We have been doing Jiu Jitsu here for years. We love coach…read moreCarlos. The gym is big and clean. I believe jiu jitsu is the best self defense martial art I could have enrolled my kids in. We do a lot of after school activities and sports. This is the one sport we do year round and that I hope my kids continue to do for a long time to come.

My daughter started training here about 6 months ago. She was really shy and afraid that there…read morewouldn't be any girls, boy was she wrong! This gym is for EVERYONE; the classes are 50% female, there are kids and adults from all backgrounds having a great time and learning an awesome skill. The coaches are not only extremely knowledgeable, but they show the kids love, patience, and instill self confidence. I am so appreciative of the changes I have seen in my daughter; she is more confident and learning to calm her ADHD. This place is an amazing opportunity for you or your child to learn and grow while making meaningful relationships with those around you.

This is a great place to train: high-quality instruction and a nice variety of classes (gi and no…read moregi jiu-jitsu are the staples, but there are wrestling, judo, and self-defense classes, too, as well as strength and conditioning, weightlifting, and yoga). There are actually two mats in use in the evenings to accommodate different skill levels. Best of all, there's a really good vibe-people are friendly and really want to help each other learn. I've been mostly taking the morning classes with Jonathan Van Buren, who is an amazing grappler and winner of Fight To Win's 2017 Submission of the Year award for a sick barataplata. He's an incredibly accomplished competitor at a very high level; his matches on FloGrappling or a quick Google search will lead you right to videos of some of his matches so you can see for yourself. As with any skill or sport, sometimes some of the best practitioners aren't always the best instructors. JVB manages to excel at both. I am consistently impressed by the level of detail in his instruction as well as his ability to pinpoint specific areas for improvement with scalpel-like precision. I'm not the most consistent BJJ practitioner and have been known to take extensive time off when life, work, or injuries get in the way. But JVB is always incredibly warm and welcoming, and willing to spend as much time with a brand new student struggling with a basic warmup as he is working with high-level competitors on sharpening their skills. I'm really happy to be able to learn from him and to be part of this team.

We appreciate the tactful and efficient coaching styles. Their focus on precise technique and…read morethoughtful guidance makes learning both challenging and enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their skills in a supportive environment.

At 63 years old (just hit 64- at the time of this review) and powering through the ups and downs of…read moreCerebral Ataxia- shrinkage of the brain stem, causing balance issues- I have learned to persevere through virtually any challenge that comes my way. (Carlson Gracie) Jiu Jitsu has been my strength and inspiration for many years now. It's what keeps me happy, reasonably healthy, humble and grounded.

Here you'll find competition training and a family atmosphere combined. Who could ask for a better…read moreoutcome? My kids and husband have been training here for six years. We love it. The coaches are invested in each individual person's well-being. This is competition type training, though. Not a daycare. Not a place to get New belt every month and go home with a trophy. It's for serious kids and adults only. When you join this team, you also join the family.

Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Ocotillo is truly something special…read more From the moment we walked in, we could tell this wasn't just another martial arts gym it was a family. The coaches genuinely care about every student who walks through the door, and you can feel that every single class. Coach Lucas, in particular, goes above and beyond. He doesn't just teach Jiu-Jitsu; he builds confidence, discipline, and respect in his students. He takes the time to connect with the kids on a personal level, and it's clear he's passionate about helping them grow both on and off the mat. Our daughter absolutely loves going, she looks forward to every class and is always excited to show us what she's learned. The positive, encouraging environment has helped her blossom. We're already planning for our youngest to join soon too! If you're looking for a place that combines world-class Jiu-Jitsu instruction with a truly caring, family-friendly atmosphere, Gracie Barra Ocotillo is the place. Couldn't recommend it more highly!

I decided in the new year to sign up for a trial class and check out BJJ. I've always wanted to…read morelearn but thought I was too old, and haven't literally never played any sports, ever, I assumed I wouldn't have any skills to compete and learn. But what the heck, let's give it a try. What I found was a really cool group of welcoming individuals that were helpful, gave tips, included me, and helped me along. Day one I was able to spar with blue belts & much more experienced men at BJJ, but it wasn't as intimidating as I imagined. No one was trying it hurt anyone, no obvious egos at play, just guys trying to get better and help others get better at the art. My take on BJJ: it's a self defense martial art, yes, but in practice it felt much much much more like a dance than a fight. It felt much more like a chess match vs at battle. You do not have to be the strongest person to compete and win at BJJ, but you have to be the smartest. You do have to have superior knowledge. Once you start to learn the way the body works, tricks to maximize your position and take away someone else's power or advantage, it's really a cool thing. Literally, a 125lb female can easily beat a 225lb male in this sport, if she has the knowledge. It's not all power or size, while that helps, it can be stripped from an opponent when you have superior training and knowledge of the sport. That was the coolest part for me to see. A huge confidence builder knowing you have the ability to defend yourself or others, if necessary, against odds you may have once thought not possible. Anyway, I enjoyed my training there and would recommend it to virtually anyone that has been considering learning BJJ. It's a good place with good people teaching a great skill. Just do it.

