Excellent experience. Came with my son for a drop in. Coach Kaleo was welcoming from the beginning. Great coaching and the everyone made us feel welcomed. Definitely will come back. Mahalo read more

'm brand new to jiu-jitsu and only back home for a month, but from day one, Team Papakolea welcomed me like family. The coaches took the time to help me build a solid foundation and encouraged me to stay consistent, even knowing I'm only here for a short time. The vibe is super chill, no egos, just good people who love the art and help each other grow. Being able to start my BJJ journey back home with this kind of support means a lot. Super thankful to be part of this crew. If you're thinking about starting, I highly recommend this place. mahalos read more

BJJ is wildly popular and getting a roll in is easier than ever. When you are a traveler however, it can be an intimidating and daunting task to find an academy that isn't all about smashing the new person in town. Insert Kaleo and the AMAZING folks at Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu!! From the minute I showed up-a little tardy due to Apple Maps misbehaving-to after the wonderful conversation post-roll with Professor Kaleo, I was beyond impressed. If the family here can welcome in an outsider from the mainland like myself, just think of what they can do for a local. Bring your family and get hooked on what Jiu Jitsu can do for the entirety of your well being. I will DEFINITELY come back and roll again. Mahalo to my new, extended family at Team Papakolea for the rolls, education, and friendship! read more

See all

"Man, I'm out of shape. I should probably, maybe hit the gym or something." Sound familiar? Whether it's you or your friend who says it (it was me), we've all heard the annoying all-talk-no-action complaint before. I'd run once, get defeated by how out of shape I was, then somehow find an excuse to never run again. A friend of mine recommended training jiu-jitsu with Professor Kaleo. First class was free, so I thought why not. It's been a month and I'm so happy I went for it. I've yet to have that, "Ugh, I don't want to work out today" feeling. Top reason why? Everyone is so encouraging. There's NO feeling of intimidation at all. I looked like a goof (still do) doing some of the exercises. But as Prof Kaleo put it, there's no shame because we all had to start from the bottom. The adult classes start at 7:30pm and last for about two hours. There are three parts to it: warm ups (which is an intense work out in itself), self-defense drills, and then free rolling to end the night. I joined with the intention of getting in shape, but I leave every day learning something new. You'll hear this a lot: "Better to know jiu-jitsu and not need it, than need jiu-jitsu and not know it at all." It's a no lose situation. This team is tight. They're very obviously a family and will treat you like one of their own the moment you step on their mat. Good vibes that make you want to come back every time. Extra info that might help: - Parking is easy to find. If you can't find parking right in front of the rec center, there's more up and down the residential streets. - Very open air flow which makes it muuuuch easier to work out. - VERY easy for beginners to get into. Classes are catered to accommodate varying difficulties. - If after the first class you like it, talk to Professor Kaleo to figure out costs. Prices range according to how often you want to train a month. read more

Been training under Master Kaleo for a little over half a year now and it has been one of the greatest things I've ever done for myself. The people at this academy are all incredible individuals that sincerely care about each other. When I walk into practice, there is nothing but positive vibes and smiles. Everybody knows each other and if you don't know somebody, you will be acquainted by the end of the night. Master Kaleo is a very passionate instructor and is very wise with, not only his teaching of jiu-jitsu, but also how he presents himself and his academy. I am proud to be a part of this team and represent Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu because I look up to my instructor and his demeanor. Also, his knowledge of jiu-jitsu is beyond expansive and I learn something new every time I set foot on the mats. The academy is very clean and the mats on the hills of Papakolea are very spacious. I recommend to anybody, any age, who is looking for a new way to get into shape, or learn self-defense the Relson Gracie way, or even just curious on what the jiu-jitsu life is, to come stop by! read more

