #206A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701

Cost: $50

Space is limited so pre-pay to reserve your spot with the only man to hold championships in two categories in Pride at the same time and possibly could be the next UFC Light heavyweight champ! No spots will be held on verbal requests.

6/20/07

Upcoming Tournaments

Hawaiian Championships of BJJ
This Saturday, June 23
UH Manoa Gym 1


Maui Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
July 29
Maui War Memorial
Let us know by signing up at the academy if you are interested in competing.

6/18/07
Relson Gracie Class at O2MAA Re-Scheduled

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007
8:30 - 9:30 PM (after the warm ups)
Cost: A normal class to O2MAA Students
(just the cost of your normal class, we will take care of the rest)

6/17/07

Jeff Glover Seminar Today!

Jeff Glover - BJJ Champion, ADCC Competitor

Today, Sunday, June 17, 2007
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Cost: $35

6/9/07

Upcoming Seminars at O2MAA

Relson Gracie

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007
8:30 - 9:30 PM (after the warm ups)
Cost: A normal class to O2MAA Students
(just the cost of your normal class, we will take care of the rest)

Jeff Glover - BJJ Champion, ADCC Competitor
Sunday, June 17, 2007
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Cost: $35

Mike Swain - Judo Olympian
Sunday, July 1, 2007
5:30 - 7:15 PM
Cost: $30, need to pre-pay to save your spot. Limited to 30
(Details below)
_____________________________________________________________________________

Mike Swain Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy
When: Sunday, July 1, 2007
Time: 5:30 - 7:15 pm
Where:
O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kam Hwy Unit 206A
Aiea, HI 96701
Cost: $30 (Must pay to reserve your spot)
Questions? Email:
info@onzuka.com

Directions to O2MAA:
We are located in the building between Best Buy and Cutter Ford Aiea on the second floor facing Shiro's.
We are above Goodwill, Small Engine Clinic and the Bike Shop on the second floor.

We are limiting the seminar to the first 30 people who sign up and PAY! No holding spots. The invitation to this seminar is open to ALL SCHOOLS!
You can also pay online by going to:
http://www.2takedown.com/

Bio of Mike Swain:

Mike is the first man from the Western Hemisphere, to win a gold medal at the World Championships, since its inception in 1956. The World Championships is a very prestigious tournament held only once, every two years. As a World Champion, 4 - time Olympian (bronze medalist in the Seoul Games) and 1996 Olympic Coach, Mike has gained a phenomenal amount of valuable knowledge and experience.

Throughout his many years of competition and coaching, Mike has traveled the world competing against and analyzing hundreds of different styles and techniques. His knowledge of standing techniques and ground work is unsurpassed.

Mike Swain

Born: 12/21/60 (Elizabeth, NJ), Height 5' 9", Weight 71 kg
Sport: JUDO - Fifth Degree Black Belt (Godan)
Business: Swain Sports International 408-286-5836
Wife: Chie Swain (1992 - 61kg Olympian - Brazil)
Father-in-law: Chiaki Ishii (1972 - 95kg Olympic Bronze Medalist - Brazil)
Books: Ashiwaza II (book), Mike Swain's Judo (video), Championship Newaza (video)

U.S. WORLD AND OLYMPIC HONORS

1977 Barcelona, Spain (World Team)
1980 Moscow, Russia (Olympic Team)
1983 Moscow, Russia (World Team)
1984 Los Angeles (Olympic Team)
1985 Seoul, Korea (World Team)
1987 Essen, Germany (World Team)
1988 Seoul, Korea (Olympic Team)
1989 Belgrade, Yugoslavia (World Team)
1992 Barcelona, Spain (Olympic Team)
1996 Atlanta (Men's Olympic Judo Coach)

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL MEDALS

GOLD

1987 World Championships - Essen Germany (Only American Male to ever win)
1987 Pan American Games - Indianapolis
1991 US Open
1988 Italian Open
1984 Czechoslovakian Open
1984 Belgian Open
1982 Dutch Open

SILVER

1989 World Championships - Belgrade, Yugoslavia
1985 World Championships - Seoul, Korea
1991 Sungkok Cup - Korea
1991 Pacific Rim Championships - Hawaii
1990 Goodwill Games - Seattle
1987 Shoriki Cup - Japan
1986 Kano Cup - Japan
1985 Matsumae Cup - Austria
1985, 1983 US Open
1977 Pan American Championship - Argentina

BRONZE

1988 Olympic Games - Seoul, Korea
1989 Pacific Rim Championships - China
1987 German Open
1985 Pacific Rim Championship - Japan
1984 German Open
1983 Pan American Games - Venezuela
1983 Pacific Rim Championships - Japan
1981 Dutch Open
1981, 1980 US Open

NATIONAL HONORS

5 - Time National Champion
4 - Time National Collegiate Champion
5 - Time Olympic Sports Festival Champion

6/9/07

Triple Crown BJJ Tournament date has been changed!

