July 2026 | Episode #27
Pictured: Nolan Abbey tests the shoulder flexibility of Craymond Jones.
What role does Self-Defense play in Jiu-Jitsu?
Few sports are evolving quicker than modern day Jiu-jitsu. The integration of other grappling arts, the development of new rulesets, and the rise of incredible athletes have all contributed to an endless stream of technical and strategic innovation. But sport Jiu-jitsu becomes niched, what role does Self-defense play?
History of Jujutsu
The earliest forms of jujutsu emerged during Japan's feudal era. Samurai warriors, renowned for their swordsmanship and archery, needed an effective method of fighting if they lost their weapons in battle. Because strikes were often ineffective against armor, these systems emphasized weapon retention, balance-breaking, pins, joint locks, chokes, and controlling an opponent rather than trading blows.
As Japan entered more peaceful periods, these battlefield systems gradually evolved. Techniques were refined, schools developed their own approaches, and training shifted from surviving combat to preserving and passing on knowledge. While the context changed, the underlying objective remained the same: control an opponent as efficiently as possible while minimizing unnecessary risk.
Centuries later, these principles made their way to Brazil through Mitsuyo Maeda, where they continued to evolve into what we now recognize as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Although the techniques changed over time, the central philosophy remained remarkably consistent.
Position before submission
Control before damage
Efficiency over strength
Sound familiar?
The Gracie Challenge matches
While many people remember the Gracie family's historic performance at UFC 1, the Gracie Challenge matches in Brazil were just as influential in shaping modern Jiu-jitsu. The Gracies invited practitioners from virtually every martial art to compete under a no-holds-barred format. Punches, kicks, knees, and elbows were all permitted, with only a handful of techniques, such as eye gouging and biting, prohibited.
These matches accomplished two important things. First, they demonstrated Jiu-jitsu's effectiveness against a wide range of fighting styles. Second, they provided invaluable real-world feedback, helping identify which concepts and techniques consistently held up under pressure.
Read more about the Gracie Challenge Matches.
Pictured: Brandon Mizner adjusts a standing guillotine during the ‘Feet-to-Floor’ rotation.
What sport jiu-jitsu is missing
Fast forward to today, and Jiu-jitsu has largely traded the battlefield for padded mats. Modern competition rules reward successful strategies within a specific ruleset, encouraging athletes to solve problems that don't always exist outside of competition.
For example, because takedowns often lead to scrambles or submission opportunities for the defender, many competitors choose to pull guard instead. Likewise, a guard player threatened by a pass will often turtle, temporarily exposing their back to avoid conceding passing points. Both are intelligent strategies within sport Jiu-jitsu, but would they still be the best choice in a parking lot altercation where strikes, slams, or multiple attackers are part of the equation?
Pictured: Brothers Alex (top) and Ariel Mora (bottom) work from side control.
Our approach to integrating self defense principles
We believe practitioners deserve a complete approach to Jiu-jitsu, one that embraces both self-defense and sport.
That's why the first 12 weeks of training at LŌKAHI aren't spent learning berimbolo back takes. Instead, students build a foundation in distance management, posture, base, framing, and positional awareness. Whether it's the Crash and Cover drill during our Feet-to-Floor section or the Head Tag game that introduces the realities of strikes from mount, our goal is to give every student, beginner and experienced alike, a strong foundation on which the rest of their Jiu-jitsu can grow.
"After six years at a gym that produced multiple world champions, there are still concepts and movements that I never learned," recounts Uncle Matt. "Even as a brown belt, Foundations classes are where I learn the most."
Modern sport Jiu-jitsu has elevated the art in remarkable ways. Today's athletes are more technical, more creative, and more entertaining than ever before.
At the same time, understanding Jiu-jitsu's origins helps us appreciate why the fundamentals have endured for centuries. Self-defense isn't a separate curriculum reserved for a one-time seminar or a handful of classes. It's a perspective that shapes how we teach the fundamentals, reminding us that every escape, every guard pass, every pin, and every submission ultimately traces back to the same goal: increasing the levels of control, while prioritizing your own safety.
For us, sport and self-defense aren't competing ideas. They're two chapters of the same story. The better we understand both, the more complete our Jiu-jitsu becomes.
Pictured: Emma Iberg and Sangyoo Lee share in a playful exchange.