I have been training with Team Papakolea under Professor Kaleo Auwae coming up on two years. This unique and inviting training environment makes it an awesome place to learn the gentle art of jiu jitsu. As a female practitioner, safety and comfortability are often major concerns when training any martial art but here at Team Papakolea, there is a very strong feeling of ohana and pono which makes this environment a perfect fit for me or for any other female looking to get into shape, learn basic and effective self-defense techniques, or to simply learn an art. Professor Kaleo Auwae is an expert at his craft and has a unique ability to make jiu jitsu accessible to people of any age, gender, skill level, and fitness level. He teaches in a very tangible and applicable manner, making jiu jitsu fun and a realistically attainable skill. Jiu jitsu has changed my life and I challenge you to find anyone in this world who won't say the same. Come on down and try it out, your first class is free. The only way to get better at jiu jitsu, is to do jiu jitsu. See you on the mats! read more

Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu - Shining light on the kids class, starting at 6pm, Tuesdays an Thursdays. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I actually found out about this BJJ academy from YELPing what academy's were around my neighborhood. I read nothing but good reviews about Team Papakolea so it only made sense to give it a try. I called up Professor Kaleo to inquire about the class times and we ended up talking on the phone longer than expected, I felt nothing but good vibes so I decided to check out a class that night. As I arrived, Professor Kaleo and his students welcomed me with open arms. He also gave me the option of sitting in and observing the class or actually take part in it. So of course I joined in! As we started with warm ups, I found my self puzzled with the moves that they were doing, so Professor Kaleo got on the mats to show me the correct technique while the other students were clapping and encouraging me. That made me feel really good and from just the warm ups alone, I knew that I wanted to belong to this academy. After want ups we partnered up and learned a few techniques from the Professor, then we "rolled". Despite the fact that I got tapped and chocked out, It was a great experience. So great that I went back the next day to sign up and been there since. The students there are very respectful and encouraging of one another, which was a big reflection of Professor Kaleo. So If you're looking to learn the true art of BJJ, come down for a free class. I can reassure that you won't be let down. read more

Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu Self Defense , Energetic "My family and I started training Jiu Jitsu with Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu in 2005. My husband and I were looking for a good cardio work out and fun way to keep fit. We learned that Jiu Jitsu was not only a great work out but Kaleo Auwae taught us to defend ourselves. We wanted that for our daughters and enrolled our seven and eight year old girls who are now twenty and twenty-one. Knowing that they are students of Kaleo Auwae and miles away in college brings us peace of mind because they are self reliant. As parents this new phase in our lives was hard to except but I'm happy to know that they have the tools to protect themselves." "Overall, my experience with Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu is a positive one! Great for children, men and women! Our team shows nothing but love and respect to anyone that comes to our academy so come train! If anyone has any questions please leave a comment to my review and I'll get back to you." Nancy Kapiko read more

I have been training with Kaleo and Team Papakolea close to 10 years. I have done some traveling and trained at other schools and this is by far the best school you will find anywhere. The first thing you'll notice is everyone is welcoming and encouraging, whether, you've been training a long time or you're brand new to jiu jitsu. Its a family environment and everyone is like family here. You will learn different aspects of jiu jitsu. Are you looking to get in shape? Come here. Are you looking to learn how to defend yourself? Come here. Are you looking to be a competitor? You can find that here, also. Whatever your goals, Kaleo and the team will help and encourage you to get there. Aloha and good vibes always at Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu. read more

My oldest son has been training with Kaleo and TPJJ since 2011 and my younger son since 2015 primarily to learn proper self defense techniques. My older son has had to use his jiu jitsu skills more then once and due to his commitment to the sport he was able to defend himself accordingly. My boys are all around athletes and Jiu Jitsu has definitely proved to help them upkeep a very strong core. Mahalo TPJJ read more

Kaleo is a great teacher! New school and old school techniques, he teaches it all, with a positive energy on top. Great place!! Great people!! read more

It is hard for me to really encapsulate how this school has helped me in my life. However, I must say that this practice and its people have changed my life. I am much more fit and aware of my body because of the functional exercises I have learned. I have also developed a real confidence and ability in addressing aggressive individuals with an effective plan to keep me safe. With these, I have fostered discipline, fortitude in difficult situations and a genuine camaraderie with my teammates. I treat my training as a spiritual practice. I feel once you see how it affects your life there is no going back to what you were doing before. read more

