January 2026 | Episode #21
Welcome to 2026!
On New Year’s Day, Matt, Nolan, and I got together to reflect on the year that was and to chart our course for the year ahead. Eighteen months into officially launching LŌKAHI, there are still more things to do than there are hours in the day. Many of the challenges we face now weren’t even blips on our radar when our biggest concern was simply getting the doors open.
In case you’re wondering, here are a few of the entertaining and spirited discussions that filled our year:
“What color should we paint the second-floor lounge wall?”
“What’s the right ratio of kids to adults for a productive Youth program?”
“How do we support students when they see peers at other gyms getting promoted faster?”
And the one that drives Uncle Matt absolutely crazy… “Who’s responsible for hanging the freshly laundered gis and mop pads?”
Each of these questions sparked hours of discussion, debate, and reflection… especially the wall color.
But through it all, the mission and vision of LŌKAHI have remained the same. Our goal is to create the best possible environment for people of all backgrounds to receive a well-rounded, technical, and enjoyable education in Jiu-Jitsu. A place where individuals can challenge themselves, connect with like-minded training partners, and grow together. And a place where we can give back to a way of life and community that has given so much to each of us.
So here’s to 2025! To never settling. To committing to be better. And to remembering that the journey isn’t about the destination, but about the memories, friendships, and impact we make along the way.
Thank you all for your continued support.
- The LŌKAHI Partners
Matt, Nolan & Ryan
2025 At a Glance:
240 First classes
130 New visits to Sunday’s Community Open Mat
59 Sponsored competition registrations
34 Foundations graduates
18 bottles of tea tree shampoo
3 Partners who are still friends
2 parties that brought us together
2 seminars that taught us some cool stuff
1 dope-ass lounge that’s ‘almost’ finished
1 strong and dedicated Leadership team
A culture and community we are proud to represent
PS - Uncle Matt ‘forgot’ about our Christmas photo, so this the best that we had.
2025 Winter Promotions
Twice a year, we recognize select individuals for their efforts, technical progression, and contributions to the gym. We are proud to award the following members on their colored belts!
Pictured in alphabetical order:
Brian Sorensen (Purple), Chris He (Blue), Christian Anderson (Blue), Cole Johnston (Purple), Jake Grothe (Brown), Jasmeet Khera (Purple), Karissa Fuller (Blue), Quintin Black (Blue), Reid Karel (Purple)
Foundations Certificate Recipients
The following individuals successfully completed LŌKAHI’s Foundations of Jiu-Jitsu, 12-week course. Congratulations!!!
Ben Wasson
Brian Lopez
Connie Blanco
Corey Kropp
Hayden Buck
Karter Farrell
Kelci Wray
Michael Pflueger
Ryan Matcha
Sangyoo Lee
Foundations? What’s that?
LŌKAHI’s Foundations of Jiu-Jitsu course is one of three curriculum levels offered at our academy. Now in our 6th rotation with more than 50 program graduates, grapplers of all experience levels can learn the building blocks of Jiu-jitsu in a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment.
“I was referred to Lokahi after expressing a desire to start training in Brazilian Jiujitsu by a colleague and it was by far the best introduction I could have asked for to the sport. The instruction, community, and general vibe is friendly, welcoming, and a warm, motivating environment to train under.
Though I’m relocating, I am grateful to have started my journey in BJJ at Lokahi and will miss the gym wholeheartedly.
I strongly recommend this gym to anyone in the Omaha area!!
”
Holiday Party Festivities
Shortly after our Promotion Ceremony, a few awesome team members stuck around to help transform the academy into the venue for our first in-house Holiday Party. While last year’s offsite celebration was great, we couldn’t wait to host this go around!
Thank you to everyone who supported the party and our toy drive, to A Catered Affair for the delicious food, and especially to Brian Sorensen of Fremont Rentals for being the fast, reliable connection that makes events like this possible. Quite simply, our events wouldn’t happen without him.
Giving Back with The Open Door Mission
For many, Christmas is a season filled with excitement, warmth, and gifts under the . But for others, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of challenging times. This year, LŌKAHI Jiu-Jitsu Collective partnered with the Open Mission’s Project Santa to help bring a little extra light to families in our community.
In place of an entry fee for our team holiday party, members and their families brought unwrapped gifts and placed them under the tree. Stuffed animals, art sets, and action figures quickly added up to more than 80 donated items. The following weekend, LŌKAHI members delivered the gifts to the shelter and spent the afternoon sorting, packaging, and handing them out to families. And what a great day to participate… this Saturday, Open Door Mission hit a season-high in families served. From just one day’s work, 1,052 children and 413 families can now rest assured knowing there will be plenty to unwrap this Christmas .
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered their time, and helped to make this possible. We’re grateful for the caring staff and good works of the Open Door Mission for being a place families from all walks of life can turn to during the holidays.
Team LŌKAHI Volunteers: (Back) Matt Hansen, Ben Wasson, Guy Rouelle, Karissa Fuller, Nolan Campbell, Ryan Yamada, Hayden Buck, (Front-left) Ashlynn Ortega, Samantha Rouelle, Jake Godwin.
December 20th: 1,052 children and 413 families served
Learn more about the Open Door Mission
TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH
First introduced by Brazilian Judoka and Olympian Ezequiel Paraguassu, the Ezequiel (Ezekiel) Choke utilizes your own sleeve to strangle your opponent from a parallel position. Being able to attack this effectively from mount, closed guard, or even north-south can quickly put any opponent on the defensive. Watch a nifty detail Coach Nolan uses to set up one of his favorite finishes.
Upcoming Local Tournaments
(CANCELLED) January 17-18th - AGF Omaha Championship
Omaha, NE
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
Upcoming JANUARY Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
5th - Henry Carson
5th - Lane Eggen
9th - Liz Jones
11th - Brian Sheridan
11th - Brady Knott
12th - Ryan Yamada
16th - Axel Agulair
20th - Walker Plank
22th - Nolan Campbell
*Didn’t see your birthday? Make sure to update the GymDesk app!
Pictured: The first rolls of 2026 - thanks to everyone who came out in celebration with us!
“Was in town for work, so I dropped in for a week. Great time, good instruction, friendly and welcoming people. Would not hesitate to return if I was back in town. If you’re local and looking for a club, I’d definitely stop in.
”
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