Summary
Quick take on Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy in Lihue, HI, brings a structured and technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to 4353 Rice St, with a clear focus on helping students build confidence,...
Academy profile
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy
Lihue, Hawaii
Google: 4.7 (30 reviews)Yelp: 5.0 (7 reviews)
Overview
About Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy in Lihue, HI, brings a structured and technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to 4353 Rice St, with a clear focus on helping students build confidence, health, fitness, and discipline through consistent training. The academy was founded in 2017 by Professor Evan Esaki after his time training and coaching under the Mendes Brothers at the prestigious Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, where he and Professor Ian Delizo both earned their Black Belts and developed a coaching approach shaped by high-level competition and teaching. That background gives the academy a strong blend of precision, intensity, and professionalism that appeals to newcomers and seasoned grapplers alike.
The program lineup is broad and practical, with options for Adults in both Gi and No-Gi, Kids Jiu Jitsu in Gi and No-Gi, Basics (Gi), Advanced classes in both Gi and No-Gi, Sparring, Open Mat (Gi / No-Gi), and Competition training. That range makes it easy for students to start with fundamentals and progress into more specialized work as their skills grow. Beginners can find a welcoming entry point through Basics (Gi) and fundamentals-oriented training, while experienced practitioners can sharpen timing, pace, and strategy in advanced sessions and sparring rounds. The academy also operates as a martial arts school, creating a setting where jiu-jitsu is taught as both a sport and a long-term lifestyle.
The atmosphere is described as fun, challenging, structured, technical, and positive, which helps set the tone for steady improvement without losing the enjoyment that keeps people coming back. For families, the kids’ classes provide age-appropriate instruction in both gi and no-gi formats, giving younger students a chance to learn strong fundamentals early. For adults, the balance of technical drilling, live sparring, and open mat time supports development at every stage, whether the goal is fitness, self-defense, or competition preparation. Students visiting from around Kauai can also appreciate the practical conveniences, including street parking, credit card acceptance, and dogs allowed on site.
What sets Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy apart in the local BJJ scene is its direct connection to elite-level instruction and its clear mission to improve the lives of students through disciplined practice. The academy’s technical foundation, competitive pedigree, and community-minded approach create a training environment that feels both serious and accessible. For anyone in Lihue looking for a place to train with purpose, Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy offers a polished, encouraging space to learn, roll, and grow under experienced black belt leadership.
Philosophy
Training Philosophy
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy in Lihue, HI, brings a structured and technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to 4353 Rice St, with a clear focus on helping students build confidence, health, fitness, and discipline through consistent training. The academy was founded in 2017 by Professor Evan Esaki after his time training and coaching under the Mendes Brothers at the prestigious Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, where he and Professor Ian Delizo both earned their Black Belts and developed a coaching approach shaped by high-level competition and teaching.
Adult Jiu Jitsu (No-Gi)SparringKids Jiu Jitsu (Gi)Basics (Gi)Open Mat (Gi / No-Gi)Fundamentals (implied via basics/fundamentals context)
Class Hours
- Friday: 9–10:30 AM
- Monday: 9–10:30 AM
- Saturday: 9–11 AM
- Sunday: Closed
- Thursday: 9–10:30 AM
- Tuesday: 9–10:30 AM
- Wednesday: 9–10:30 AM
Programs & Highlights
Programs & Classes
- Adult Jiu Jitsu (No-Gi)
- Sparring
- Kids Jiu Jitsu (Gi)
- Basics (Gi)
- Open Mat (Gi / No-Gi)
- Fundamentals (implied via basics/fundamentals context)
- Competition training
- Martial arts school
- Kids Jiu Jitsu (No-Gi)
- Advanced (No-Gi)
- Adult Jiu Jitsu (Gi)
- Advanced (Gi)
Amenities
- Dogs allowed
- Street parking
- Accepts credit cards
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes and training options does Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy offer?
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy offers a broad range of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes designed for different ages, goals, and experience levels. The schedule includes Adult Jiu Jitsu in both Gi and No-Gi formats, Kids Jiu Jitsu in both Gi and No-Gi, Basics (Gi), Advanced classes in both Gi and No-Gi, sparring, open mat sessions for Gi and No-Gi training, and competition training. That mix gives students a path from fundamentals through more demanding live training. The academy also operates as a martial arts school, so the overall environment is centered on practical skill development, discipline, and steady progression. If you want the most current class times or day-by-day availability, the best next step is to check the academy’s website at http://esakijiujitsu.com/ or contact the school directly before heading in.
What should I know about membership pricing or trying a class first?
Membership pricing details are not included in the academy’s public description, so the most practical way to get accurate information is to contact Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy directly or review the official website at http://esakijiujitsu.com/. If you are comparing options, it is smart to ask whether there is a trial class, intro offer, or beginner-friendly starting point before committing to a membership. That approach is especially helpful for families considering kids’ classes or adults who want to see whether Gi or No-Gi training fits their goals. You can also ask about payment methods when you inquire, since the academy accepts credit cards. Reaching out ahead of time is the best way to confirm current pricing, sign-up steps, and any policies related to drop-ins or first visits.
Which programs are best for beginners, kids, and more experienced students?
The program lineup at Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy is structured to support students at multiple stages. Beginners can start with Basics (Gi), which is the clearest entry point for learning core positions, movement, and training habits in a controlled setting. Adults can also train in Adult Jiu Jitsu in both Gi and No-Gi formats, while experienced practitioners have access to Advanced classes in both Gi and No-Gi as well as competition training. For children, the academy offers Kids Jiu Jitsu in Gi and No-Gi, giving families options based on age, comfort level, and interest. Open mat sessions in Gi and No-Gi provide additional mat time for drilling and live work, and sparring is available for those ready to apply technique under pressure. This range makes it easier to find a class that fits a student’s current stage and long-term goals.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to train at Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy?
No prior martial arts background is required to start training at Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy. The academy describes its approach as fun and challenging, with a structured, technical, and positive training environment designed for students of all levels. That combination is especially helpful for beginners because it suggests clear coaching, steady progression, and an atmosphere where learning the basics is part of the process. The presence of Basics (Gi) is a strong sign that new students have a practical starting point, while the broader adult and kids programs make it possible to continue building skills over time. The academy’s mission also emphasizes self-confidence, health, fitness, and discipline, which makes it a strong fit for people looking for more than just workout classes. If you are new to Jiu-Jitsu, asking about the best first class or intro pathway is a good next step.
How do I book a visit or get started at the academy?
The simplest way to book a visit or get started is to go through the academy’s official website at http://esakijiujitsu.com/ or contact the school directly. Since class times, intro options, and visit procedures can change, it is wise to confirm current details before stopping by 4353 Rice St in Lihue. When you reach out, you can ask about the best class for your experience level, whether you should start with Basics (Gi), and how to plan for a first adult or kids session. If you are bringing family members, it also helps to ask how the academy organizes kids’ classes and whether Gi or No-Gi is the better fit for your goals. Because the academy accepts credit cards and offers street parking, getting there and checking in should be straightforward once you confirm the current schedule.
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