A self-described mat-addict with more than 25 years of grappling and martial arts training, Ryan finds joy in helping students find their own Jiu-Jitsu ‘aha!’ moments.

Early Beginnings:

As an overweight Japanese kid who at a lot of rice, Ryan struggled with bullies while growing up on the island of Oahu. Hoping that martial arts would build strength and confidence, Ryan first put on the gi as part of an after-school Judo program. Wrestling through high school before transitioning to MMA, Ryan found that getting punched in the face was not all it was cracked up to be. After leaving Hawaii for college, Ryan stumbled upon a group of students grappling in the racquet ball courts of the Creighton fitness center, igniting a newfound curiosity for Jiu-Jitsu. Impressed by how effective practitioners appeared when dealing with larger, stronger opponents, Ryan joined 10th Planet in 2011. Drawing from their unique flow-based approach to learning and a focus on leg locks, Ryan found success as a submission artist while traveling the Midwest tournament scene. 

Competition:

Ever the student, Ryan sought out other experts in the community. Under the tutelage of multiple-time IBJJF and UWW World Champion John Hansen, Ryan found a home at Axios Academy. In 2021, Ryan competed at the IBJJF No Gi World Championship in Garland, Texas. Despite fishtailing into the lowest seed of the tournament, Ryan managed to defeat all his opponents without conceding a single point. In recognition of this accomplishment, while on top of the podium Ryan was awarded his Black Belt by Professors Paul Nava and Sean Huff. The following year, Ryan qualified for and represented Team USA in Pontevedra, Spain. Together, Team USA captured the country’s first team gold medal finish in the tournament’s history.