“ Feels like family….”
“Awesome gym with even better people! Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a place to make friends, or just want to get in shape, this is the spot. The atmosphere feels like family while still being extremely professional. If I could give a higher rating, I absolutely would!
”
What’s Coming Next for Team LŌKAHI???
LŌKAHI x Phalanx No Gi Kit - 07/20
We’re excited to see the squad rocking our new merch! Orders will be ready for pickup starting Monday afternoon, July 20th.
Forgot to order?
A’ole pilikia and no worries! Our Shop will be updated shortly and we will have a few select sizes in stock.
December 5th (Morning)
Winter Crucible & Promotions
December 5th (Evening)
Holiday Party
Upcoming Local Tournaments
July 18th - FUJI BJJ Summer Open
Kansas City, MO
August 1st - Sub Spectrum Meltdown (Single Elimination)
Des Moines, IA
August 22nd - Nebraska Jiu-jitsu Championship Summer Open
Lincoln, NE
Collective Member Spotlights
Congratulations to Walker and Dawn Plank who welcomed their new baby boy Oliver Benjamin back in June!
Congratulations to Rachele and Isaac Hiebert who are expecting a baby girl in December! While there’s an intense debate on whether she’ll be more of a golfer or grappler, we know she’ll certainly be loved.
Congratulations to Guy Rouelle for medaling at the IBJJF American Nationals Championships! Coach Guy has been working diligently on both his stand-up and wrestle-up games, which showcased nicely in a few of his matches. Despite ending the tournament 1-4, we’re optimistic about his momentum towards the other majors later in the Fall.
Recent Foundations Graduates
Congratulations to our most recent Foundations graduates!
Alejandro ‘Alex’ Mora
Angel Baez-Villa
Caleb Sextro
Craymond Jones
Emma Iberg
Joaquin Madruga Waldo
Nolan Abbey
Pictured: Joaquin Madruga Waldo builds defensive frames under Sam Dameier.
“A Hui Hou”
We wish these Collective members safe travels on their upcoming adventures. A Hui Hou and until next time!
KYLE REPASKEY
This month, we say A Hui Hou to Kyle Repaskey as he and his family begin an exciting new chapter in Florida. While we're excited for what's ahead, Kyle will certainly be missed.
Long before LŌKAHI officially opened its doors, Kyle was already helping build the academy. While we waited for construction to be completed, he graciously opened his church so we could continue holding our 6:00 a.m. classes.
That meant arriving early to set up the mats, staying afterward to tear them down, and doing it all while caring for a newborn at home. His willingness to serve without expecting anything in return helped lay the foundation for the community we're fortunate to have today.
Kyle's selflessness earned him a place on both our Leadership Team and our PAC Team, but more importantly, it earned the respect and friendship of everyone who has shared the mats with him. His presence in our morning classes will be deeply missed.
Kyle, thank you for believing in LŌKAHI from the very beginning. We wish you, Ashley, and your family nothing but success and happiness in this next chapter. No matter where life takes you, you'll always have a home here.
JULY Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
Luca Baggiani — 7/5
Isaac Fry-Tinoco — 7/7
Reid Karel — 7/7
Rhett Butler — 7/9
Jake Tieskotter — 7/18
Max Wold — 7/18
Jack Shattuck — 7/19
Brandon Mizner — 7/29
*Don’t see your birthday? Update your profile on the app or speak with someone at the front desk!
“I can't say enough good things about my experience.”
“I was in Omaha over Memorial Day and looking for a place to train. I reached out to Ryan at Lokahi Jiu Jitsu Collective and he welcomed me to their open mat. The facility is incredible, large mat space, a high quality weigh training area and an upstairs lounge that overlooks the mat. They also have showers available in the locker rooms. I travel for work and have been dropping into jiu jitsu gyms for the last eight years. The whole gym is super clean and probably the coolest gym I’ve had the pleasure of training at. The best part was the training was the people. The vibe was friendly and very welcoming. The rounds were super fun and challenging. If you’re in Omaha looking for a place to train jiu jitsu, you have to check out Lokahi. I can’t say enough good things about my experience. I’m looking forward to my next trip in town.
”
Good vibes. Good Jiu-jitsu.
Done Scrolling? Start Rolling!