Get Pumped With Kekoa Collective’s Art-Forward Jiu-Jitsu Gear
Kekoa Collective makes the fight stuff for jiu-jitsu uniforms with aloha prints, floral designs, Japanese patterns, patchwork and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Bret Thompsett
The world of martial arts isn’t something I usually turn to for fashion inspiration. But that’s changed since coming across Kekoa Collective, a local jiu-jitsu brand that’s been creating extremely cool uniforms. Traditionally, jiu-jitsu kimono are made of a heavy cotton in a few solid colors. But Kekoa Collective’s designers, Dewey Doan, Jeff Huang and Clifton Teshima, draw on their love of the Islands, surf and travel to feature aloha prints, playful sayings and lighter technical fabrics.
SEE ALSO: Shop Local: Where to Buy Hawai‘i-Designed Activewear
They also team up with Hawai‘i artists on limited-edition collabs. Lauren Robinson’s sustainability-focused Rematch collection included upcycled kimono, re-dyed and adorned with floral and checkered swatches. Jasper Wong, co-founder of Hawai‘i Walls (formerly Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i), dreamt up styles inspired by Japanese boro fashions, complete with patchwork and Japanese patterns. His capsule’s latest colorway drops Dec. 1, while collections with filmmaker-muralist Chris Miyashiro and painter Summer Colmus debut in 2025.
kekoacollective.com, @kekoa_collective
Photos: Courtesy of Bret Thompsett
