HISTORY

It began with a dream.

A dream of changing the Eastside through the art of Jiu Jitsu. 90 years ago, Ron Mukai’s family began living and working in East Los Angeles. Together with Ron’s wife, Wendy, and his friend and fellow black belt, Scott Torres, they envisioned a non-profit Jiu Jitsu school where students could come, regardless of economic status or ability to pay, and through Jiu Jitsu, grow in character: discipline, diligence, respect, and hard work.

And through the process of growing in their own character, they would find their true purpose, change the fabric of East LA, and transform the world!

In April 2022, that dream came true with the opening of East LA Jiu Jitsu.

In July 2025, our second non-profit school, Boyle Heights Jiu Jitsu, opened, and is currently accepting new students.