At Roma Jiu Jitsu Academy, we provide modern high-level instruction in a positive and welcoming environment. We are a family oriented business focused on relationship building, goal setting and the health of the entire student/athlete. We strive to be positive examples and role models, and set a high standard for every student.
Jiu Jitsu is a versatile and practical martial art that has many benefits. Whether your goals relate to fitness, competition or self defense, Jiu Jitsu is for everyone! The health and safety of our students, families and community is our top priority. Roma JJA offers a professional, safe, clean and fun environment for our students to learn, train and become more well rounded individuals.
Jiu Jitsu is a versatile and practical martial art that has many benefits. Whether your goals relate to fitness, competition or self defense, Jiu Jitsu is for everyone! The health and safety of our students, families and community is our top priority. Roma JJA offers a professional, safe, clean and fun environment for our students to learn, train and become more well rounded individuals.
Services
The name Roma comes from the original translation of the Hawaiian language Bible. Roma is the Hawaiian name for the book of Romans, where Professor Kawika's favorite verses, Romans 5:1-5, come from. These verses have had a great impact on him and helped to change his life. The name Roma connects us to both our heritage and our faith.
Roma Jiu Jitsu Academy is a family oriented Jiu Jitsu facility based in Hilo, Hawai'i. Founded in 2016 by Kawika and Jamie Yoneda, Roma JJA is a proud affiliate of the ATOS Association. The Roma 'Ohana practices modern, detailed and innovative techniques, with an emphasis on relationship building, goal setting and health.
Throughout the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the world has to come to know many strong and innovative teams. ATOS Jiu-Jitsu, founded in 2008 by Professor Andre Galvao and Professor Ramon Lemos, has become one of the most recognized and respected names in the Jiu-Jitsu industry. We are proud affiliates of the ATOS Association.
Our Kids 3-5 Class is for our youngest Jiu Jitsu students. Jiu Jitsu is a great way for children to have fun and be active while learning important life lessons. Our preschool and kindergarten aged keiki are introduced to simple, age-appropriate Jiu Jitsu techniques as they learn about teamwork and respect for others.
Our Kids Advanced Class is ideal for the motivated student who wants to focus on competitive Jiu Jitsu. Professor Kawika leads these young athletes to have a healthy attitude, set goals, overcome adversity, and take pride in their accomplishments. Students continue to be challenged as they master detailed techniques; building strength, self confidence, and determination.
Reviews (9)
T. NervezaClark
Dec 21, 2021
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Hoʻokano - Jamie was not welcoming at all. According to their brochure they offer trial classes, but those were not offered to me & my husband; instead we were told it’s $20 to drop in a class. We entered the suite late into the basics class & were told it’s too late to join. At the dojo we train at, with TWO fifth degree Brazilian black belts that got their black belts directly from Carlson Gracie Jr., our professors are very welcoming & unpretentious and allow anyone to come give BJJ a try. Choosing the right dojo means everything when learning BJJ, in Hilo, check out one of the other gyms
Jhordyn Kaleohano
Jan 31, 2020
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After checking out several other jiu jitsu places in Hilo we made contact with Jaime for a free class and my daughter was hooked! She’s very comfortable with the coaches and staff. Professor Kawika is such a humble coach, you never hear him raise his voice at any of the tournaments, or at practice he speaks so calmly to the kids, my daughter loves going to practice 3x week. This place is extremely clean. Proud to be apart of Roma Ohana!
Larryolivia Fronda
Sep 09, 2019
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First of all Jamie and Kawika are awesome! So are the other coaches. My son and daughter absolutely love it here. The place is very clean and has a great environment. I was referred by a friend, who had only good things to say about this place and she was totally right! I would highly recommend Roma if you or your kids want to start Jiu Jitsu!
Cyrelle Watanabe
Sep 04, 2019
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We always said we wanted to enroll our son in some kind of martial arts program. Since we already knew a couple of the coaches at ROMA JJA, we felt like it was the best place to start him off at.
As soon as they opened the enrollment for a 3-5 year old class we put our son on the list. Our 5 1/2 year old has been training with ROMA for a little over a year now and we couldn't be happier with his group of coaches and teammates. Everyone affiliated with the academy is friendly, welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable. So much so that we've referred a number of our friends to ROMA, too.
The progress
As soon as they opened the enrollment for a 3-5 year old class we put our son on the list. Our 5 1/2 year old has been training with ROMA for a little over a year now and we couldn't be happier with his group of coaches and teammates. Everyone affiliated with the academy is friendly, welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable. So much so that we've referred a number of our friends to ROMA, too.
The progress
Michael Arabia
Aug 26, 2019
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I visited the school today for an open mat while vacationing on the Big Island from Atlanta, Georgia. Jamie was wonderful and made everything super easy, even renting a gi. The school has a beautiful setting and is very clean. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and offered, enjoyable, skilled rolls. I hope to be back again one day and would recommend the school to anyone.
Nelson Nakatsu
Jun 15, 2019
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The Owners Kawika and Jamie were so Kind, Professional, and Helpful. The environment for learning was very friendly, clean and gives you a family like feel! I wanted to find something my 5 year old son could do to teach him discipline, self defense, confidence in himself, also while getting a little physical activity. He wishes I had placed him in earlier and we actually quit soccer because he showed so much passion for it after the 1st class! I was totally surprised as he was shaking while nervous and afraid to even stepping onto the mat that day, but stepped off totally energized, confident,
Noelle P.
Jun 03, 2019
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Cant say enough good things about Roma! Our daughters look forward to each next class and my husband too now! The coaches are amazing with our keiki! Encouraging, inspiring and helpful! Thank you guys for your aloha, excellence and grace! This Academy is a treasure! Looking forward to more good things to come!
Nathan Smith
Oct 20, 2016
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A well ran and CLEAN academy! Kawika and Jamie are absolutely fantastic and make you feel at home the minute you walk through the door. Great people, running a great establishment. I walked into the academy a complete beginner with no prior knowledge or experience and coach Kawika and his fellow coach Todd have worked with me and made me find a love for the sport of BJJ. They are top notch instructors, competitors, and just all around good guys. If your looking to start your BJJ adventure with the basics, or continue it with high training and drilling. This academy is the place for you. They have
Brice Takata
Oct 10, 2016
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I have brought my 6 year old son for approximately 7 months now. Roma's facilities are very clean, organized and professional. Kawika and Camerie are great instructors who are awesome with the kids and make them feel safe learning. The attitude of the instructors and Jamie are positive and makes you feel comfortable and welcome. If you are interested in bringing your child or want to try it for yourself, go check them out.
