Meet Your Coaches

Justin Holder is a highly accomplished martial artist and instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, holding the prestigious rank of 3rd-degree black belt. His journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 2001 under the guidance of the renowned Sandro "Batata" Santiago at the original Ralph Gracie academy. Eager to deepen his knowledge and refine his skills, Justin embarked on a journey with Jiu-Jitsu that changed his life.

Justin's dedication and passion for the art was evident in his swift progression through the belt ranks. Achieving his blue belt in 2002, he continued to demonstrate his commitment, earning his purple belt in December 2004, followed by his brown belt in December 2006. In July 2009, Justin attained the esteemed black belt, marking a significant milestone in his martial arts journey. Further solidifying his expertise, he reached the rank of 3rd-degree black belt in October 2019.

Beyond the mats, Justin has diverse interests that contribute to his holistic approach to life. He is an avid power lifter, finding strength and discipline in the pursuit of physical excellence. Justin also finds solace and joy in the great outdoors, particularly through hiking. Whether exploring scenic trails or conquering challenging terrains, he embraces the serenity and adventure that hiking offers, with a particular highlight being his ascent of Mount Whitney. The pursuit of new heights and challenges in the natural world mirrors his approach to martial arts, embodying a spirit of continuous growth and exploration.

A true epicurean, Justin takes pleasure in the culinary arts and appreciates the significance of a good meal. His love for eating is not only a testament to his appreciation for diverse cuisines but also reflects his understanding of the balance between nourishment and enjoyment.

In addition to his dedication to Jiu-Jitsu, Justin is a seasoned traveler who explores various destinations. His journeys reflect a commitment to personal development, cultural enrichment, and the pursuit of new experiences.

Justin Holder's multifaceted interests, coupled with his extensive experience and expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, make him a valuable asset to Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, inspiring and guiding students on their own martial arts journeys.

Kyssa Star was born and raised in Rio das Pedras, a community in Rio de Janeiro, where she began her Jiu-Jitsu journey at the Marcio Rodrigues Academy at the age of 11. From the very start, she was actively competing and progressing through the colored belt ranks.

A few years after starting Jiu-Jitsu, Kyssa became an orphan, and it was Jiu-Jitsu that saved her life, providing her with purpose and recovery. As a purple belt, she transitioned to Atos Rio BJJ, where she trained under Davi Ramos (ADCC Champion) and Darlan Casaca.

During her time there, she earned her brown belt and achieved notable titles such as South American IBJJF Champion, Rio Summer Weight and Absolute Gi and NOGI Champion, Rio Fall IBJJF Champion, among over 30 other open titles.

Remaining active in competitions since her yellow belt days, Kyssa has amassed over 60 medals throughout her career. She returned to the Marcio Rodrigues Academy and was awarded her black belt in 2023, at the age of 21, after 10 years of dedicated training by her first professor, Marcio Rodrigues.

Later that year, Kyssa moved to the United States to expand her knowledge, teach at two academies, and work as a referee in several championships, including JJWL, BJJ Tour, Grappling Industries and IBJJF.

In addition to Jiu-Jitsu, Kyssa has a passion for bodybuilding, which is her second favorite hobby. She is also an avid animal protector, as animals are one of the things she cherishes most. Her favorite food is traditional Brazilian cuisine — rice, beans, steak, and fries — and she can never resist a good In-N-Out burger!

Jamie Kashitani is a highly skilled and passionate Wrestling Instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, bringing extensive experience in various wrestling styles, including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folk style wrestling. With a remarkable track record as both a competitor and coach, Jamie plays a pivotal role in introducing students to the fundamental techniques and principles of wrestling.

Wrestling Journey: Jamie's journey in wrestling spans over 8 years, during which they have immersed themselves in the intricacies of freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folk style wrestling. Their passion for the sport and commitment to mastering its diverse disciplines have made them a well-rounded and proficient wrestling practitioner.

Coaching Expertise: For the past two decades, Jamie has been actively involved in coaching wrestling, contributing their expertise to athletes of all ages. From working with children as young as 4 years old to guiding high school and college-age boys and girls, Jamie's coaching experience is rich and diverse. Their ability to connect with athletes of different age groups and skill levels has made them an effective and respected instructor.

Nurturing Young Talent: Jamie's coaching philosophy revolves around nurturing the potential of young wrestlers. As the Wrestling Instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, they create a supportive and encouraging learning environment for beginners. Their patient and motivational teaching style ensures that each student feels comfortable and inspired to learn and grow in the sport.

Empowering High School and College Athletes: Beyond working with young children, Jamie has dedicated their coaching skills to high school and college-age athletes. Their guidance empowers these wrestlers to refine their techniques, develop mental fortitude, and excel in the competitive wrestling arena.

A Passion for the Art of Wrestling: Jamie's passion for wrestling extends beyond the technical aspects of the sport. They emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, discipline, and dedication, imparting invaluable life lessons to their students through the medium of wrestling.

James Sespene is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, bringing energy, relatability, and a passion for helping new students build confidence on the mats. As an instructor for both the Kids Program and Adult Intro Program, James is committed to creating a positive and welcoming environment where students of all ages can learn, grow, and enjoy the journey of martial arts.

James began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2023 after being inspired by MMA and the fighting style of former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira. What started as an interest in combat sports quickly became a life-changing passion, leading him to fully immerse himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.

Training under the Ralph Gracie lineage, James earned his blue belt at Ralph Gracie Santa Clara through consistent dedication, hard work, and competition experience. Alongside his Jiu-Jitsu training, he also spent a year wrestling, helping him develop a well-rounded grappling foundation and a strong understanding of pressure, control, and positional awareness.

James has spent the last several months teaching kids classes and assisting beginner students through their first experiences in Jiu-Jitsu. His approachable personality and patience make him especially effective with newer students who may feel nervous or intimidated when starting martial arts. He believes that building confidence and consistency are just as important as learning techniques.

One of the reasons James connected so deeply with Jiu-Jitsu is because it gave him an opportunity to succeed where other sports did not. Growing up, he often felt too small, too weak, or too slow compared to others in traditional athletics. Through Jiu-Jitsu, he discovered that technique, persistence, and mindset could overcome physical limitations, ultimately helping him find confidence both on and off the mats.

In addition to teaching, James continues to actively compete and develop his skills through training and competition. His commitment to constant improvement allows him to bring fresh experience and energy into every class he teaches.

At Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, James is passionate about helping students discover the same confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging that martial arts gave him. Whether teaching children or helping adults through their first class, he strives to create an encouraging atmosphere where every student feels supported in their growth and development.