O2 Martial Arts Academy
About
O2 Martial Arts Academy in Honolulu offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. The gym features a diverse coaching team with instructors holding credentials from Relson Gracie lineage, brown and purple belts in BJJ, and specialized coaches for wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and Kali-Escrima. Amenities include loaner gear and refreshments for purchase, making it accessible for visitors and new students. The facility boasts ample mat space that is meticulously cleaned after each class, with flexible scheduling that accommodates typical work weeks.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's excellent instructors, particularly Chris and Mike Onzuka, Travis, and other coaches who are described as highly skilled, personable, and dedicated to student success. Reviewers highlight the welcoming, family-like atmosphere where both beginners and experienced practitioners feel immediately accepted, with many noting they've formed genuine friendships. The diverse student body offers training partners of all ages and skill levels, and the ample mat space is kept meticulously clean. While most feedback is extremely positive, one parent noted their children struggled with the teaching style that prioritizes focus and conformity, suggesting it may not be ideal for easily distracted or less serious young students.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Brett Cote
3 years ago
Bottom line: Great instructors, great people, big space, awesome vibe! I’m in the Navy, and I was in town for a month for work. O2 happened to be the closest BJJ academy to where I was staying (the Sub Base/Lockwood NGIS on Pearl Harbor). I can’t believe how lucky I got to have such a great gym so close to where I was staying. I’ve been training BJJ for 5 years, and I am always traveling for work, so I’ve trained in a lot of different academies. O2 has great instructors with an extremely legit lineage. The instructors and the folks who train there are very welcoming. There is a TON of mat space. The mats get mopped up after every class. And there are a lot of class options throughout the week. If you’ve been training for a while, and you’re looking for a place to get hard rolls, flow rolls, rolls with young guys, rolls with old guys, rolls with white belts, and rolls with legit upper belts, O2 has you covered with a really diverse spectrum of students. It’s also the kind of place where you can make some legit friends, so if you’re a military guy new to the area, you won’t find a better gym. If you’re a beginner, and you want to learn BJJ or kickboxing, these instructors are so legit, and they’ve created a really great culture of learning with a family vibe. Thank you to the Twins, Chris S, Travis, and all the students for welcoming me into the fam for the time I was here. OSS and A Hui Hou Kakou!
Mike C.
a year ago
As someone who doesn’t typically practice martial arts, I decided to attend a Saturday AM class at the invitation of a friend. I was hesitant and worried about being judged for my lack of experience; however, my concerns quickly faded away. The atmosphere in the class was welcoming—everyone displayed a high level of friendliness, professionalism, and respect. The two-hour class, led by two excellent instructors, was intense, filled with sweat, and featured valuable techniques shared by everyone. If you’re new to the area or searching for a top-notch place to practice martial arts, I highly recommend visiting this gym. It’s a great community for both beginners and those who are more skilled. Mahalo! 🤙🏽
Travis Pavur (Titan Vapors)
7 years ago
Chris and Mike are amazing! We enrolled our kids here and were instantly impressed, after our kids participated in a recent competition they had; my wife and I decided to join as well and are very glad we did! Great workout while providing useful skills! Look forward to the classes to come! Right away Chris and Mike knew our names and took the time to work on some drills with us knowing that we needed some additional attention compared to the more experienced students. On a side note, the schedules for classes are outstanding as well! Works perfectly with a typical work week which is a rareity now days.
Wyatt
2 years ago
I recently had the privilege of joining O2 Martial Arts Academy, and my experience there has been nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I had found a martial arts gym that truly stands out. I cannot recommend this place enough. The instructors at O2 are absolutely incredible. Not only are they highly skilled, but they are also incredibly personable and dedicated to helping you succeed. Whether you're a beginner like me or a seasoned martial artist, Mike and Chris, along with the other coaches are patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. They make learning martial arts not only effective but also fun and engaging. Walking into O2 almost feels like entering a second home. The friendly and inviting atmosphere is noticeable from the moment you step inside. The instructors and other members are always ready with a smile and a welcoming greeting, making you feel like part of the family right away. It's a place where everyone is on a first-name basis, and it seems like you leave every class having made a new friend! One of O2's standout features is its community of members. I've never encountered a more supportive group of teammates in any fitness or martial arts setting. Whether you're struggling with a technique, trying to reach a fitness goal, or simply looking for motivation, the other members are there to lend a helping hand. It just goes to show the positive and friendly environment that O2 creates! I attended their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing classes, but they also have kids wrestling and kali-escrima class. The class schedules are flexible, making it easy to fit training into your week. Plus, the instructors tailor their teaching to ensure that everyone, regardless of experience, can benefit from the classes. I cannot speak highly enough of O2, which I can honestly say has changed my life. I'm very thankful for everyone apart of O2, and I will gladly be back during the summer!
Jonah David
a year ago
O2 Martial Arts Academy provides incredibly high-level instruction with meticulous attention to detail from the two brothers. I cannot emphasize that enough. However, my 11 and 13-year-old kids, both of whom trained BJJ for 5 years, struggled to adapt to their teaching style. I felt the gym's focus was on student conformity rather than individualized instruction. My kids began to feel stigmatized, and it became apparent (to me) that the professors became annoyed and no longer wanted to teach my children. After a month, the owners suggested we might not be a good fit. If your children are easily distracted, prefer a more relaxed environment, are somewhat goofy, sometimes moody, tend to speak their mind, or if you're looking for fun to be a priority, I recommend exploring other options. If your children are highly focused, interested in competition, have a background in wrestling, and are ready to take their training seriously, with critical feedback, I highly recommend this school. My experience as a teacher is that teaching is not always about how concisely and perfectly I can convey the information. It's how I do it, and if I cannot reach the student, I have failed to teach them. I had high hopes for this school. In the end, it wasn't a good fit for us, and my kids didn't have a good time, but that doesn't mean it might not be perfect for you.
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
98-019 Kamehameha Hwy #208a, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 – 8:00 AM, 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 6:30 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Chris Onzuka
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Relson Gracie Black Belt
Teaches multiple kids and adult BJJ classes. Received black belt from Relson Gracie.
Travis Kashiwa
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Teaches Saturday evening BJJ class (alternates with Andrew Kawada).
Mike Onzuka
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Relson Gracie Black Belt
Teaches multiple kids and adult BJJ classes. Received black belt from Relson Gracie.
Matt Dalton
BJJ Assistant Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt
Listed as a brown belt assistant instructor for Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Cedric Yogi
Wrestling Coach
Coaches the O2 Rhino Wrestling team for kids and teens. Led team to state championships.
Terence Matsuno
BJJ Assistant Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt
Listed as a brown belt assistant instructor for Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Ian Beltran
Kali-Escrima Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt
Teaches Kali-Escrima classes. Also listed as a BJJ purple belt assistant instructor.
Ryan Yanagihara
BJJ Assistant Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt
Listed as a brown belt assistant instructor for Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
PJ Dean
Boxing & Kickboxing Instructor
Co-teaches Boxing & Kickboxing classes. Also referenced in fight photos.
Justin Dulay
Boxing & Kickboxing Instructor
Co-teaches Boxing & Kickboxing classes with PJ Dean.
Farren Okamura
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt
Teaches morning adult BJJ class. Listed as a purple belt assistant instructor.
Stephen Thai
Wrestling Coach / BJJ Assistant
BJJ Purple Belt
Coaches O2 Rhino Wrestling (seasonal). Also listed as a BJJ purple belt assistant instructor.
Chris Slavens
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Teaches Saturday morning BJJ class.
Andrew Kawada
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Teaches Saturday evening BJJ class (alternates with Travis Kashiwa).