I just recently moved to Arizona, and I wanted to find a gym that would be an absolute perfect fit…read morefor me and my goals... and I have to say Jay's gym has hit every nail on the head. Honestly, overall I was looking for a fun & friendly environment where I can get state of the art instruction and help me grow both as an athlete and as someone who loves the sport. Jay's gym has it all, and I guarantee you this place will be a perfect fit for you whether you are a hobbyist or an elite competitor looking for some tough rolls, or if you are looking for a family friendly environment to train for you & your loved ones. Absolutely 100% recommend this place, and thank you Jay Pages for being so welcoming and accommodating! P.S. The facility is AWESOME!!!

If there was a choice to give this place more than 5 stars I would place it to the max! I highly…read morerecommend training here. The atmosphere gives more of a family feel than just a business feel. Jay, the team, and the rest of the coaches treat you as if you are blood related. It's always a good vibe here and so much more to learn as well as many opportunities this gym has to offer from Belt advancements to sponsorships to competitions and more! Not only does this place give a family feel to the environment, but the people you train with are awesome as well! If you are new, you can join the beginners class. But even if you want more of a challenge and are new, you will be taught in hard sparring as well. I've made some friends in this school as well. If y'all want to learn the martial arts as well as grow within this community, this is definitely the place to go to.

Did a drop in since I was out of town from my normal gym. Very welcoming place, great facility and…read morebest of all solid instruction with some great rolls!

Decided to visit based on a recommendation from an acquaintance. Knowledgeable instructors, a lot…read moreof upper belts, overall good rolls.

I cant stop going! Its too good of a way to stay in shape, learn a valuable skill, and have a great…read moretime all in one. I started with combatives/krav maga in 2019 and still go at least twice per week. This class offers a unique take on practical self defense and the coach is phenomenal. Have also done MMA, kickboxing, and BJJ classes here, also full of great people and fantastic coaches. Worth the drive from Gilbert for me; and worth checking out!

I would highly recommend this GYM. My son is 14 and a big kid. He has done lots of martial arts (…read moreKenpo, Tang soo do ). Both studio were limited to how many classes a week for very high prices. Factions is reasonable priced and have classes everyday except Sunday. They also have gloves and shin gear for those starting out. Gym is clean also! Other studio nickel and dime you for every little thing. This one doesn't!!! Super awesome place!!! The teacher that teaches the MMA is super professional and very humble., TY Guys

I come in for open mat on Sundays. Prof Jimi's was very welcoming and the people that train on…read moreSunday am are very friendly. I really enjoy the rolls, but unfortunately I'm moving out of area and will miss the people here a lot. I highly recommend to train here!

We love Gracie Jiu Jitsu Mesa! My daughter has been taking classes for almost a year and has grown…read moreso much in her skills, but more importantly in her self-discipline and her confidence. She loves being part of this community and her teachers have been so supportive and encouraging of her development.

Fantastic gym. I wanted to get my boys into a grappling art and decided to try the gym out as it…read morewas close to us. It's been great! Myself, my wife, and my three boys (5, 8, and 11) have now been training BJJ here for a year. Prof. Lutrario is such a great teacher, and the environment and community are exactly what I was looking for - encouraging, educational, and friendly, full of people eager to help each other. There aren't a bunch of egos, just people looking to make themselves and their training partners better fighters and people. If you're looking for a BJJ gym in the Gilbert/Queen Creek area, definitely come roll with us!

It's been two years since I joined this gym. I didn't think I'd get hooked but I did. Had it not…read morebeen for the professors and students being so patient and encouraging I probably wouldn't have lasted. Everyone looks out for each other and the camaraderie is a big bonus. I've been an athlete all my life and have never been more fit, mentally, physically, etc.

Everyone wants to be a badass at some point, don't they? I had been wanting to get back into…read moremartial arts for some time. Since AZ Combat Sports offers new students a free first class, I joined Ms. Official Badass Grace O. in an evening hour-long Muay Thai session of punching, pivoting and sweating. After filling out the necessary paperwork (A form basically saying don't sue them If you get hurt practicing, etc.), I was given a tour, and introduced to many cool and experienced students in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu), MMA, and Muay Thai. The class started with some cardio (Jump rope), then moved on to stretching and some muscle strength exercises. Since everyone else was not a newbie, the assistant instructor then gave me an individualized intro class where I learned the basics of punching while the others practiced kicks and punches with a partner. Since I used to take kenpo, a lot of the muscle memory I've retained doesn't fit into the style of Muay Thai fighting, at least where striking and hand movements are concerned. The instructor was patient though as he guided me through the different moves. I have to say I was a little disappointed I didn't get to kick anything today but I understand that you gotta start with the basics if you want to build a solid foundation of skills. Compared to a krav maga class I took a few years ago, I liked the atmosphere here better, and I appreciated the personal instruction. While the krav maga class has you jump right into action, practicing attack scenarios, the Muay Thai class focused more on form so that the punches and kicks you deliver have the most bang for your buck. I'm still debating whether to get back into a more traditional martial arts or more of a combat sport like Muay Thai, but if I do decide to go into Muay Thai this is the place to be!

Arizona Combat Sports is AMAZING! The staff is so incredibly kind and talented! All the coaches…read moretake the time and effort to help improve your skills and will answer any of your questions! I was so lucky to find this place and I just want to say that if you're interested in martial arts, specifically Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai, LOOK NO FURTHER! This is the spot! Thank you for everything AZ Combat.