Head Instructor - Relson Gracie Black Belt

Uptown’s Head Instructor, Shane Agena, received his black belt in 2009 from Relson Gracie. He began his journey with Relson at the Main Academy, training, competing and teaching Jiu-Jitsu since 1996.

Shane continually demonstrates his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and strives to pass on his knowledge and the valuable life lessons he has gained on the mats. He always shares about how everything positive in his life has been a byproduct of Jiu-Jitsu. Shane’s goal is to help his students transform their lives with the physical & mental benefits that Jiu Jitsu provides.

Instructor - Relson Gracie Black Belt

Jeff Furuta was first introduced to Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 1994 and immediately fell in love with the art. After his first class and watching Royce Gracie in UFC 1, he was hooked. Since then, it has been a non-stop journey and he is now hoping to pass the art down to his two sons, Blake and Connor.

After trying to “retire” from Jiu Jitsu several times, he always found himself back on the mats. He now knows that it will always be part of his life, whether through his own journey, or through his friends, family, or the students of Uptown Jiu Jitsu.

Instructor- Black Belt

Kimmie Agena has always enjoyed martial arts, but fell head over heels in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu back in 2007. 

Previously, she had been an avid Bikram yoga practitioner, but the mental and total body workout she got from Jiu Jitsu soon became her new addiction and lifestyle. 

Training, teaching & competitions have been a constant in her life. It has taught her so much about herself as an individual. Her true passion is helping kids gain confidence, mental strength & learn what respect truly means.  She hopes these lessons on the mat help her students grow to become exemplary human beings as they learn Jiu Jitsu techniques & philosophy.  

She is grateful to be able to share this lifestyle with her husband & young daughter, Aria.

"A family that trains together, stays together."

Assistant Instructor - Purple Belt

"I started bjj in 2008.  When my oldest son started training, I was there all the time, so I was encouraged to get onto the mat. 

There are too many reasons why I love bjj: the GREAT WORKOUT (it's an awesome core and cardio workout while learning how to defend yourself), the MENTAL GAME (it's more than physical, like chess, you're trying to think 2-3 moves ahead), the GOOD ENERGY of the coaches and teammates (always encouraging, always helping each other improve), MY KIDS (it's something positive and healthy we can do together).

Also, I believe it saved my life. I thought I was in good shape and tried to eat right but about a year after starting bjj, I had a heart attack on the mat during Jiu Jitsu practice. I had a 100% blockage in one of the main arteries in my heart. I was lucky enough that I didn't need open heart surgery (or die), but my heart attack made me realize at age 38, I had to take EVEN BETTER CARE of myself. Because of Jiu Jitsu, I am in better shape physically and mentally, than I was all those years ago."

Assistant Instructor - Blue Belt

Jenna Koseki is a lifelong martial artist. She began her journey studying Kempo as a child at Kempo Unlimited Hawaii. After many years of dedication and tough training, Jenna has achieved her rank of 5th Degree Black Belt.

Kempo exposed Jenna to many different self defense arts & helped introduce her to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Uptown. Jenna enjoys competing at many of the tournaments on the island and is an asset in the kids class. She brings years of experience working with keiki.