February 2026 | Episode #22
One year ago, we were asking ourselves how to build a youth jiu-jitsu program from the ground up.
Starting something brand new with so much to cover seemed like an almost insurmountable task. Which games should we play? What techniques would we teach first? What middle school slangs do we have to learn to sound cool and relatable? (Hint: we’re still not cool)
But like the iconic Shel Silverstein poem about Melinda Mae, the key to doing anything begins one small bite at a time.
So we started with our values. Teaching sound fundamentals, developing real technique, and reinforcing the virtues central to martial arts - discipline, respect, and accountability. We wanted our students to become competent grapplers, but more importantly, we wanted them to be kind humans.
Over the past year, one lesson has stood out above the rest. Progress happens fastest when kids are in an environment that they feel supported.
Assistant Coach Mike Pflueger is a lifelong grappler and father of Silas and Elijah, two boys in the program. “Kids are incredibly capable problem-solvers,” says Coach Mike. “The problem is if they don’t feel like they are in a fun and safe space, they won’t settle in and discover it for themselves.”
That perspective has shaped the way we coach. We’ve focused less on rushing outcomes and more on creating an environment where everyone feel welcome and respected. Where expectations are clear, but pressure stays low. And where each student is allowed to progress at their own pace.
Some will gravitate toward competition, while others just want to enjoy the process - something Coach Mike sees from his two sons. “Silas would compete every day if we allowed him, but Elijah has no really desire. Having a place that they both can be excited to come to and grow in their abilities is really important.”
One year in, our classes are full of energy, encouragement, and visible growth. Kids are learning how to work through challenges, support their teammates, and enjoy the journey along the way. Here’s to more of the same in Year 2!
Pictured: Brothers Finn and Roen Gourley warm up for class.
What Jiu-jitsu Teaches Kids
It’s okay to try new things.
You don’t always win - and that’s okay. You can always learn.
You’re tougher than you think!
Your teammates want (and need) you there.
You’re capable of figuring it out, you just have to apply yourself.
Everyone - big or small - has their own advantages.
Progress comes from consistently showing up, not being perfect.
Being a good training partner is more important than being the best.
True self-confidence is built over time.
With great power comes great responsibility
Technique of the Month:
KING OF THE HILL
If you weren’t prepared, the rhythmic chants may give you flashbacks of Tina Turner in the Thunderdome. Competitors focused and waiting for the bell. Teammates anxiously awaiting their turn. Parents craning their necks for a better view.
This is King of the Hill.
Pictured: Lincoln and Amir await the whistle.
The signature ending of Saturday’s Youth classes, Uncle Matt’s concoction is just as much entertainment as it is preparation. “We first started it to get our Youth team ready for their first tournament,” Coach Matt Hansen explains. “Often times matches come down to the final 30 or 60 seconds and it’s important to simulate the intensity of competition before the tournament day.”
The approach proved successful with all LŌKAHI youth athletes earning medals that day. And even once the tournament wrapped up, the game stuck.
“It’s a great way for them to get a live round working from the positions we just covered that day,” Coach Matt continues. “You also get to see how your technique holds up against teammates of different sizes.”
The Game:
King of the Hill starts with a weight line, smallest on one end, biggest on the other. If the day’s lesson was on passing, one player gets to choose which position they’ll start in - top or bottom. Top has 30 seconds to pass. If they do, they stay. If they don’t, bottom stays. Winner chooses whether they’ll be top or bottom next.
“What’s really neat is watching the kids learn and start figuring it out under pressure,” comments Coach Matt. “They realize what’s working and before you know it, they’re on a hot streak - winning against people sometimes much larger than them.”
And that’s what develops real self-confidence. The kind that can only come from believing that you can succeed. It’s not found in books. It’s not learned by memorizing katas or endless techniques. True self-confidence comes from successfully applying knowledge when it counts - and that’s what Jiu-jitsu is all about.
Pictured: Luca v Finn - the final match-up of the morning.
“The training at Lokahi is top notch and accessible to all skill levels. But what truly sets this place apart are the people and culture within. It’s truly one of a kind. I can not recommend them enough.
”
Upcoming Local Tournaments
February 7th - SubSpectrum SubZero
Des Moines, IA
March 14th - NewBreed
Kansas City, MO
March 28th - Grappling Industries
Kansas City, MO
April 11th - Nebraska Jiu-jitsu Spring Open
Lincoln, NE
April 25th - Fuji BJJ Spring Championships
Omaha, NE
May 9th - Submission Challenge
Lincoln, NE
May 9th - Sub Spectrum May Day
Des Moines, IA
Collective Member Spotlights:
OWEN & LINCOLN SANCHEZ
It’s hard to imagine a class without the Sanchez family present. Since day one, brothers Owen and Lincoln have been growing together on the LŌKAHI mats. Cheered on from the sidelines by mom and dad, Hilary and Carlos, the Sanchez boys jumped in headfirst without any previous grappling experience. But you wouldn’t know that by looking at them. Clocking in more than 100 classes each in their first year, the pair have become leaders in the gym and known in the tournament scene as two of LŌKAHI’s most active competitors.
As brothers sometimes are, the Owen and Lincoln couldn’t be more different. Owen, 8, is kind-hearted, thoughtful, and reserved, often steady and methodical in his approach. Lincoln, 6, brings a contagious energy to the mat, pairing enthusiasm with an infectious smile. They move through jiu-jitsu in their own ways, but both with the same willingness to learn and improve.
The path hasn’t always been easy, but the pair know how to support one another. Through tough rounds and tournaments, they can look across the mat and find the other close by - a reminder that they are never doing this alone.
FEBRUARY Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
3rd - Nolan Abbey
4th - Brian Sorensen
10th - Bill Reese
11th - Dominic Love
11th - Isaac Hiebert
15th - Nick O’Connell
21st - Alberto ‘Alex’ Recio
22nd - Chris He
23rd - Ivy Bolte
27th - Jake Hoatson
28th - Olive Farrell
29th - Gene Kowel
*Don’t see your birthday? Update your profile on the app or speak with someone at the front desk!
Pictured: Danielle Locklear watches over John and Ishaan’s passing game round.
“Great Environment 👍 👌 👍 👌 Excellent group of Jiu-jitsu Practitioners sharing there self expressions of the Beautiful skill we have together on one another. Thank you All !!
ROLLING POR VIDA!!!”
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