It has been changed to June 23 and will be held at UH Gym #1. All other information remains the same.

The 2nd leg of the Triple Crown series, 2007 HAWAIIAN OPEN OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU, has been confirmed. Due to circumstances beyond their control, Triple Crown organizers have been forced to change the tournament date to Saturday, June 23, 2007, at the University of Hawaii Gym #1 (next door to Klum Gym). Event organizers made every effort to maintain the original date, but after an exhaustive search through public, private and military facilities, little options were available and the date and venue had to be altered. Event organizers sincerely apologize for the added inconveniences and cost to some. Registration packets will be mailed to various schools and all details available and posted within the week.

5/19/07

Relson Gracie Academies In-School Tournament Results!

Gi Results

Kids White Belt 50 lb
1st Place: Maven Walker
2nd Place: Sunnie Saffrey

Kids White Belt 100 lb
1st Place: John Hommel
2nd Place: Devin Lee

Kids Open Belt
1st Place: Charnae Scott
2nd Place: Noah Cronin

Kids Open Belt 170 lb
1st Place: Seth Kapoi
2nd Place: Brandon Lopez

Adult White
Under 150
1st Place: Mathew Tapia
2nd Place: Jimenez Cortez

151-175 lbs
1st Place: Chris Templo
2nd Place: Joe Wigfall

176-200 lbs
1st Place: Ryan Matsuyama
2nd Place: Albert Napoleon

201 and over
1st Place: Vince Higa
2nd Place: Noah Canter

Adult Blue
151-175 lbs
1st Place: Xavier Seguiera
2nd Place: Travis Kashiwa

176-200 lbs
1st Place: Mika Johnson
2nd Place: Ryan Baqui


No-Gi Results

Kids White Belt 50 lb
1st Place: Sunnie Saffrey
2nd Place: Maven Walker

Kids White Under 100
1st Place: Noah Cronin
2nd Place: Devin Lee

Adult White
Under 150
1st Place: Seth Rodenbaugh
2nd Place: Neil Dacanay

151-175 lbs
1st Place: John Tetsutani
2nd Place: Jensen Kona

176-200 lbs
1st Place: Ryan Mastsuyama
2nd Place: Chaz Gomes

201 and over
1st Place: Robert Fisher
2nd Place: Noah Canter

Adult Blue

151-175 lbs
1st Place: Xavier Seguiera
2nd Place: Scott Inatsuka

176-200 lbs
1st Place: Tyson Seto-Mook
2nd Place: Lars Chase

5/14/07

O2 Martial Arts Academy Memorial Day Picnic!

We will be having a long overdue picnic on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Ala Moana Beach Park. This used to be a tradition for our academy on all three day weekends, but we let a few long weekends fall through the crack.

Here are the quick specifics:

What: O2 Martial Arts Academy Picnic
(Other Relson Gracie Academy students are always welcomed!)
When: Sunday, May 27, 2007
Time: 8:00 am to ? (usually all day and after the sun goes down)
Where: Ala Moana Beach Park (we usually try for the key hole in the middle of the park so we will be around that area)
What to bring: As always, it is a potluck so bring what ever you want. We usually tell everyone to keep the dishes to about $10-15 to keep it inexpensive. If everyone brings a little bit, we will have a lot of food. We always do.

We picked Sunday because Memorial day (Monday) is usually incredibly packed and this gives us time on Monday to relax and rest up for work on Tuesday.

If you just happen to be in the area on that day, just stop by. Don't worry about having to bring something. It's more about the companionship than anything else.

We will probably play volleyball and what ever else comes to mind.

Hope to see you there!

Class will be closed that day so that everyone can come to the beach!

5/6/07

Relson Gracie Academies In-School Tournament!

On Saturday, May 19th at 6:00 pm, we will be hosting another Gracie academy in-school tournament to prepare our team for Brazilian Freestyle's upcoming tournament on June 28. It will be held at the O2 Martial Arts Academy and the same deal applies as the last time:

- This time we will be doing gi and no gi.
- Please do not bring spectators because of the limited space.
- $20 to enter
- Try your best to register before the tournament date so that we can prep as much as we can to start on time.
- This is a no pressure tournament so if you have never competed before, this is a great opportunity to compete on a smaller scale and test yourself. For the guys who love to compete, this is another opportunity to hone your craft and see where your cardio is for the big upcoming tournament.
- This is a great team building opportunity so that you are familiar with the guys from the other schools so that we all can support each other at all the tournaments.
- We are doing on a Saturday this time so that Friday night traffic is not an issue.
- We will break up the weight classes as much as possible, but want want to give guys a lot of matches.
- We will be using CBJJ rules which is the international rules that are used in the Pan Ams and the World Championships. The main difference between the international rules and Brazilian Freestyle's (BFJJ) rules are there are no advantages in the BFJJ tournaments.

