Pure Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts
The Pure Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense Academy was founded by Kendall Goo with the assistance, collaboration, and continual support of his fellow black belts, John Burkhart, and Syrus Melandish.
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These trained together for years and developed not only a kinship that flourished, but also a friendship that became the basis of Pure Jiu-Jitsu and all that it stands for. ​
Professor Kendall Goo began his jujutsu journey in 1994, training under Royce Gracie and earning his black belt in 2005, becoming the 4th highest ranking black belt member in the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu network. His accomplishments on the mat and off are outlined further here.
John "Keoni" Burkhart was born and raised in Hawaii. He started training in 2000 under Professor Kendall Goo and earned his black belt from Royce Gracie in 2022. He is also a black belt in Kajukenbo, and has 20 years of specialized military training experience He currently trains out of San Diego, California.
Syrus Melandish was born and raised in Hawaii. He began his jujutsu training under Professor Goo in 2002 and earned his black belt from Royce Gracie in 2016. Syrus is not only a black belt, but also a professional and Champion stand-up paddle boarder. He currently trains out of Kauai, Hawaii.