BJJ Gyms in Konohana-ku, Japan

Carpe Diem Osaka

CARPE DIEM BJJ Osaka brings world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Kansai region, emphasizing the philosophy that "being strong is fun." Part of the international CARPE DIEM BJJ network headquartered in Tokyo with locations worldwide, the Osaka location opened to provide access to elite-level training for practitioners of all levels. The gym focuses on technical excellence and competitive achievement, with a proven track record of developing champions across all age groups. Led by head instructor Masahiro Iwasaki, a black belt third degree who achieved second place at the IBJJF European Championship in the highly competitive light division (76kg) in 2018 and became the highest-ranked Japanese competitor across all divisions. Born in Kobe, Iwasaki traveled to Brazil alone at age 21 to earn his black belt, becoming one of Japan's youngest black belt holders and competing at the world's top levels. He won the All Japan Championship three consecutive times (2015-2017) and was ranked #2 globally in the light division by BJJ Heroes in 2018. Known for his deep half guard technique, he released a technical instructional DVD in the United States in 2019 and has developed five world champions in the kids division during his tenure at CARPE DIEM BJJ. The coaching team includes accomplished brown belts Tatsunosuke Fushimi (All Japan No-Gi champion 2023, specializing in calf slicers), Kotaro Tamefusa (AIGA Asian Championship winner, back attacks specialist), and black belt Seiya Fukushima (2024 IBJJF Asian Champion and All Japan Champion), plus purple belt Yuka Sawai (IBJJF Asia Championship medalist, deep half specialist). The gym welcomes complete beginners, adults looking for a challenging hobby, and competitive athletes seeking to reach their highest potential. Building on the competitive training methods developed at CARPE DIEM BJJ Ashiya—which achieved second place nationally as a team in 2025—the Osaka location aims to create the strongest BJJ community in Kansai.