New Hope Jiu-Jitsu

Founded by: Gye Nitta in 2007.
Headquarters Address: 98-019 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 208A
Aiea, Hawaii, 96701
Website: http://www.enewhope.org/ministries/jiujitsu/brazilianjiujitsu.php
Membership costs: $50 per month
Mission statement:
“New Hope Jiu-Jitsu Ministry exists to build a community of Christians while reaching out to others for Christ through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.”

Interested readers can contact: Gye Nitta at cbbaskki@juno.com, Newhopejiujitsu@gmail.com or (808)554-1964

New Hope Jiu-Jitsu is a ministry of New Hope Christian Fellowship Church, Oahu. New Hope meets every Saturday evening at O2 Martial Arts.
“Our ministry redeems the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle to spread the gospel,” said Gye Nitta, the founder of New Hope. “We welcome both believers and non-believers. Through fellowship and sharing our daily devotions, we help to be a positive conduit for a relationship with God.
“We begin class with 30 minutes of life-application ministry and prayer, and follow with a two-hour Jiu-jitsu class. Each class is closed with prayer requests and a group prayer. We just do the best we can to ensure that our ministry is doing the best we can to honor God.”
Nitta said he feels his faith has had the greatest impact on non-believers who come to New Hope Jiu-jitsu.
“I try to listen to everyone and help as much as I can. I guess it’s just giving from my heart and not looking for a pat on the back,” Nitta said.

Photo courtesy of New Hope Jiu-Jitsu.

“My most memorable experience is a drug addict non-believer who began training with us,” Nitta said. “Within three months, he began attending church and was saved and baptized. He continues to attend church and our ministry regularly and has committed his life to serving God.
“I have also witnessed multiple marriages being saved, and, according to the men, it’s because of our ministry! I feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed the power of God.”
New Hope is funded by the $50 monthly dues, Nitta said.
The ministry is volunteer-based, Nitta said. They have four volunteers who help on a regular basis leading devotions, running warm-ups and teaching techniques.
New Hope students have participated in numerous tournaments throughout Hawaii, but the medals are not the top priority, Nitta said.
“My greatest reward is seeing people love the Lord. Nothing compares to that.”