Business Details
9 Years
experience
Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy
Since our establishment in 2017, we have remained dedicated to providing Kauai with a meticulously structured, technically focused, and uplifting training environment. Our core mission revolves around enriching the lives of our students through the art and sport of Jiu Jitsu, fostering enhanced self-confidence, improved health, fitness, and discipline. We offer programs tailored to individuals of all skill levels and age groups, including Adult Basics, Adult Advanced, Kids 4-7, Kids 8-13, and No Gi classes. Our experienced instructors, Evan Esaki and Ian Delizo, bring decades of combined expertise from renowned academies like AOJ and Street Sports.We emphasize technical instruction, physical conditioning, and personal development while maintaining a strict code of conduct to ensure a respectful and hygienic training space. Our facility features Gi and No Gi options, open mat sessions, and a structured curriculum designed to prepare students for competition or personal growth. We believe in the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu and are committed to sharing its benefits with the Kauai community through accessible, high-quality instruction.
Services
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Kids Jiu Jitsu
No Gi Classes
Open Mat Sessions
Free Trial Class
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer structured Jiu Jitsu programs developed by instructors with experience at AOJ and Street Sports academies.
- Our curriculum prepares students for competition while emphasizing personal growth and physical fitness.
- We maintain strict hygiene and conduct standards with designated uniform requirements and mat cleaning protocols.
- Our facility provides both Gi and No Gi training options with specialized instruction for different age groups.
- We combine technical precision with practical application through drills, sparring, and concept-based learning sessions.
Services
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Our Adult Jiu Jitsu program offers structured classes for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The curriculum includes technical drills, fundamental techniques, and sparring sessions that develop practical self-defense skills and competitive readiness. Students progress through a systematic approach that builds physical conditioning, mental discipline, and technical proficiency in both Gi and No Gi formats.
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Designed for children aged 4-13, our Kids Jiu Jitsu program focuses on character development through martial arts instruction. Classes teach fundamental techniques while emphasizing teamwork, respect, and self-confidence in a safe, engaging environment. The curriculum incorporates age-appropriate drills and games that improve coordination, physical fitness, and social skills while introducing basic self-defense concepts.
No Gi Classes
Our No Gi Jiu Jitsu classes focus on techniques adapted for training without traditional uniforms. The program teaches effective grappling strategies, body control, and submission techniques using rash guards and compression gear. These sessions emphasize practical application through live sparring and scenario-based drills that develop real-world self-defense capabilities and competitive grappling skills for both adult and youth participants.
Open Mat Sessions
Open Mat sessions provide supervised training opportunities for students to practice techniques, engage in controlled sparring, and receive instructor guidance outside regular classes. These sessions accommodate all skill levels and focus on technical refinement, physical conditioning, and practical application in both Gi and No Gi formats. Participants benefit from flexible training hours and personalized feedback from experienced instructors.
Free Trial Class
We offer a complimentary introductory class allowing new students to experience our structured Jiu Jitsu curriculum before committing to regular training. The trial includes basic technique instruction, fundamental drills, and an overview of our training philosophy. This session provides access to all necessary equipment and guidance from certified instructors to help beginners determine if our program matches their fitness and martial arts goals.
People
Evan Esaki
Founder and Head Instructor
A Kauai native and former AOJ coach, Evan Esaki trained under the Mendes Brothers from blue to black belt. He established Esaki Jiu Jitsu Academy in 2017 to bring high-level instruction to his home island.
Ian Delizo
Co-Head Instructor
Ian Delizo, a former AOJ Kids Program coach, earned his black belt under the Mendes Brothers. He joined Esaki Academy in 2019, specializing in adult basics and youth instruction programs.
Questions
What Jiu Jitsu styles do you teach?
We teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with both Gi and No Gi formats, covering fundamental techniques and modern competition strategies for all skill levels.
Are there classes for complete beginners?
Yes, our Adult Basics program specifically prepares new students with drills and fundamental techniques before advancing to regular classes.
What should I wear for my first class?
For Gi classes wear a clean white uniform; No Gi requires rash guards and appropriate grappling shorts without hard materials.
Do you offer kids martial arts programs?
We provide age-specific Jiu Jitsu classes for children aged 4-13 focusing on discipline, coordination, and basic self-defense techniques.
Can I try a free class before committing?
Yes, we offer a complimentary trial class with all necessary equipment and instructor guidance for prospective students.
What are your facility's hygiene requirements?
We enforce strict hygiene protocols including mandatory foot cleaning, no jewelry policy, and required uniform washing before training.