Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction at 560 N. Nimitz Hwy Suite 112A in Honolulu, Hawaii. Situated inside the Na Lama Kukui building near downtown Honolulu, the academy serves students from Nuuanu, Kalihi, Liliha, Salt Lake, Makiki, and Kakaako with group classes and private lessons. The teaching staff is led by third-degree black belt Edmund Li, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and an Associates in Exercise and Sports Science. Li earned his rank under Leandro Nyza and has competed in national tournaments including the IBJJF American Nationals and World No-Gi Championships. Academy founder Kyle Takao is a third-degree black belt under Nyza with over twenty years of martial arts experience, while third-degree black belt Seth McKinney directs no-gi submission grappling. Classes feature progressive instruction divided into basics, core positional fundamentals, and intermediate training in both gi and no-gi formats. Youth programs accommodate children ages five through twelve, concentrating on motor skills, self-defense mechanics, and optional tournament readiness.