"United BJJ Hawaii: Building a Stronger Pearl City Community Through Jiu-Jitsu"
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"United BJJ Hawaii: Building a Stronger Pearl City Community Through Jiu-Jitsu"
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A Jiu-Jitsu Home: United BJJ Hawaii Builds Community One Roll at a Time |
World-champion founders bring discipline, confidence, and aloha to the mats in a family-first martial arts academy serving Pearl City since 2017. |
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Tucked just off Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City, inside the 24 Hour Fitness complex, is a space where mats become more than training grounds—they become the foundation for confidence, discipline, and community. Since 2017, United BJJ Hawaii has been quietly transforming lives through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, welcoming toddlers, teens, and adults alike into a dojo that feels as much like home as it does an academy.
At the heart of this academy are husband-and-wife founders Bruno Pucci and Angela Lee Pucci, both internationally recognized martial artists. Bruno is a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi World Champion, and Angela—a six-time MMA World Champion—is one of Hawaii’s most decorated athletes. But step through their doors, and you’ll find no egos here. Instead, students are met with smiles, encouragement, and an unwavering belief that everyone—regardless of age or ability—can grow stronger, both physically and mentally, through the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu.
“We built this space to be more than a gym,” says Angela. “It’s a place where people come to support each other, to learn, and to grow.”
Classes range from Tiny Tots BJJ for three-year-olds finding their footing, to Women-Only No-Gi sessions, to competitive training for seasoned grapplers. The structured curriculum promotes self-defense, physical fitness, and mental focus—but perhaps more powerfully, it fosters resilience and respect. Young students quickly learn that falling isn’t failing—it’s simply part of learning to stand up again.
Parents describe United BJJ Hawaii as “the gold standard of martial arts academies on Oahu,” citing its immaculate, air-conditioned training space and the family-friendly atmosphere that puts even the most hesitant newcomers at ease. Instructors—many of whom train alongside students—create a rare sense of camaraderie and mentorship. One parent shared, “My daughter used to be shy and unsure of herself. Now, she leads warmups, helps new kids, and stands taller in every part of her life.”
Community runs deep here. The academy partners with the We Defy Foundation to provide scholarships for military veterans through martial arts and fitness training. They also host local charity events, support school fundraisers, and offer youth mentorships, ensuring their impact reaches far beyond the mats.
Looking ahead, Bruno and Angela are preparing to expand their kids’ programs and bring in guest instructors from around the world for exclusive seminars. Belt promotions and friendly in-house tournaments provide not just milestones for growth, but celebrations of community—each cheer echoing the collective pride of the academy’s extended ‘ohana.
Whether you're a parent seeking a confidence-building outlet for your child, an adult looking to get fit, or someone simply curious about martial arts, United BJJ Hawaii offers more than just a class—it offers a second home.
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