Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy
560 N Nimitz Hwy suite 112a, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
560 N Nimitz Hwy suite 112a, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
I found this place on Google maps when looking for a spot to train while working at the port in Honolulu. I reached out to Ed via Instagram and he was prompt and welcoming in his response and invited me to drop in. The gym is in a mall of sorts and has plenty of good parking, and has a nice variety of levels of skill in its students. As a girl myself, I was pleased to train with 4 women in 2 evening classes. While the vibe in the gym is friendly and relaxed, a couple people had recently competed and won, which is always a green flag for me. I would definitely recommend anyone visiting the Honolulu area to check them out! Thank you Ed!
Sapateiro Jiu Jiitsu is my home gym whenever I visit Honolulu. Everyone here is extremely hospitable. Coach Ed is patient and has very insightful instruction, and will take time in the class to ensure your questions are answered. This gym is female-friendly and has a group of girls who will make you feel right at home. At the time of this review, the facilities are in the business complex. I would highly recommend Sapateiro JJ to anyone looking for highly technical instruction/rolls and a long term, friendly gym, as well as travellers looking for quality training during their stay! 😊
During a recent trip back to my hometown of Honolulu, my two kids and I had the pleasure of training at Sapateiro. Edmund the head instructor, is an old friend and lifelong practitioner of BJJ. He has poured his heart and soul into creating a welcoming and safe space for everyone. My kids loved how warmly they were welcomed and how much fun they had learning new moves and meeting new freinds. As someone who is injury-prone, I felt completely at ease training here—the focus on safety and proper technique was evident. The other students were incredibly supportive and free of ego, making the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a genuine, family-friendly BJJ gym in Honolulu, I can’t recommend Sapateiro enough! On a side note Zippy’s, a favorite restaurant amongst locals, is incredibly close to the gym so after class you can indulge in a a large variety calorie rich meal with reduced guilt. So make your next stop Sapateiro’s first, then Zippy’s!
Stopped here while traveling and had a great experience! The gym had a warm and friendly family environment. Coaching was excellent and lots of tough training. Will definitely stop back next time I'm in the area. I've visited a few gyms on Oahu and this was my favorite
I took my 7-year-old son to Sapateiro BJJ while vacationing this past summer for almost a month, and I have nothing but amazing things to say about this gym! Coach Ed is patient and kind towards the kids in the class. He is also very observant and engaged, which allows him to reach every age and level to help them grasp the techniques being taught. I wish this were my son’s permanent gym because I love the way the class is structured and executed, but we will settle for this being our second home gym! My son can’t wait to go back next summer! Don’t hesitate to join Sapateiro, even if you’re just visiting!
Great time, my son attended while in summer vacation from Vegas, coach taught a lot of new things. Would strongly suggest!! Thanks again for spending time this summer with our son!!
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.
I first came to Sapateiro when I started my jiu jitsu journey visiting from the mainland. Over the near decade since of coming back and forth visiting I always make it a point to come and visit the academy and the head instructor Ed. Everyone who trains here and comes to visit is highly skilled with an outstanding and exceptional jiu jitsu IQ along with bringing an attitude that makes you want to come back. I first came as a white belt and have been lucky enough to come back to visit, learn, test myself, and seek advice from the Sapateiro family and Ed through each of my belt ranks. Ed has been an important part of my journey to black belt and provides the specific details and observations that will stick with you forever. Sapateiro isn't just a place you come and visit on vacation, it and everyone in it will easily become life long friends and place you want to keep coming back to.
Great location right across Liliha bakery on Nimitz. Plenty of free parking too! The coach and people are very nice and friendly, great rolls and very technical instruction by coach Edmund. They also offer multiple classes both day and night for adults and kids.
Whether looking for a competition feel training environment with highly skilled practitioners or just looking to break a sweat after a long day, Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy has it all. The team and students are friendly, knowledgeable, and are always willing to help each other grow. Head instructor, Edmund Li, is very thorough in his teachings, has a vast knowledge of past and modern day jiujitsu, and is always willing to spend extra time with his students to work through techniques as well as the concepts behind them.
Been with Sapateiro for over 10 years now, known Edmund Li for over 20. At Sapateiro you’ll experience detailed instruction and a pleasant atmosphere. I highly recommend Sapateiro if you’re a beginner or an avid competitor for both children and adults
Ed is truly dedicated to his craft and possesses a great deal of knowledge in this art. He is a very attentive teacher and has produced competitive grapplers. If you put in the time and effort you will develop the knowledge and skills for ground fighting. The culture is friendly and positive, so you will meet some great people here.
The best people from Senseis, students, friends and family. Very amazing on the mat, but amazing off of it too. Feel so open and welcoming around everyone. To me that's the type of jiu jitsu school you want to be in.
One of Oahu's best jiu jitsu academies. The environment is very welcoming and the instruction is solid. Coach Ed is super technical and is one of the kindest, down to earth professors out there. There are several black belts at this academy and are all legit. All the other belt levels are solid too with some talented white belts on the come up. I've had a lot of fun here and made a lot of friends throughout my time. Most importantly, this gym has a positive atmosphere with many wonderful people. If you're in town, visiting or live in the area and are interested in Jiu jitsu; do yourself a favor and check this place out. They'll welcome you with open arms! 🤙🏼
This academy offers quality instruction and training in a safe, nurturing environment for all levels from beginner to expert.
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