Meet Your Coaches

Co-Founder / Adult & Kids BJJ Instructor

Darren S. Ogasawara

Darren is a highly accomplished and esteemed Adult and Kids BJJ instructor with a remarkable background in competition and a wealth of expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A distinguished medalist in prestigious tournaments and a seasoned competitor across multiple platforms, Darren's journey in BJJ is a testament to his passion for the art and his dedication to empowering his students.

Competitive Achievements: Darren's dedication and skill as a BJJ practitioner have earned him recognition as a medalist in the BJJ Worlds and Pans competitions, where he has demonstrated his exceptional technique and strategic prowess on the mats. He has also showcased his talent in various renowned tournaments, including JJWL, IBJJF, NAGA, Grappling Industries, and Grappling X.

Expertise in Teaching: Having trained at the original Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Mountain View, Darren's journey in BJJ has been enriched by his association with one of the most reputable academies in the sport. His passion for teaching led him to become one of the main instructors at Ralph Gracie San Jose / Santa Clara, where he honed his instructional skills and developed a unique approach to empowering his students.

Leadership and Culinary Background: In his past life, Darren's talents extended beyond the mats, as he held the esteemed position of Executive Chef/Director of Culinary for prominent establishments such as Sustainable Restaurant Group, Google, Fairmont, and Four Seasons. This experience instilled in him a sense of discipline, creativity, and leadership, which he now channels into his role as a BJJ instructor, guiding his students towards success and personal growth.

A Diverse and Holistic Approach: Darren's journey in BJJ, coupled with his culinary background, has shaped a holistic and empathetic approach to teaching. He understands that every student is unique, and he tailors his instruction to cater to individual needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive training environment for both adults and kids alike.

Passion for Empowerment: At Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, Darren is known for his unwavering commitment to empowering his students through martial arts. Beyond technical expertise, he emphasizes the values of discipline, resilience, and camaraderie, instilling in them the confidence to overcome challenges both on and off the mats.

Inspiring the Next Generation: As an instructor for both adult and kids' classes, Darren is passionate about nurturing the next generation of BJJ practitioners. Through his leadership, guidance, and mentorship, he seeks to instill in his students the same passion and dedication that has defined his own remarkable journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Founder of Western Muay Thai System / Head Muay Thai Instructor

Dakota Smith

Coach Dakota Smith is a Missouri native who moved to the Bay Area in 2017. He started teaching Martial Arts in 2015 as a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor.

After leaving the Marines in 2017 he moved from North Carolina to San Jose where he started training, fighting, and eventually teaching Muay Thai at a local gym.

Dakota has trained in Duane Ludwig's "Bang Muay Thai" system and was promoted to the rank of purple belt by Sensei Ludwig.

In 2020 he started developing his own unique striking system which would eventually become the Western Muay Thai System.

Dakota puts in a lot of effort to carefully cater to the unique requirements of each student as they all possess different levels of ability, athletic qualities, and learning styles. Dakota firmly believes that a skilled instructor is one who can identify these differences and modify their teaching approach accordingly.

Outside of the gym when Dakota isn't training or coaching, he enjoys watching combat sports, spending time with his girlfriend and dog, or catching a show at a local comedy club.

What is "Western Style Muay Thai" you might ask. In traditional Muay Thai there is a heavy emphasis on clinch and elbow strikes however, in the West, Muay Thai practitioners shifted that focus to punches and kicks, incorporating what they knew about kickboxing into Muay Thai. This led to the rise of Western style Muay Thai, which focuses more on aggression and staying light on your feet, as opposed to the more traditional flat-footed, counter attacking style.

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Women's BJJ Instructor

Kyssa Star

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!

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Judo Basics Instructor

John So

John So is an accomplished and dedicated Judo Basics instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, renowned for his expertise in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With a lifelong passion for martial arts, John has cultivated a wealth of experience and knowledge, inspiring students to embark on their own transformative journeys in the world of Judo and BJJ.

Background: John's journey in martial arts began in 2001 when he first stepped onto the tatami to explore the art of Judo. He pursued his passion at San Jose State University (SJSU) and furthered his training at Yongin University in Korea, immersing himself in the rich traditions of Judo. In 2007, John's unwavering dedication and commitment were rewarded when he achieved the coveted black belt in Judo, a testament to his exceptional skill and proficiency in the discipline.

Venturing into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: In 2008, John delved into the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of William Dias at Ralph Gracie Mountain View. His transition to BJJ was marked by the same tenacity and discipline that defined his Judo journey. As he embraced the intricacies of ground-based combat, John quickly developed a reputation for his technical prowess and relentless work ethic.

Achievements and Black Belts: John So's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reached a momentous milestone in 2019 when he earned his black belt in BJJ, a prestigious accolade presented by the renowned Ralph Gracie and Justin "Machine" Holder. This accomplishment solidified John's position as a respected figure in the BJJ community and further enhanced his credentials as an instructor.

Teaching Philosophy: As a Judo Basics instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, John So brings a holistic approach to his classes. He believes in instilling not only the technical aspects of Judo and BJJ but also in nurturing the principles of discipline, respect, and camaraderie among his students. With a strong focus on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, John empowers his students to build self-confidence, foster personal growth, and embrace the challenges presented by martial arts.

Passion for Empowering Students: John's passion for martial arts is surpassed only by his desire to empower his students. He takes great pride in witnessing their progress and growth, both on and off the mat. Through his patient guidance, unwavering dedication, and expert instruction, John So serves as a role model, mentor, and coach, encouraging his students to embody the spirit of Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu — a journey of empowerment, growth, and self-discovery.

Train With John