Kahala Jiu-Jitsu is an affiliate of Impact Jiu-Jitsu
Kahala Jiu-Jitsu proudly serving Honolulu since 2014
Kahala Jiu-Jitsu has classes in Honolulu, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.
Kahala Jiu-Jitsu is an affiliate of Impact Jiu-Jitsu under Prof. Michael Chapman
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
At Kahala Jiu-Jitsu, we transform lives—not just create fighters. As Hawai‘i’s only female-owned and operated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, led by Professor Daynin Dashefsky and her dedicated team, we stand by our philosophy: “We’re A Life School, Not a Fight School.”
Here, BJJ is more than a martial art—it’s a powerful path to growth. Students build confidence, discipline, resilience, and self-respect that extend far beyond the mats. At KJJ, Jiu-Jitsu is the TOOL, not the RULE.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the very first time or you’re already seasoned, you’ll find a welcoming, safety-focused community right here in Honolulu (Kaimukī). Every class sharpens your technique while strengthening your character. Train with us and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a journey of empowerment, transformation, and lifelong learning—where respect, precision, and aloha fuel everything we do.
STAFF
Daynin Dashefsky
Head Instructor
3 Degree Black Belt
Trained since 2001
BIO
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Professor Daynin Dashefsky is a lifelong inventor, entrepreneur, and the first female to own a Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense school in Hawaiʻi. She began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2001 and has since earned national and international recognition—winning multiple gold medals, including three championship titles at NAGA (2009) and top placements at the 2014 World Masters in Long Beach.
As the founder of Kahala Jiu-Jitsu, Daynin’s mission is to build a “Life School, not a Fight School”—a place where students grow as thinkers, leaders, and problem solvers on and off the mats. Through her Think Jiu-Jitsu brand and YouTube channel “99 Techniques,” she continues to share her innovative teaching system, blending Timing, Technique, Leverage, and Physics (TTLP) to inspire students worldwide.
Jared Mina
Head Instructor
1 Degree Black Belt
Trained since 2011
BIO
Jared Mina is Professor Daynin Dashefsky’s first Black Belt and one of Kahala Jiu-Jitsu’s most dedicated instructors. With over 13 years of training and a 1st Degree Black Belt, Jared brings deep experience, leadership, and humility to every class he teaches.
In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Jared serves his country as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) with the Hawaii Air National Guard, exemplifying discipline, honor, and service both on and off the mats. He believes the principles of Jiu-Jitsu—timing, technique, leverage, and patience—apply directly to life, helping students build confidence and resilience beyond training.
Jared’s daughter, Jocelyn Mina, proudly continues his legacy as one of KJJ’s teen instructors, sharing her father’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu and leadership.
Mike Tsuhako
Instructor
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Trained since 2017
BIO
Detective, Honolulu Police Department
Brown Belt – Training at KJJ since 2017
Detective Mike Tsuhako has been with the Honolulu Police Department for over 30 years, serving in the Domestic Crimes Unit. He began training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu in 2017, after enrolling his then 3-year-old son, Ethan—who is now 12 and one of KJJ’s assistant instructors. A Brown Belt with more than nine years of Jiu-Jitsu experience, Mike is known as “the rock that KJJ stands on,” admired for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and loyalty to the school, the staff, and the art of Jiu-Jitsu. As a single father, Mike’s leadership, resilience, and heart both on and off the mats inspire everyone in the KJJ community.
Lynn Wong
Office Manager & Instructor
Brown Belt
Trained since 2015
BIO
Lynn is about a Brown Belt who has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years. She began her journey to learn self-defense and improve her fitness, but it soon became a powerful way to bond with her two daughters as a single mother. Outside the dojo, Lynn serves as a Probation Officer, bringing empathy, strength, and balance to every aspect of her life.
At Kahala Jiu-Jitsu, Lynn is not only our Office Manager but truly the glue that keeps the team together. She’s the mother figure of KJJ—always dependable, caring, and protective of everyone in our community. When she finds time away from her busy schedule, Lynn enjoys reading, traveling, camping, good food, and quiet evenings with a great book or show.
Mason Cogbill
Instructor
4th Degree Blue Belt
Training since 2016
BIO
Mason Cogbill has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2016 and is one of KJJ’s top teen instructors, leading his own Teen No-Gi program every Saturday with a consistently full class. He is not only respected and admired by the students he teaches, but also by his peers and fellow adult teammates, who have watched him grow into an exceptional instructor, leader, and dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Off the mats, Mason enjoys staying active and competitive through volleyball.
