June 2025 | Episode #14
Pictured: Lane Eggen - first class on March 22, 2025. Gold medalist.
JUNE 2025 marks ONE YEAR since we first opened the doors at LŌKAHI Jiu-Jitsu Collective!
One year of challenging the status quo. One year of pushing ourselves to new heights. We may still be young, but we’re ambitious, hungry, and determined to keep raising the standard for Jiu-Jitsu in Omaha. Our recent competition performance is proof of that mindset. Stepping onto the mats were 12 athletes who embraced the challenge and showed what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
We don’t believe in settling. We believe in doing the hard things, in putting in the work when no one’s watching, and in being there for each other when it matters most. Keep scrolling to see some of the highlights!
Grappling Industries | OMAHA
Few tournaments draw a bigger pool of competitors and spectators than Grappling Industries. Holding events from Madrid to Melbourne and Singapore to San Antonio, Grappling Industries is widely known as a proving ground for point-based grapplers and submission artists alike. Having a strong showing at an event like this was a great way to benchmark our team’s progress against some of the most established gyms in the Midwest.
Altogether, LŌKAHI showcased 14 athletes; 12 adults and 2 youths. And despite this being the first Jiu-Jitsu competition for 9 of these individuals, they showcased confidence, class, and proof of their progress.
“It was really great to see our first-time competitors step onto the mats,” said Coach Nolan Campbell. “Many of them had only been training for about six months, and I was genuinely impressed by how they performed.”
Pictured: Noah Nienaber - first class on February 18, 2025. No prior grappling experience. Silver medalist.
Wait… Less than 6-months of training? How did they get there?
“The Foundations program has been an incredible starting point for our newer students,” Coach Nolan explained. “It’s given them not just the technical basics, but also the confidence to apply what they’ve learned under pressure. By drilling the core positions, escapes, and fundamental submissions, they’re building a solid base that they can rely on when the adrenaline kicks in. Pairing that with our new competition classes also played a huge role. So many people told me afterward how helpful they were! It gave everyone a preview of what to expect at competition-level intensity and helped them feel more prepared to step on the mats and perform.”
LŌKAHI Athletes: Arjun Maudhoo, Martin Solano, Max Wold, Lane Eggen, Dominic Leuck, Sonny Domenge, Del Rodriguez, Brian Lopez, Silas Pflueger, Mery Manjarres, Nick Koonce, Kyle Booth, Gene Kowel, Noah Nienaber
2025 Grappling Industries - Omaha
Team Champions!!!
“This is a fantastic jiu-jitsu dojo!!! The instructors here are down to earth guys who welcome students of all walks regardless of experience. Classes are taught well, with a healthy dose of instruction on the technique being taught while you’re learning and sharpening your skills.
The best part about Lokahi is that they aren’t pushy. No one is pushing you to compete in the upcoming tournament, or to commit to some long term contract, or to preform at a specific level. Another shining star lies in their student base. Great guys all around, very welcoming and didn’t make a new guy feel like he didn’t belong.
If you are looking to get started in the world of jiu-jitsu, look no further than Lokahi!
”
Mark Your Calendars!
LŌKAHI Youth & Adult Promotions
Twice a year, we pause to recognize our teammates for their hard work and dedication. Please join us on Saturday, June 14th at 9:30am for Foundation certificate, stripe and belt awards.
Both kids and adults are encouraged to stay afterwards for Open Mat.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
Gis required and loaners may be reserved in advance. However, everyone must have their own belt.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Spring Merch - Black Shorts Restocked!
Our Black Grappling Shorts sold out QUICK during pre-sale and with all the tariff-talks, we weren’t sure if we would be able to restock this item so quickly. However, our partners at Takedown came through for our squad! Best of all - NO PRICE INCREASE! Head to the SHOP to purchase your limited-edition items before they’re gone for good.
Member Spotlight
Congratulations to ISAAC HIEBERT on graduating from Creighton University’s School of Occupational Therapy!
Upcoming Tournaments
June 21st - Sub Spectrum
Des Moines, IA
July 26th - Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship Summer Open
Lincoln, NE
Upcoming JUNE Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
4th - Andy Terry
7th - Jake Grothe
8th - Tim Locklear
9th - Brendan Keith Bouchie
11th - Nick Shaffer
13th - Mery Manjarres
16 - Coleton Haggin
17th - Jayden Wooten
18th - Mike Domenge
20th - Vince Mercado
21st - Tyler Kelly
21st - Kyle Repaskey
23rd - Quintin Black
26th - Dusty Ward
“Thank You”
We held our first classes on June 3, 2024, filled with excitement, nerves, and optimism. Nothing could have prepared us for the incredible journey that followed or for the amazing individuals who would become part of it.
We want to say thank you - for trusting in us, believing in our mission, and choosing to be part of the ‘Ohana. The spirit of LŌKAHI has always been about more than just Jiu-Jitsu; it’s about building a place where the art can thrive and meaningful connections can be made.
We can’t wait to see what the next year, five, or ten years will bring. But one thing is certain: we’re committed to creating the best training experience in town and to making sure every member feels like they’re part of something special. We couldn’t do it without you.
- Matt, Nolan & Ryan
Pictured: Uncle Matt hoping that someone would show up on the first day of practice.
“Train morning or evening, during the week or on the weekends. It really doesn’t matter. Youth, young adults, mid-career professionals, even retirees. You will find someone at your age/skill level and an instructor to match your learning style.
If you’ve thought about training and don’t know where to start, this is the place for you. If you want to compete and are seeking next-level instruction, it’s here.”