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BJJ for Beginners in Honolulu
14 gyms in Honolulu, Hawaii show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 14 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Gracie Technics Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Honolulu, Hawaii
5 ★★★★★ 208 reviews
“Gracie Technic Jiu-Jitsu was an incredible experience. My 15-year-old son from California called ahead to ask about doing a drop-in class while we were visiting Honolulu, and they…” — Michael
2. Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
“Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu is absolutely incredible! The coaches are amazing—knowledgeable, patient, and truly dedicated to helping every student grow both on and off the mats. You…” — Pomai
3. Känsept Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
“I highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to improve their Jiu-Jitsu skills in a friendly, professional, and motivating environment The atmosphere is incredibly positive…” — Yamil
![Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Ronn Shiraki Academy [RSA] Honolulu, Hawaii, beginner-friendly BJJ gym in Honolulu, HI](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AHRPTWnUttz0Iqd72hlbRpNBHbp2GpMT3TwpUV2LJOdfYM88Qjc7oMzwzpHs6fvrbNrCE3N7Iocb4zx7RrIEsHxmR4bW3n-cAe396H1nQY8U1hkDay-lC3xmz8nfWZfilqih5ZNEBPyZ=w640-h400-k-no)
4. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Ronn Shiraki Academy [RSA] Honolulu, Hawaii
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“What an experience! I have NEVER seen a more welcoming community of jiu Jitsu athletes. Ron was an unreal teacher, I have never experienced a class run like that. I traveled in…” — Rick
5. Island Jiu Jitsu, LLC
4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
“My son and I started at IJJ about a month ago. There’s always an abundance of senpai (great Coaches) at the kids classes and they keep the learning fun and engaging. Im 42 and as…” — Vaughn
6. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team HK
4.9 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
7. Groundstrike Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
“I discovered Groundstrike Jiu-Jitsu during a two-week business trip to Hawaii, and it was a phenomenal experience! Professor Joe’s warm, welcoming energy instantly made me feel at…” — Yee
8. Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“Best Jiujitsu school on Oahu. Super great instruction from a great professor. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. My favorite place to train on island.” — Yesenia
10. HNL JIU JITSU ACADEMY
5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“HNL Jiu Jitsu Academy is by far the closest you can get to hard training with a very down to earth vibe. Everybody is willing to lend a hand and help out on any instructional or…” — Akoni
11. Gracie Barra Aloha Stadium
4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“Both of my 7 year old boys started at Gracie Barra Aloha Stadium in June. My boys were very shy and very hesitant before their first class. In the last 2 months, I have seen them…” — Shanen
12. One way/Kohaku Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
“This dojo is a great place for beginners & anyone who want to start learning BJJ / self defense. You will be surrounded with people with aloha vibes who will help each other stay…” — Shina
13. Freakuency Jiu Jitsu Honolulu
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
“Awesome gym with a great atmosphere and friendly people. Amadeus was a great coach, really patient and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I learned a lot…” — Brian
14. Uptown Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
“Professor Shane and Coach Kimmie are very welcoming for students of all levels. Beginners to professional fighters, they always have the perfect training curriculum for all.…” — J
Booking your first class in Honolulu: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.