The Monthly Dojo Drop: The Black Belt Japan
The Black Belt is a team that I have trained with on several occasions and every single time has been great. They are one of the most respectful and professional groups I have ever met, and they will always bring a great level of skill and intensity to their training sessions. No matter if you are training with one of their younger blue belts or a more seasoned black belt, you will see how seriously they take their training and how skilled everyone is. The Black Belt is truly a pillar of the Okinawan MMA scene and a must visit for anyone wanting to train with professional, world class fighters.
THE OKINAWA INVITATIONAL 4 RESULTS
Okinawa Invitational 4 delivered a full day of high‑level grappling as elite grapplers from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, Germany, and Brazil battled through a double‑elimination bracket for the inaugural 80kg championship. The event opened with explosive action from Ibuki Arimatsu securing a lightning fast 25 second submission to a breakout performance like 18 year old Indiana Keirn, who stepped in as a last minute replacement and shocked the bracket with two wins over seasoned brown belts. From technique to raw power, the mats in Okinawa showcased the best of international grappling.
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.
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.”
With Okinawa Invitational 3 Around the Corner, Let’s Look Back at What Made the Last One Special
Okinawa Invitational 2 brought together twelve high‑level no‑gi athletes from Japan, the United States, and Brazil for a night of technical grappling and competitive intensity. The event showcased both established talent and emerging standouts, highlighted by Marlon Barbosa Godoy’s championship run and Ibuki Arimatsu’s breakout performance that saw him defeat three black belts on his way to a remarkable second‑place finish.