February 2025 | Episode #10
The first chapter of 2025 in the books, and if January was any indication, this year is going to be a big one for LŌKAHI Jiu-Jitsu Collective. We kicked off the year with some hard-fought victories on the competition mats, the steady return of teammates recovering from injuries, and a renewed focus on class consistency. Plus, with a new schedule in place, there are even more opportunities to train, grow, and push forward together. No matter what your goal is this year - we got you! With that, let’s dive into the highlights!
Rolling in the New Year
Grapplers from around the city and beyond came together to ring in the New Year. And while this may not seem out of the norm, there was a time that cross-training was strongly discouraged, and good rolls were hard to come by. The word ‘LŌKAHI’ means unity in Hawaiian and our mission is to spread the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts throughout our community. No matter what belt, gym or background, we welcome all grapplers to come together, create connections, and learn from each other.
Missed New Year’s Day? Join us each and every Sunday at 10:30am.
It’s FREE to the Community, so bring a friend, bring your good vibes, and get some rolls in.
Domination in Dallas: Congratulations Coach Guy!
Coach Guy Rouelle put in the work, stepped onto the mats in Dallas, and delivered. He went 3-1 for the weekend, bringing home 🥇 Gold in the Gi, 🥇 Gold in No-Gi, and 🥈 Silver in the No-Gi Open. But beyond the medals, this weekend was about testing his skills, pushing his limits, and learning what’s next in his Jiu-Jitsu journey.
“I’ve been working on my double legs these past couple of months and told myself I wanted to go for them this weekend. I hit every opponent that would wrestle with me with double legs,” Guy shared. “My top pressure felt great, and I was able to pin everyone to rack up points and go for subs.”
One of his proudest moments? A dominant win over an ultra-heavyweight opponent in the open class, proving that preparation and execution beat size alone.
Of course, no competition comes without lessons. “I need to work on defending wrestle-ups,” Guy admitted. “Both of my opponents in the open wrestled up, and I draped over them to attack a guillotine, which got me swept.” He also noted that he abandoned his butterfly guard too early, leaving space for a guard pass that cost him in the finals.
Through it all, he credits the LŌKAHI team and The Lab for getting him ready. “The quality of training partners at the gym was the biggest contributing factor. My rounds with (Ryan), Isaac, Brian, and Cole were honestly more difficult than all of my matches. Also, The Lab enabled me to get my conditioning in order. I felt significantly stronger and more athletic than all of my opponents, including that super heavyweight.”
Huge congratulations to Coach Guy on an incredible weekend! This is just the beginning—let’s keep building.
“Best Jiu-Jitsu in Omaha! A must join if you are a competitive grappler!”
Welcome Back, Coach Nolan!
Many have asked about that tall, handsome man teaching Saturday Foundations without the Gi….
After a legendary battle with knee surgery, Coach Nolan made his long-awaited return to the mats as a changed man. During his time away in recovery, Nolan got used to the stretchy pants life - the first step to being a No Gi convert. Nolan still leads the morning crew’s Gi practices, but don’t sleep on his 8:00am Foundations class on Saturdays either.
Nolan hopes to be back to light drilling within a month and then smash passing shortly thereafter.
LŌKAHI Youth Program
Classes begin February 18th!
We’re just two weeks away from the launch of our Youth Jiu-Jitsu program! Designed for ages 7-14, this exciting new course builds on the success and structure of our adult classes, while tailoring the experience to younger participants. With a blend of martial arts training and interactive games, kids are guaranteed to develop strength and confidence. Reach out to save your spot for the Youth Open House - Saturday, February 15th at 9:00am!
Whether your child is looking to improve focus, boost confidence, or simply have a blast while staying active, the LŌKAHI Youth Program is the perfect way to kick off their martial arts journey. Enrollment has begun spaces are limited. Give your child the gift of growth, discipline, and community!
The Terminator’s First Run
Michael Pflueger wasted no time after his hip replacement earlier this month. Despite the disbelief from his doctors and his concerned wife Libby, Mike was seen jogging down the hallway of the hospital wing just an hour after his surgery (don’t try this at home; YMMV). We wish him a full and speedy recovery!
Upcoming Tournaments
April 19th - Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship Spring Open
Lincoln, NE
May 31st - Grappling Industries
Omaha, NE
Celebrate Moments
Congratulations to RYAN and JEANA MATCHA on the birth of their second child REMI JAMES MATCHA!
Congratulations to CHRIS and VICTORIA PEREZ on the birth of BABY CHRIS (aka Slime Jr)!
Upcoming FEBRUARY Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
4th - “Big” Brian Sorensen
10th - Bill Reese
11th - Dominic “D.Love” Love
11th - Isaac Hiebert
15th - Nick O’Connell
16th - Brett Classen
22nd - Chris He
27th - Jake Hoatson
29th - Gene Kowel
“I can’t say enough good things about this place. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The vibe is incredible here. Great place to train!”