Hawaii Wrestling Academy
About
Hawaii Wrestling Academy offers comprehensive training in MMA and wrestling disciplines, with a coaching staff that includes USA Wrestling certified instructors at bronze, silver, and gold levels. The gym provides instruction in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors, with a strength and conditioning program led by Mel Sanchez. Members benefit from year-round training opportunities and a coaching team that includes national champions, Olympic Trials qualifiers, and experienced referees with decades of combined expertise.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional coaching staff, particularly highlighting coaches Ku'u Robinson and John Q. Robinson for their dedication and expertise. Parents appreciate how the gym creates a fun, supportive environment for children of all ages while providing high-level technical instruction. Reviewers specifically mention the value of working with guest coaches like Olympians and NCAA champions, and they note the individual attention each wrestler receives from the extensive coaching team. Many emphasize how the academy helps children become better wrestlers and better people through its caring approach.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Billy Wood
6 years ago
I have known Coach Rob and Coach Ku’u for over 20 years. Finding someone of this level of dedication is very hard to do. Let alone two people of this level in the same room. The high level of expertise and technique taught in this room will only be rivaled by the amount of love that they show to each and every wrestler. Truly amazing people with only the best for every kid in mind.
Doc Tuttle
6 years ago
HWA is awesome! Coach Rob and Ku'u are so great and have helped my boys immensely! The instruction and drilling with coach Sean has been absolutely invaluable to my 2 sons. One of my favorite things about HWA is how coach Rob is always bringing in world class talent as guest coaches and to run clinics. Getting the benefit of working with Olympians and NCAA Champions is something we're not getting anywhere else. Thank you HWA for all of your hard work at helping my boys better better wrestlers and better people! Aloha
Colby Newman
6 years ago
My son randomly decided he wanted to give wrestling a try at 4 years old. I was initially worried he was too young and everything would be geared toward older kids. I was wrong. Hawaii Wrestling Academy was perfect for him. Coach Ku’u and Coach Rob are outstanding coaches with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They make practices fun for the kids, while preparing them for competition (with no pressure to compete before they are ready). There is a great group of assistant coaches so everyone gets support and attention. I truly can’t say enough good things about this club. If your son or daughter is interested in giving wrestling a try, this is the place to go.
Korak Simmons
4 years ago
Experienced and dedicated founders of the Hawaii Wrestling Academy that provide a quality learning environment and challenging USA Wrestling certified training from beginners to advanced levels in Folkstyle, Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling. Excellent for both male and female wrestlers! Great atmosphere in this place with the added value of a great coaching staff. Awesome for wrestling training and conditioning all year round!
adam and erika deckert
4 years ago
Hawaii wrestling academy is amazing. My son absolutely enjoys it. All the coaches are doing a great job with all the kids. My son Is learning how to wrestle, and the quality of teaching is top of the line. Thank you coaches. I will highly recommend this academy to everyone I know.
paymentsMembership
$90/mo
Contact
98-023 Hekaha St Building 1 Unit 2F, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Mel Sanchez
Strength & Conditioning
Ku`u Robinson
Coach
USA Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach, 9 years coaching experience, 2018 Team USA Women’s Travel Coach
Coached at Waianae and Mililani. Multiple-time Team Hawaii Coach. Athletic achievements include World Teams Trial Qualifier and Senior Nationals 5th place finishes.
Thomas Taflinger
Coach
USA Wrestling Certified Coach
Coaching experience at Mililani, Leilehua, and Punahou. 1993 Northwestern Regional Champion, 1991 HHSAA State Championship 4th place.
Sean Kim
Coach
USA Wrestling Certified Coach, 4x National Champion, Jr World Champion, Olympic Trials qualifier
Coached California National Team, San Marino HS, Cerritos College, and Mililani HS. California State Champion, 7x CA State Champion (freestyle/greco), 3x WAC Champion for Fresno State.
John Q. Robinson
Coach
USA Wrestling Silver Certified Coach, USA Wrestling/UWW/FILA Official/Referee, 35 years coaching experience
Extensive high school coaching experience at Waianae, Mililani, and Radford. Hawaii Freestyle & Greco State Champion, 2003 Veterans Nationals Greco Runner-Up.
Billy Wood
Coach
USA Wrestling Gold Certified Coach, USA Wrestling/UWW/FILA Official/Referee, Senior World Championships Coach
Coached at Senior World Championships, Pan Am Games, and multiple international tours with Team USA. Former Castle Head Coach and Aiea Assistant Coach.