The Monthly dojo drop: Imanari Jiu Jitsu
Imanari Jiu Jitsu offers one of the most welcoming and enjoyable training environments in Tokyo. The team sees visitors from around the world every week, creating a friendly, open atmosphere where grapplers of all levels can train at a comfortable pace while still learning from world‑class athletes. Training here feels like a rare chance to learn directly from a leg‑locking legend while being part of a genuinely warm and international community.
Inside The Sapporo Sumo Club- Great Food, Culture, and Experience
A relaxed weekday visit to the Sapporo Sumo Club turned into one of our favorite cultural experiences in Sapporo. With a full chanko‑nabe lunch, a playful sumo show, and hands on activities like mochi pounding, it’s an interactive way to learn about sumo traditions in the heart of Susukino.
Why the 80kg Division Is One of the Most Exciting in Asia-Pacific
The 80kg division is making its debut at the Okinawa Invitational, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most exciting brackets in the Asia‑Pacific scene. Sitting in the same sweet spot that global promotions like Polaris and ONE rely on, this weight class blends speed, power, and technical variety in a way few others can match. With strong interest from athletes across the region and a meaningful prize on the line, the new 80kg division is poised to deliver fast‑paced, high‑level matches from the very start.
The Monthly Dojo Drop: Tri-Force Sapporo
Tri‑Force Sapporo offers a clean, welcoming, and beginner‑friendly training environment led by instructor Daisuke Fujita. The class I attended focused on detailed half‑guard passing in the gi, taught with clear explanations and plenty of drilling time. The team was kind, technical, and respectful during sparring, making this a great spot for newer grapplers or travelers looking for structured instruction and a positive atmosphere.
The Monthly Dojo Drop: AFG Base Rosa
AFG Base Rosa offers a welcoming, technically focused training environment led by Tsukasa Muroya and a team of experienced black belts. The gym maintains a clean, well‑organized facility with ample mat space and a friendly community atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting Sapporo or looking for a consistent place to train, AFG Base Rosa provides thoughtful instruction, safe sparring, and a supportive culture that makes it easy for grapplers of all levels to learn and grow.
The Monthly dojo drop: Paraestra Sapporo
Paraestra Sapporo delivers a disciplined, fighter‑focused training environment that still feels welcoming to visitors. Led by Minoru Tawaraya, the gym blends technical instruction with a competitive edge, offering rounds that are intense, respectful, and grounded in solid fundamentals. Whether you’re a beginner looking for structure or an experienced grappler wanting to test yourself in a room full of serious athletes, Paraestra provides a high‑quality training experience with a strong sense of purpose on the mats.
The Monthly Dojo Drop: Over Limit Sapporo
Over Limit BJJ in Sapporo offers one of the most beginner‑friendly and technically structured classes I’ve experienced in Japan. Led by world champion Ryozo Murata, the gym emphasizes clear instruction, purposeful drilling, and safe, respectful sparring. The facility is clean, the staff is welcoming, and the training environment strikes a perfect balance between disciplined technique and relaxed approachability.
Okinawa Invitational 4 – May 23rd at Last Call Legion
Okinawa’s premier grappling event returns on May 23. The Okinawa Invitational brings elite athletes from across Asia to Last Call Legion in Kitanakagusuku for high‑level grappling. With ¥100,000 on the line and a custom championship belt up for grabs, the 80kg division is set to explode. Spectator entry is just ¥3,000, and local businesses are invited to partner with one of the island’s fastest‑growing combat sports events.
The Monthly Dojo Drop: Groundslam Okinawa
Groundslam Okinawa is a really fun team to train with and their technique is very strong. They do a lot of exercises and drills to improve their guard and you can tell by how well they move during training. I think many teams could learn from their style of warm ups and guard movement drills. Both of the brown belts that teach there, Takahiro and Yuki are very technical and active competitors in both MMA and BJJ and bring a lot of knowledge to the mats……
Daiki Yonekura Training Camp at Pacific Grappler
Pacific Grappler Dojo is hosting a two‑day training camp with Japanese standout Daiki Yonekura on February 28 and March 1. Known for his fast paced passing, elite leg lock game, and world class competitive pedigree, Daiki brings a modern, high pressure style that’s reshaping the no gi landscape. This camp offers a rare chance to learn directly from one of Japan’s most exciting rising talents.
Monthly Technique: The Mount
Holding mount isn’t just about being bigger and stronger, it’s about understanding weight, angles, and timing. In this month’s technique breakdown, we look at how to make your mount feel heavy, stable, and nearly impossible to escape. These small adjustments dramatically increase your control and set up higher‑percentage submissions. Watch the full video to see the details in action.
The Monthly Dojo Drop: Pacific Grappler
Pacific Grappler in Mihara has become one of my favorite places to train in Okinawa — a welcoming, community‑driven gym with a relaxed vibe, technical coaching, and plenty of space to roll. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned competitor, or a traveler looking for a friendly place to train, this gym makes it easy to feel at home. With clean facilities, English‑speaking staff, and a mix of laid‑back and competitive sparring, it’s a great stop for anyone exploring the Okinawa BJJ scene.
Free Seminar at LEOS Jiu Jitsu Academy With Myke Ohura & Shinji Morito on January 3
This free seminar is a perfect opportunity to sharpen your technique, meet new training partners, and learn from two instructors who continue to elevate Japan’s Jiu‑Jitsu scene. All levels and all academies are welcome come train, connect, and kick off the new year with the local community.
THE OKINAWA INVITATIONAL 3 RESULTS
From lightning-fast submissions to international showdowns, our latest Okinawa Invitational delivered nonstop action. With athletes flying in from Thailand, Korea, mainland Japan, and the United States, the mats were on fire from the first fist bump to the final belt ceremony. Don’t miss the recap, including Fight of the Night honors and championship finishes that had the crowd on their feet.”
Okinawa’s Grappling Rise: How the Okinawa Invitational Helps Athletes Shine
Okinawa is no longer just a tropical vacation spot; it’s becoming a proving ground for elite grappling. The Okinawa Invitational marks a turning point: a professionally run, globally minded event that showcases Japan’s rising BJJ talent with clarity, respect, and hype. From military volunteers to local gym legends, this movement is about more than medals, it’s about building a legacy.
No-Gi Seminar at Pacific Grappler Dojo: Anaconda series with Ibuki Arimatsu
Upcoming Seminar: Ibuki Arimatsu at Pacific Grappler Dojo
Join us August 23 at 10:00 AM for a no-gi seminar on the anaconda choke, taught by elite grappler
Ibuki Arimatsu- Okinawa Invitational 2 silver medalist, 2025 All Japan No-Gi double gold winner, and 3-time JBJJF champion.
Entry: $20 / ¥3000
All proceeds go toward Heath Pedigo’s eye surgery fund.
Let’s train, learn, and support—together.
Okinawa Invitational 3 – November 1st Showdown at ANA Sports Hall Tedako
The Okinawa Invitational – November 1, 2025
🥋 Elite Grappling. Global Talent. Local Heart.
Join us at ANA Sports Hall Tedako in Urasoe—just minutes from Naha Airport via monorail—for an explosive one-day showdown. Featuring:
Men’s Open Weight (Absolute)
Women’s -60kg Division
💰 ¥100,000 prize money + championship belts
Grapplers from Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and beyond are already registering. Spectator entry is free, and the energy will be electric.
Whether you're a fan, athlete, or local brand looking to shine—this is where the story begins.