# Carpe Diem Osaka > Konohana-ku, Japan | #<Affiliation:0x000062ad93966f60> ## Overview **Name:** Carpe Diem Osaka **Affiliation:** #<Affiliation:0x000062ad93966f60> **Description:** 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. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 2F, 1-4-22, Shikanjima Konohana-ku 554-0014, Japan **Website:** https://www.carpediembjjosaka.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpediembjj_ashiya/ ## Instructors ### Masahiro Iwasaki - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Masahiro Iwasaki was born on January 27, 1989 in Kobe – the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture located in the Osaka Bay of Japan. While growing up Iwasaki became fascinated by martial arts, starting his combat training early in life through karate. His love for fighting grew exponentially with the growth of the legendary Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion: Pride FC, which reached its popularity peak during Masahiro’s teenage years. The style of Brazilian jiu jitsu stood out to Iwasaki after the epic 2002 MMA battle between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Minotauro) and Bob Sapp – who outweighed Minotauro by 127 pounds (57,60 kg). The masterful display of heart and technique by the victorious Rodrigo convinced Masahiro of grappling’s efficiency, and led him to start training at the age of 15. Masahiro’s first jiu jitsu instructor was Yasuhiro Miyamoto, one of the top grappling coaches in Iwasaki’s home town (Kobe). It was under Miyamoto that the young Masahiro Iwasaki climbed up BJJ’s belt system all the way to brown, the black belt being awarded by Marco Barbosa on December 2010. After being promoted to black belt Masahiro spent time abroad, even picking up a coaching career in Australia (2011) before returning to Japan. When established in his home country, Iwasaki decided to join the prestigious Carpe Diem in Tokyo. One of the most successful and thriving jiu jitsu gyms in Asia. Masahiro Iwasaki vs Robson Tano Masahiro Iwasaki vs Kohei Nishibayashi ### Kotaro Tamefusa - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Back control and submission specialist focused on helping members enjoy and master BJJ. ### Seiya Fukushima - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 2024 IBJJF Asian Champion and All Japan Champion, specializing in pressure passing. ### Tatsunosuke Fushimi - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Competition-focused practitioner who applies experience gained through tournaments to daily training. ### Yuka Sawai - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Accomplished female competitor who emphasizes that BJJ is a sport where anyone can become strong. ## Programs ### Regular BJJ (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the gi, focusing on technique, strategy, and competition skills for all levels. **Classes:** ### No-Gi Grappling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Grappling without the gi on Wednesdays, focusing on wrestling-based techniques and submissions. **Classes:** ### Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Open training sessions for members to practice techniques, spar, and work on specific skills. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 11, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/japan/konohana-ku/carpe-diem-osaka)