BJJ Gyms in Osaka, Japan

Angura is a welcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan. Founded and led by head instructor Nakamura Kimihiko, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the gym emphasizes a friendly, home-like atmosphere where students can "enjoy training together." The academy offers a comprehensive range of training programs including fundamental BJJ classes, beginner-friendly courses, advanced BJJ sessions, wrestling and submissions classes, striking classes, and fitness-oriented diet courses. Angura welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners to those aspiring to compete professionally. Many members start training in their 40s and 50s, and the gym actively encourages families and women to participate. Head instructor Nakamura Kimihiko brings extensive combat sports experience, having competed in baseball during his youth before transitioning to boxing at age 19, winning the West Japan Rookie of the Year title at 25. At 27, he retired from boxing to pursue professional MMA, competing in Pancrase and DEEP promotions. Jiu-jitsu instructor Kuroki Iwao (brown belt) leads the BJJ classes, focusing on fundamental movements and gradual skill progression while maintaining an "Enjoy Jiu-Jitsu!!" philosophy. The gym is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Kōzenji Station on the Keihan Railway.

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.