He’s a two-time state surfing longboard champion and a national champion. He’s the world-ranked jiujiteiro. He even rides bulls in his spare time at weekend rodeos.

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He’s a two-time state surfing longboard champion and a national champion. He’s the world-ranked jiujiteiro. He even rides bulls in his spare time at weekend rodeos.

Needless to say, 16-year-old Kona resident Asher Moore lives a true island lifestyle.

“I like (all of my sports), but if I had to choose, my favorite is probably jiu-jitsu,” Moore told the paper in a recent interview. “It’s kind of like chess, where you are able to stop a person from making a move and make 10 moves before they can make one.”

It’s easy to see why Moore loves jiu-jitsu so much. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world in the 15–17 division for ADCC No Gi and No. 3 in the world at roosterweight in IBJJF Gi, the budding star was recently named as one of two athletes in Hawaii to compete at the ADCC Youth World Championships in August in Texas.

Moore will have a unique opportunity to not just represent his home community on the Big Island, but the entire state. Moore qualified by racking up points and medals in a number of smaller competitions across the country.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying the moment,” Moore said. “Being one of the first kids from the Big Island is a very big moment, and I’m very grateful for it.”

As the second-oldest of eight siblings, Moore got into jiu-jitsu by following his brother — quickly developing a passion for it. As Moore rapidly improved within the sport, his family decided to place him in home school to divide enough time for him to learn, train and travel to various jiu-jitsu competitions. He’s traveled all over the country, ranging from San Diego, to Portland, to Phoenix — even competing against adults that are over a decade older than him.

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“I don’t get too nervous competing against adults, because I think I have everything to gain and they have everything to lose,” Moore said.

Moore trains five days a week at Alameda Jiu Jitsu in Kea‘au, demonstrating a level of discipline and consistency well beyond his years through rigorous but intentional training. For the first 40 minutes of each training, he works on sharpening technique before sparring for an hour.

While the training is intense, Moore feels that it has taught him hard work and discipline at a young age.

“(Training) has definitely taught me sacrifice, dedication and a lot of discipline,” he said. “Majority of the kids my age are going out, but I’m still training every night and every day to really achieve my goals.”

Heading into the biggest competition of his jiu-jitsu career this summer, Moore reflected by thanking those who have helped him get to this stage. From training to flying off island for contests, it’s taken a village to help get Moore to this point, which he is eternally grateful for.

“If there’s anyone to thank, it’s definitely my mom and dad, and then also two coaches who really helped me out — Charles Huey Hui and Jordan Alameda.”

Moore is someone who represents the work ethic and humility that Hawaii athletes are known for, and anyone who knows him will tell you that he’ll represent the islands in the most humble, gratified way possible on the global stage.

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