Jocelyn
Kid's Instructor
Jocelyn Mina
Trained since 2016
BIO
Jocelyn Mina has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2016 and is one of KJJ’s standout teen instructors, known for her poise, leadership, and strong teaching presence. She teaches students ranging from preschoolers to teenagers, consistently earning the respect and admiration of parents for her maturity, patience, and professionalism. In addition to her accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu, Jocelyn also trains and competes in Judo, bringing refined technique and discipline to everything she does on and off the mats.
Phoebe Cogbill
Kids Instructor
Orange/Black Belt
Training since 2016
BIO
Phoebe has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2016 and is one of our brightest young leaders. Now an Orange-Black Belt and one of KJJ’s newest teen instructors, she brings infectious energy, positivity, and enthusiasm to every class she teaches. Phoebe’s fun, engaging personality makes learning Jiu-Jitsu exciting for kids of all ages, and she continues to grow into an inspiring instructor and role model for our younger students.
LaShunda Silva
Admin Staff
Orange/Black Belt
Orange/Black Belt
BIO
Lashunda Silva has been part of the Kahala Jiu-Jitsu administrative team since 2024, bringing her trademark professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail to every aspect of the school’s operations. A former daycare owner and successful entrepreneur, Lashunda brings a wealth of business experience, leadership, and heart-centered management to KJJ. Her ability to balance efficiency with genuine care makes her an invaluable member of the team and a key part of what keeps KJJ running smoothly behind the scenes.
Daven
Green Belt
Trained since 2001
BIO
Coming Soon…
Adult Assistants
Geraldine Doronio
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Training since 2018
BIO
Geraldine has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2018 and is affectionately known by Professor Daynin as her “mini-me.” A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Geraldine brings focus, compassion, and professionalism to everything she does. She is on track to become Professor Daynin Dashefsky’s first female black belt, a reflection of her dedication, perseverance, and leadership both on and off the mats.
Dr. Ken Hong
1st Degree Purple Belt
Training since 2018
BIO
Gastrointestinal Doctor
Training at KJJ since 2018
Dr. Ken Hong is a Gastrointestinal Doctor in Honolulu and has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2018 with his two sons. Known among his classmates as “Master Ken” for his exceptional attention to detail and precision, he’s admired for his deep technical understanding and commitment to continuous improvement on and off the mats.
Scott Ishihara
2nd Degree Black Belt
Training since 1999
BIO
Scott Ishihara is a black belt under Burton Richardson’s “BJJ For The Street” program, having been promoted on April 3, 2015 (with two stripes). JKD Unlimited+1 He first enrolled his daughters at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu in 2018, and since then has been assisting in classes—bringing decades of martial arts experience and mentorship to your team.
Having started his martial arts journey in Jeet Kune Do Unlimited under Burton Richardson in 1998, Scott has trained across multiple disciplines and taught seminars both locally and internationally. He is a Full Instructor in Burton Richardson’s JKD Unlimited (one of just a few globally) and holds instructor credentials in knife & stick defense, Silat, and Jeet Kune Do grappling.
Scott is also known for his work as a skills trainer, particularly partnering with children and adults with autism and other special needs, leveraging his teaching skills in both martial arts and personal development.
Marika Samet
2nd Degree Blue Belt
Training since 2022
BIO
Dr. Marika Constantaras Veterinary Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Training at KJJ since 2022
Dr. Marika Constantaras, DVM, MS, is a board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon specializing in dental care and oral surgery for animals—from dogs to tigers. As the owner of Pet Specialists of Hawaii, she brings the same precision, compassion, and dedication she shows in her clinic to her training at KJJ, where she trains alongside her children.
Randy Lau
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Training since 2018
BIO
Dr. Randy Lau is a Radiologist who has been training at Kahala Jiu-Jitsu since 2018 along with his two daughters. From the very beginning, he has shown remarkable commitment and passion for Jiu-Jitsu, consistently leading by example through his discipline, humility, and love for learning both on and off the mats.
Paul Kim
1st Degree Purple Belt
Training since 2017
BIO
Paul Kim joined Kahala Jiu-Jitsu in 2025 as a purple belt, bringing a teacher’s patience and clarity from his work in science education, including experience with special needs students. Originally from China, Paul also cross-trains in wrestling, Judo, and Muay Thai, which deepens his fundamentals and teaching style. Known for his calm demeanor and strong connection with kids, he helps young students at KJJ build confidence, discipline, and joy on the mats.
Teen Assistants
Sophie
Orange/Black Belt
Training since 2015
BIO
Coming Soon…
Brooklyn
Yellow./ White Belt
Training since 2022
BIO
Coming Soon…
Ethan
Orange/White Belt
Training since 2017
BIO
Coming Soon…
Meli
Grey/Black Belt
Training since 2022
BIO
Coming Soon…
Piper
Grey Belt
Training since 2022
BIO
Coming Soon…
Mila
Grey Belt
Training since 2021
BIO
Coming Soon…