INSTRUCTORS

Meet Our Talented Team

Darren is a highly accomplished and esteemed Adult and Kids BJJ instructor at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, with a remarkable background in competition and a wealth of expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). 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.

Darren's expertise, achievements, and dedication make him an invaluable asset to Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, where he continues to shape the lives of his students and build a thriving community centered around the principles of martial arts.



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.

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.



Rafael Duarte's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 2010, a path initially paved by a need for recovery from a hand injury. His dedication and passion for the art led him to earn his black belt in 2018 under the mentorship of Master Eduardo Leitão at CIA Paulista, the pioneering BJJ school in São Paulo. Today, Rafael proudly holds a 2nd-degree black belt under the renowned Caio Terra.

Since attaining his purple belt, Rafael has been sharing his expertise with both kids and adults, molding the next generation of practitioners. His competitive spirit shines through an impressive collection of achievements, including over 20 gold medals in IBJJF Opens and a total of approximately 50 medals throughout his career.

In 2023, Rafael clinched the 2nd place at the esteemed American Nationals in the black belt division, showcasing his proficiency in submissions, particularly favoring the knee bar, toe hold, and triangle. His tactical prowess is exemplified by his mastery of the lapel guard, a game he has honed since his brown belt days.

Off the mats, Rafael embraces his Brazilian heritage with a passion for soccer and a love for the simple pleasures of movies and relaxation at home. When it comes to cuisine, his tastes range from the comforting flavors of lasagna and pasta to the traditional Brazilian combination of rice, beans, meat, and fries. Despite his culinary indulgences, Rafael faces the challenge of McDonald's, his favorite American food and toughest adversary during weight management.

A graduate in Engineering from Brazil, Rafael left behind a successful career in companies like Mercedes Benz to pursue his dream of living and breathing Jiu-Jitsu. His philosophy is encapsulated in the quote, "You may not be the most talented, but you must be the most dedicated," embodying his relentless pursuit of excellence in both sport and life.

Jamie Kashitani is a highly skilled and passionate Wrestling Basics 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 Basics 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.

A Positive Impact at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu: As an integral part of the coaching team at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu, Jamie Kashitani's expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the academy's commitment to fostering well-rounded and empowered athletes.

With Jamie Kashitani as the Wrestling Basics Instructor, students at Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu have the privilege of learning from a seasoned competitor and coach who instills a love for the sport and a passion for personal growth. Jamie's teaching empowers students to embrace the challenges of wrestling with confidence and determination, fostering a new generation of skilled and resilient athletes in the martial arts community.



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 (BJJ). 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.