Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art form that uses the advantage of leverage to complete various maneuvers. Helio Gracie, the “father” of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) transformed traditional Jiu-Jitsu by modifying techniques that worked with his smaller and weaker stature. The core of Jiu-Jitsu is self-defense.

Because leverage is the foundation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, this martial art form is beneficial for everyone – children, women, men – including those with some forms of disabilities. We have children who began learning jiu- jitsu at 3 years old; and the maximum age range is truly unlimited as the art is designed for weaker practitioners. Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu continued to practice jiu-jitsu until he passed away at 95 years old.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu teaches real-life self-defense and has been applied in anti-bullying classes among children, self-defense and protection among women, and self-defense in the military and armed forces.

Jason Vigil, Owner/Coach

Jason quickly discovered his passion for teaching, and began teaching his friends in his garage in 2004. Island Jiu-Jitsu was formed in 2010 in the backyard of a home in Hawaii Kai as a jiu-jitsu club.

In 2012, after the birth of his first daughter, Jason decided to open a formal jiu-jitsu school, subleasing in various locations in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Jason received his Black Belt in 2013 from Jason Izaguirre (Owner/Coach of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua).

In 2015, Jason’s dream of opening his own dojo came true.  In December 2017, Island Jiu-Jitsu affiliated with Atos, the #1 team in the world, becoming Atos Honolulu, the only Atos dojo on Oahu.  Jason is now a third degree black belt under Andre Galvao.

Island Jiu-Jisu is located at Puck’s Alley in the University area with a 1,200 sq. ft. space, one of the largest spaces in town.

Jason believes students need to learn both the basics of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense, and the new techniques that world champions use today.  His integrated style makes classes diverse and fun.