Everyone from a Relson Gracie Academy or Association are welcome to compete. No outside academies can compete.

The weight classes are:
Under 150
151-175
176-200
201 and over
This applies for gi and no gi.
Kids divisions will be determined when we have all the kids registered and will match them based on age and weight (the best we can).

We would welcome people to help us run the tournament. We would like three timekeepers/score takers and three guy to run the keys. If we have more, we can cycle the guys out to give them a rest. We ask that the purple and brown belts help with the refereeing. Even if you have not ref'd before, this is a good opportunity to get your feet wet. We will be there to coach you.

O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kam Hwy Suite 206A
Aiea, HI 96701
We are on the second floor of the building between Best Buy and Cutter Ford Aiea right on Kam Hwy. Park on the Diamond Head (Best Buy) side of the building and walk up that stairwell. Please do not park in front of any roll up door.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

4/19/07

Scott Devine Teaching Tonight!

Relson Gracie Black belt and one of the Relson Gracie Aiea Academy founders Scott Devine is in town and will be teaching tonight from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Scott is a very close friend and one of the first guys who we studied to learn how to teach Jiu-Jitsu from.

4/4/07

Daniel & Diego Moraes Seminar at the
Relson Gracie Main Academy!
Tonight!

BJJ Black belt and Mundial Champion Daniel and his brother Diego Moraes are set to share some of their best techniques at the Relson Gracie Main Academy on April 4th. Here are the details:

Daniel & Diego Moraes Seminar
Relson Gracie Main Academy
844 Queen Street, 2nd Floor
(Above Capone's Auto Detailing)
April 4, 2007
7:00-9:00PM
$40.00

Relson Gracie Belt Promotion The Same Night!

Also on the same night a huge belt promotion will take place at the Relson Gracie Main Academy! For the Relson Gracie Team and especially the
O2 Martial Arts Academy, this will be a huge one and we will be shutting down our classes that night so everyone can attend. We are encouraging all O2 MAA students to attend!

The promotions will take place from 6:30-7:00PM.

4/1/07

Congratulations to PJ!

PJ had a tough fight at Icon Sport and gutted out three rounds against a very good wrestler. Although he lost, he showed great technique with his guard recovery, defense from the guard, and also was very active in the guard. He hurt his opponent a couple times during the fight and at the end of one round, his opponent actually walked to our corner. His opponent, Scott Anderson, was unknown to us because he was a last minute replacement because PJ's original opponent had to pull out because he blew out his knee. PJ was banged up prior to the fight, but there was no way he was going to pull out. He sucked it up and fought a tough fight. We are very proud that PJ represented our academy and he is looking forward to fighting again soon.

3/21/07

Icon Sport Tickets for Sale!

Icon Sports promoters have dropped off some special school rate tickets for us to sell. They are in the "O" section in the risers on row 7 and 8. They are $50 which are a $5 discount and no handling fee. Please contact Mike and Chris immediately if you are interested by shooting us an email. We are going to hold the tickets until early next week and then give them back to the promoters so that they can sell them for the event.

O2MAA's own PJ Dean will be fighting on the card so come support him on 3/31/07 at Blaisdell Arena.

3/20/07

Congratulations to O2MAA's Kickboxing Instructor Kaleo Kwan!

This past Saturday at X-1, O2 Martial Arts Academy's kickboxing instructor, Kaleo Kwan, won a unanimous decision over 6 time world kickboxing champion and one of the most successful kickboxers from Hawaii, Danny Steele. Kaleo executed perfect strategy by staying outside of Danny's lethal leg kicks, only to come in to strike and tie up. Kaleo used his superior hand speed and movement to consistently tag Steele and was hardly hit during the three round fight.

2/12/07

Chris Slavens will Guest Instruct for Kickboxing on Thurs!

Long time student and chief recruiter for the school for a number of years, Chris Slavens, just happens to be an incredible boxer and a phenominal teacher. He blew us all away the last time he taught with his ability to break everything down to the vital components in regards to stance, defense, and offense.

Don't miss this class!

2/10/07

In School Tournament is Coming Soon!

Flyer/Registration forms have been delivered to the main academy and some left for Ronn Shiraki to take to the Kaneohe Team. I delivered a bunch to Kaleo Auwae for the Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu and Bernard Villanueva delivered some to Team HK. Hopefully every school has a bunch of people coming to enter the tournament so that the entire Relson Gracie Team is thoroughly prepared for Romolo's tournament on March 10th.