My son just started with Master Kaleo a little under a month ago and it has been amazing. Kaleo is an awesome instructor and great with kids. We are still a little fresh to the island, however we feel as if we have been acccepted into an extended family when we are here. read more

Professor Kaleo is top notch. His demeanor and ability to work with any skill level truly show his love for Jiu Jitsu. We were looking for a school to roll while on vacation. They were extremely welcoming and made it a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to anyone in the area. Normally my boys train 4-6 days a week in BJJ, so when we come back to Hawaii, we look forward to calling on Professor Kaleo and Team Papakolea to keep our training schedule up. read more

Kaleo is the most amazing teacher/professor/mentor/ROLE MODEL for the kids he teaches. I luckily enrolled my son in Kaleo's classes and he learned SO much.... focus, respect, goal setting, positivity, excellence of character IN ADDITION to learning jiu jitsu skills FROM THE BEST!! and enjoyed great exercise, and fun. I would not hesitate to highly recommend to anyone, adult or parents--definitely excellent for your children. He has adult classes too for all ability levels...even couch potatoes can excel here lol!! His rates are very reasonable and to me a bargain. For what he teaches these kids, he really should charge more. Go TPJJ!! read more

This was my first time visiting Professor Kaleo and his team and I was impressed! The hospitality, cleanliness, and vibe of the academy is awesome! Not to mention, the quality in technique and training partners are very abundant. I serve in the US military so the frequent traveling causes difficulties in being able to train with not only quality professors, but professors from my lineage in bjj under Relson Gracie. Whether you're just beginning your jiujitsu journey or a dedicated athlete, I highly recommend visiting Team Papakolea! You won't be disappointed and you will definitely benefit from the wealth of knowledge that professor Kaleo possesses. Mahalos to Professor Kaleo and his team for the warm welcome. Aloha! read more

A honest review from a happy parent ... Thank you Professor Kaleo, staff and Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu. My son is like any other five year old, he is active, social and ready to learn. After enrolling my son with Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu my wife and I saw a huge improvement in his everyday life. He is more attentive, follows direction a lot better and is more focused both at home and in school. As a parent you want what's best for your kids. Giving your kids the opportunity to learn the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu is one of the best things you can for both your kids and yourself. Professor Kaleo and his staff know how to communicate with kids of all ages. They teach respect, focus, and really helps the kids build their self esteem. My son eats and sleeps a lit better now too ... Feels great knowing my sons has a healthy life style!! The Gentle Art ... Let's be honest in this review!! The last thing I want is my son to be bullied or become a bully. These days that's all you read and see on social media. Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu teach and always remind their students to respect and help others in and out of class. Knowing my son can self defend without having to punch or kick anyone is really comforting to me. The staff is great and everyone is really welcoming. It's awesome to be greeted by other parents and students from the adult class. Really nice to see the adult class student helping and kids class too. It's like a growing family at Team Papakolea Jiu Jitsu. read more

AWESOME experience! I tried out the first free class, knowing NOTHING about jiu-jitsu and feeling pretty intimidated at first. However, my confidence grew quickly as everyone there is super welcoming and encouraging! A great atmosphere to learn in. Kaleo is a great instructor. I feel like I learned so much in just the first class and got a great workout. As a smaller framed girl, I always wanted to learn some defense techniques. I think this is the place for me to do that, while also gaining strength and flexibility. I left feeling exhausted but loved it! I definitely recommend this place and will be signing up for more classes! read more

Great people, Awesome instructor, exercise,self defense, and compassion. Is just a few things I get out of training here. Believe me I was a wreck till I started training here. Now I can hold a smile and I love it. Come get some!! Aloha! PL read more

I have been learning from Professor Kaleo for a long time. I have seen young kids learn about respect, focus, and friendship. Some have grown up to be well rounded, confident young adults now. Kaleo is a technical instructor who is easy to approach. He treats everyone as an equal and everyone treats each other like family. Workouts are exhausting (you can go at your own speed) but fun and rewarding! Teammates are very encouraging and friendly. read more