Maui’s original Carlson Gracie academy — since 2008
Brazilian jiu jitsu and self-defense for kids from age four and adults at every level. Hawaii’s longest continuously running academy — over 20 years on the mat in Lahaina, without a break. Your first class is free and we will lend you a gi.
From zero experience to IBJJF Pan Kids champions
Every kid starts the same way — no experience needed, no gi required for the first class. The program takes them from their first day on the mat as far as they want to go, and some of them have gone all the way to the podium at the IBJJF Pan Kids.
Martial arts is one of the best ways to prepare a child for the challenges and conflicts that come up in their life. Training builds confidence, gives kids discipline and the values to make good choices, and helps mold them into respectful members of the community.
The principles are technique over strength, and mindfulness over aggression.
For the kids who want to compete, the door does not stop at our mats. Professor Christian’s standing in the Jiu Jitsu community and within the Carlson Gracie family opens training that is not open to everyone.
Ahead of major championships, our competitors are invited to train at Carlson Gracie West Coast Headquarters in Temecula — a world-class competition room. That invitation comes through relationships built over decades, and it is a real advantage for a kid with ambition.
The traditional class. Warm up, drill the day’s technique, then spar as hard or as light as you want to. Beginners get paired with people who know how to look after them.
Shorts and a rash guard, no jacket to grip. Faster, closer to wrestling, closer to what you would use standing up. Same coaching, different problem to solve.
Will Wilson stepped onto the mats at Professor Christian’s academy for the very first time as a boy. He grew up training here, and as a teenager he went on to further his training at other Carlson Gracie academies on the mainland. He is the clearest example of where this program can take a kid who sticks with it.
Times subject to change — call (808) 298-8265 to confirm. Sunday is a rest day.
Christian was personally trained and promoted to black belt by Carlson Gracie Sr. at the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro. He trained and competed under Carlson Gracie Sr. for 14 years, then continued his training with Carlson Gracie Jr. after the great Master passed on. Among his teammates are Vitor Belfort, Murilo Bustamante, Ricardo Liborio and Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira.
He was later invited by the Gracie family to California to teach at Carlson Gracie Temecula, which led to his move to Maui in 2008, where he opened the first Carlson Gracie Academy in the state. Each year Carlson Gracie Jr. and guests including Amaury Bitetti, Rey Diogo, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and Marcus Soares stop in to train or give seminars.
His students range from white belts to black belts, and he is fluent in Portuguese, Swedish, English and Spanish. He teaches the four-year-olds and the black belts alike, and he will know your name by your second class.
$XX/ month
Unlimited gi and no gi classes, six days a week.
$XX/ month
All classes for their age group. Siblings $XX.
$XX/ class
Single drop-in session. Full week $XX.
Memberships are billed monthly through our member portal. Full pricing →
Visitors are welcome in any class, at any belt. Message us the day before so we know to expect you, then show up ten minutes early to sign in.
Message us about dropping inNo experience, no gi, no commitment needed. Pick a time off the schedule and we will see you on the mat.
Book your free classOff the Keawe Street Bypass, at the end of the blue warehouses, right next door to the Maui Bed Store.
Directions →