October 2025 | Episode #18
Pictured: Arjun Maudhoo preparing for the Open Weight division.
From the beginning, LŌKAHI has been about more than just quality Jiu-Jitsu.
We’re here to build a community that values connection and endures through the contributions of the Collective. That means investing in our people, creating a supportive environment, and staying true to our values, even when it requires patience and hard work.
We believe that growth happens when we focus on what matters most: showing up for each other, taking pride in the little details, and creating a space where Jiu-Jitsu and people can thrive together. It may not be the flashiest path, but it’s the right one. As we continue to evolve, our commitment to building something meaningful remains at the heart of who we are.
1st Annual LŌKAHI Day
Whether you remember the “Red Mats”, the nostalgic Capehart Ave, or the top-secret body shop days during lockdown, one of the things that made these times special was how connected everyone felt. While a few years have passed since those early days, that same spirit remains at the heart of what we do. For our first birthday, we wanted to bring that feeling back and celebrate the people who make this place what it is.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect, the food was incredible, and the company even better. We got to meet each other’s families and fur-babies, listen to Dodds’ original mixtape, and watch the kids run through the bounce house (… and some adults too). All of this reminded us why we do this in the first place.
-With Gratitude-
A huge thank-you to the Hansen family for sharing their beautiful property and the countless weekends spent preparing for this event. Mahalo also to Mike Brown for the delicious pulled pork, Brian Sorensen for the party rentals, Professor Byron Graham and Fostering Jiu-Jitsu for the tunes and spreadable party favors, and everyone who came out to celebrate what LŌKAHI is all about.
Here’s to many more years of building something meaningful together.
“Truly the best. I’ve been to 7 different schools now and this one is easily my favorite. A full facility with great amenities, clean, solid atmosphere, and an extremely hospitable community — LŌKAHI is everything I could want in a gym.
”
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
Justin ‘J.FLO’ Flores Seminar
Saturday - November 8, 2025
LŌKAHI Jiu-Jitsu Collective is thrilled to announce our very first seminar guest… JUSTIN ‘J.FLO’ FLORES! A world-class coach with a rare blend of Division I wrestling, Olympic-level Judo, and high-level Jiu-Jitsu, J.FLO will be sharing his dynamic, artistic approach to stand-up grappling. This No Gi-focused event will feature two sessions and an open mat for seminar participants.
Spaces limited and tickets are selling quickly! Use code JFLO50 before October 31st to save $50 off your registration.
LESSONS OF COMPETITION: IBJJF ST. LOUIS
At the end of September, Coach Guy Rouelle and Arjun Maudhoo took to the road for the IBJJF St. Louis Open, one of the region’s most competitive events. Both athletes medaled in their divisions - Guy earning Bronze and Silver, and Arjun taking Bronze, but the real value came from the lessons learned along the way.
When asked what stood out, Arjun provided some excellent reflections on both his performance and his competition.
For Arjun, the tournament offered a new level of challenge.
“The difference in intensity was eye-opening. At regional tournaments like the IBJJF, every opponent is solid. It’s much harder to off-balance or sweep them, and I was a little surprised by that at first,” he said. “After getting knocked out of my gi bracket early, I regrouped with Coach Guy and made a game plan to be more aggressive - pressuring forward, holding position, and playing my game.”
When asked about what he took away from the experience, Arjun didn’t hesitate.
“The area I need to improve most is mental. I have to stay sharp even when I’m tired or ahead on points. In my final no-gi match, I had a healthy lead but let my opponent get too deep on an ankle lock before reacting. That one very avoidable mistake cost me the match, but it also taught me what to focus on next.”
Although he holds himself to a high standard, many may be surprised to find out that Arjun has only been competing for a little over a year. His willingness to reflect, learn, and grow embodies exactly what we value at LŌKAHI: humility, persistence, and a love for progress that goes beyond shiny medals.
Not Pictured: Samantha Rouelle, who took this picture and also got 2nd in her weight class!
Upcoming Tournaments
November 8th - IBJJ Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
November 8th - Sub Spectrum Fallout
Des Moines, IA
November 23rd - Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Lincoln, NE
December 7th - Submission Challenge
Omaha, NE
On Plant Care and Proactive Hygiene
Many people know we love our plants. But in truth, we’re still learning how to best care for them.
Over the past month, our beloved Monstera, D.B. went through a lot. Because of the many messages of concern and care for our signature plant, we wanted to share an update on her situation and an optimistic report for her recovery.
D.B., just three weeks after her major surgery and already sporting some new, healthy growth!
A little backstory: D.B. was donated by Matt’s daughter, Katelyn, as the very first member of the LŌKAHI Plant Collective. Her lush, iconic leaves quickly became a hallmark of the gym’s atmosphere and inspired the growing greenery that now fills our space. But recently, D.B. came under attack. A small barnacle-like pest called scale began to infest her leaves. For those unfamiliar, scales feed on the plant’s nutrients and leave behind a sticky residue. For months, we noticed the residue but underestimated the cause. Unfortunately, our delay in treatment came at a cost. Daily treatments weren’t enough and by late September, we had to trim more than 90% of her leaves.
But good news… plants are resilient! D.B. has since started to recover, sprouting new shoots and fresh leaves. Her comeback is a reminder that proper care, consistency, and early attention matter.
It’s also a good lesson for all of us. Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, and like D.B., we need to stay healthy to thrive.
Always shower after practice (or at least wipe down with antibacterial wipes)
Go home in clean, dry clothes
Talk with a coach or stay off the mats if you’re feeling sick or notice a skin irritation
Be mindful of injuries or open wounds
We’re not perfect, but D.B. reminds us that small acts of care - done consistently - keep both our environment and our community strong.
No one likes a smelly training partner!
COLLECTIVE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
“We’ll miss you Del!”
A staple of the morning crew from the days of the red mats, Delfino Rodriguez represented the best parts of LŌKAHI. Whether it was working with the new person in class or staying late to help clean the mats, Del’s charisma and enthusiasm was one in a million. He was also the only one with a hot pink unicorn rashguard. We wish him the best of luck as he relocates to Minnesota.
Other Collective Member Spotlights
Congratulations to JUSTIN and CLAIRE LAMMERT on the birth of their beautiful baby girl FREYA MAEVE!
Congratulations to CHRISTIAN and CAITLIN ANDERSON on the announcement of their first child, expected March 2026!
Save the Date!
LŌKAHI Winter Promotions (am) + Holiday Party (pm)
Saturday, December 13th
Upcoming OCTOBER Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
3rd - Ally Wasson
4th - Sonny Domenge
4th - Andrew Cheney
5th - Ashlynn Ortega
10th - Justin Lammert
12th - Ben Schulze
13th - Ryan Roberts
14th - Shoshana Locklear
15th - Greg Gelfond
24th - Shariq Khan
26th - Rory Helweg
30th - Karissa Fuller
31th - Matt Beck
“The best Jiujitsu gym in Omaha by far. The facilities are new and clean, the vibe is nice, great community and amazing coaches. You really couldn’t ask for more.”
Pictured: Coach Nolan’s counter to spazzy guard-passers.
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