Grapplers to Watch at The Okinawa Invitational 4 on may 23
Okinawa Invitational 4 brings one of its most competitive brackets yet, and several athletes stand out as potential front runners. Marco Aurélio de Queiroz enters as the veteran technician with championship experience and a style built for sub‑only formats. Mateus Hirotomi brings speed, athleticism, and a proven ability to push a hard pace through multiple matches. Returning finalist Ibuki Arimatsu also returns to the spotlight after his memorable overtime victory against Marlon Barbosa Godoy at OI2. With these three leading the conversation and a deep field behind them, OI4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in the series.
Marco Aurellio De Queiroz Seminar at Leos Jiu Jitsu Academy Okinawa
Leo’s Jiu Jitsu Academy welcomes Marco Aurélio de Queiroz for a special no‑gi seminar on May 19 at 7:00 PM. Marco is one of Brazil’s most respected competitors and coaches, bringing a pressure‑driven style shaped by years of high‑level competition and teaching in Rio de Janeiro. Attendees will get direct instruction from an IBJJF Brazilian No‑Gi champion and multiple‑time ADCC Open winner known for turning complex positions into simple, effective systems. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a world‑class black belt the night before fight week officially kicks off in Okinawa.
Monthly Technique: The Seatbelt Choke
This month we’re looking at one of my signature techniques that I love to use in the gi- The Seatbelt Choke. I claim it as my own signature move because I have never seen anyone else use it and until I do I can only assume that I am the first. haha In this breakdown, we’ll cover the basic steps for securing this technique and slight variations that you may encounter. You can also see these details in action with my full YouTube instructional below.
marco aurellio de queiroz seminar at Pacific Grappler
Pacific Grappler Dojo kicks off Okinawa Invitational fight week with a no gi seminar led by Brazilian black belt Marco Aurélio de Queiroz. On May 20 at 6:30 PM, learn competition tested techniques from an IBJJF Brazilian No Gi champion, multiple time ADCC Open winner, and head coach of Piramide Grappling in Rio de Janeiro. This is a rare chance to train with a world class technician visiting Okinawa for one night only.
Why Grapplers Love Competing in Okinawa
Okinawa offers something rare in the grappling world, a competition trip that feels as refreshing as it is challenging. From relaxed island pace to great food at spots like Donald’s Poke and Mom’s Chicken, plus a world‑class coffee scene led by roasters like Azama Coffee, it’s no surprise athletes love coming here to compete, train, and recharge
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.
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.