ABOUT GRACIE ALLEGIANCE HONOLULU
OUR MISSION
We are focused on helping brand new people learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and No Gi grappling. We help our new students grow and develop self-defense skills to perform techniques properly.
Focusing on a safe and fun training experience, we encourage teamwork and cooperation so our students can learn together. We emphasize learning over winning, leaving more serious and high intensity rolling for tournaments only. While we do include competition training programs, no one is required to compete.
OUR SYSTEM FOR BEGINNERS
For new students, we delay sparring (“rolling”) for the first few weeks of training for their own safety as well as that of other students. Beginning students will gain a solid understanding of fundamental escapes and defense techniques for several classes before rolling.
Once a beginner is sufficient at basic techniques, we slowly integrate position sparring and then begin rolling once the student is comfortable and calm. This slow introduction to rolling is much safer than the old school mentality of jumping into the fire of rolling on their first day.
OUR SYSTEM FOR COMPETITORS
We have developed a unique BJJ competition system utilizing Judo, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and competition strategies helping our students win tournaments.
Having a Black Belt world Champion like Professor Clark Gracie as an example to follow and under his direct tutelage we have helped many students win in local tournaments with less than one year of BJJ training. We have specific training systems for beginners to intermediate students to help them win immediately some of whom won Gold in their very first BJJ competition.
If you are interested in learning our competition system please contact us today to get started.
WOMEN’S BJJ PROGRAM
We normally partner new female students with senior female students. We focus on self defense with safety as a priority for new female students. We encourage new female students to go slowly and learn at their own pace. We never push a new student to roll before they feel comfortable practicing the techniques first.
Lastly we have a very welcoming environment for new students and most people feel accepted and comfortable within a few classes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu should be fun and safe not intimidating or dangerous that’s our beliefs.
OUR PROFESSOR, CLARK GRACIE
Clark Gracie, who is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, the founder of this Martial Art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Clark is the only Gracie family member living in San Diego who is teaching and still competing regularly and winning! Carlos Gracie is the older brother and teacher of Helio Gracie. Between the two of them, they developed the most efficient fighting system ever created. Brazilian (Gracie) Jiu Jitsu. They were able to defeat all different challengers, big and small of all other martial arts.
Clark’s father, Carley Gracie, is known as the “Lion of the Gracie family” and earned his black belt from his father, Carlos Gracie. Carley Gracie is the last of the Gracie fighters to be personally trained and coached by Carlos Gracie. Carley Gracie is now an 9th Degree Red Belt. Carlos taught the art of style, skill, thought and technique. His style and success was not developed through brute strength and aggressive power but rather, formulated from an almost scientific process of maneuvering, patience, flexibility, diet, strength of mind, strength of will, and self-control.
Clark earned his blackbelt under his father. Like his father, Clark practices and teaches techniques that rely on position and leverage. (Source: clarkgracie.com)
HEAD INSTRUCTOR, MIKE CHU
Professor Mike Chu earned his Black Belt from multiple-time World Champion Professor Clark Gracie on January 28, 2023. He was very honored to be Professor Clark’s 20th Black Belt to be promoted to this prestigious level. Professor Mike continues to teach 5-6 days a week as a full-time instructor. With over 16 years of training and teaching BJJ, Professor Mike loves his new position as a full time BJJ instructor.
Professor Mike started his BJJ journey in 2008 while he was a Police Officer with HPD. He played sports most of his life, including basketball, football, and competitive surfing before realizing he needed martial arts skills to protect himself on the street. At the beginning of his BJJ journey, Mike suffered numerous serious injuries, forcing him to change his approach to training.
Over the next few years, Mike focused on the core principles of the Gracie’s BJJ system with using leverage, timing, and proper strategy to beat bigger, stronger opponents. unique background of law enforcement experience and BJJ competition success helps him teach all types of students, from beginners to advanced competitors.
JUDO INSTRUCTOR, JORDAN FONTANILLA
Jordan is the 2004 State of Hawaii Judo Champion and a lifelong martial artist, currently holding a black belt in Judo and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Jordan has been practicing and coaching Judo for over 25 years and continues to share his passion for Judo with us while learning BJJ. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, helping us grow our standing game to another level. Coach Jordan is one of the main pillars of our team, always humble and respectful with everyone. We are very honored to have him on our team.