We are now accepting registrations and payment for the upcoming tournament. Anyone that wants to weigh in the week of the tournament will be allowed to do so as long as they are walking around at a weight that is comfortably within the boundaries. All O2 students should weigh themselves Wed (2/21) or Thurs (2/22) so that we do not waste time weighing people in on the tournament day. Any other academy that wants to stop by to weigh in is encouraged to do so as well. We want to hit the ground running on Friday so that we can get out of there at a decent hour.

O2 Martial Arts Academy In School Gi Tournament
When: Friday, February 23, 2007
Cost: $20
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: O2 Martial Arts Academy
98-019 Kam Hwy Unit 206A (Second Floor)
Aiea, HI 96701
We are in the building between Best Buy and Cutter Ford Aiea (for all the other schools that are coming)
Weight Classes:
Under 150
151 - 175
176 - 200
201 and above

We want to maximize the amount of matches for the competitors, get tournament experience, test your cardio, build team loyalty, get comfortable with your teammates and instructors from the other academies.

We look forward to seeing you at the tournament!

2/9/07

A Huge Thanks to Nakano-san & Kasahara-san!

Thanks to Mark Kurano for bringing his friends from Japan, one of whom just happen to be a world class Judoka to the O2 Martial Arts Academy last night. He taught some fundamental throws, but he taught them the way he performs them at the world class level. Due to this class alone, he helped to totally revamp most our theories and practical aspects of our Judo and introduced the elite level of Judo to the whole academy.

Shintaro Nakano is a member of the All Japan Judo Team, first competing at 60kg and then moving up in weight to perform even better at the 69kg division. I believe he is currently ranked 5th in Japan.

Takeyuki Kasahara also accompanied Nakano-san. Kasahara is sponsored by Secon (a Japanese securities firm) and a Chuo University player. He was a master of the uchimata and was catching everyone with it, with total control. Everyone, especially me, appreciated the soft landing due to his skill level performing this throw.

These guys were awesome to learn from and they took on all comers in randori (sparring), often causing the whole academy to gasp, then cheer all the while being thoroughly impressed.

2/8/07

Triple Congratulations!

Just last night at about 2 am, one of our best friends and the God parents to my son, had their second baby girl. Congratulations to Ian and Jocelyn Beltran! Ian teaches our Escrima (Filipino Stickfighting) classes at our school, O2 Martial Arts Academy. Mother and baby are doing well and resting at Queens Hospital. I'm sure that big sister Sage is in for a rude awaking now that she is not the only child in the house. heh heh.

Congratulations also to another one of our best friends and assistant instructor Rex Barnum had a baby girl around a month ago. He came back to class the other night and everyone is doing well.

Lastly, a huge promotion for us at O2 was our latest brown belt was awarded to Brandon Bernardino who is Shane, Chris, and my right hand man and has been ripping up the mats as usual. We could not hold him back any longer. Relson came by to teach a class on Tuesday night and awarded him his brown belt.

2/7/07

Relson at O2

Relson Gracie stopped by at O2 and taught a class to a packed house of about 45 students. He taught the step up to his guard, submissions, and some sweeps. Everyone loved it. We will try to bring him back once every couple months so that our guys can get a chance to learn from the man who taught us.

1/24/07

Kickboxing at O2 has Officially Begun!

We are excited to start boxing and kickboxing classes on Thursday, February 1, 2007. We have none other than Kaleo Kwan as the head instructor. Kaleo is a numerous boxing and kickboxing champion as well as a successful MMA competitor. The classes will be from 6:30-8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In order to have a better time for the kickboxing class, we are pushing back our Tuesday Jiu-Jitsu classes to 8:00-10:00 pm so that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will now all have consistent class times. If you missed the two seminars that Kaleo gave, you missed out. The payment for his classes will be like any other Jiu-Jitsu or Escrima class and you can take any combination of the three classes so the multiple class discount applies. He is a great instructor and very personable. We have known him and have been friends with him for years so we guarantee that you will thoroughly enjoy his classes!

Check out the new schedule!

1/23/07

O2 and Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Team up for BBQ

We are having a picnic at the Beach for our school as well as our brother school, Papakolea Fight Club. PFC is celebrating their 2nd anniversary and we have not had a BBQ at the beach for a while so we decided to combine the affair so that everyone gets to meet each other from the different schools to bring the schools closer together. I believe the spot is space 27 and it is located on the Ewa end of the beach park on the mauka (mountain) side of the park just as you make your first bend after entering the park from the Ewa end entrance. It is a potluck so bring something small and make sure you bring your family for a day of fun at the beach. We will be playing volleyball, among other things and just hanging out. Please try to make it because we are sure that you will enjoy yourself!

Where: Ala Moana Beach Park, Lot 27
When: This Saturday, Jan 27
Time: 8:00 am to ?
What to bring: Potluck and your family!



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