My 2-word summary of this place is: absolutely fantastic. I was hooked since my free trial period. My friend (also a member at this school) explained the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I found it interesting. A couple months later I tried my free trial period at this very place. When I entered a couple months ago I literally had absolutely no knowledge of any martial arts whatsoever. The only knowledge I had was from research of the different forms, but I have never practiced a martial art before (I did not even know what a gi was (traditional martial arts uniform)). Coach Alex and Alicia took me from zero to competent in no time flat. I have been a student in different universities for a very long time and I can say with complete confidence that the best professors I have ever learned from were the ones that had the most passion about the subject. This is what I get from Coach Alex and Alicia. They truly love the sport and are passionate about teaching. This makes the sport a lot more fun, and they are well qualified and competent professors. They are also very patient, and willing to work with you if you have a deficiency in a certain area. They address common mistakes and misunderstandings in techniques and these pearls (mainly built from experience) are priceless. This type attention, passion, focus, and coaching are very rare in this sport and finding means you hit a gold mine. The atmosphere is also very warm and welcoming. You will build a solid base and foundation in the sport from both the coaches and the teammates. The teammates will understand your level of proficiency and will plan your sparring accordingly teaching you the basics and many different things along the way. The Coaching is amazing and the atmosphere carries a familial undertone, which makes this school the best in the entire state. read more

What can I say about this academy that hasn't already been mentioned in past reviews. The Sandovals are great and PATIENT instructors who teach great fundamentals and advanced techniques to those who can absorb them. They even roll with their students to get a better understanding of how each of the students can continue to evolve, something that isn't a norm at other academies. They are extremely well respected in the BJJ community and they are constantly bringing top BJJ players in for seminars to learn from. But what is most exciting is everyone there is HUMBLE and VERY family oriented where family comes first and thats whats makes this academy very special to me. I've been training there since May 2014, in that time I've won all 3 tournament (VEGAS OPEN, SOUTHWEST CLASSIC, AZ STATE) I have entered one of them being STATE Championship. And if you travel like I do for work you can train at other Carlson Gracie Academies /Carlson Gracie lineages across the country and world such as I did in Mexico City training with Black Belt world champ Dan Schon (Carlson Gracie Lineage) an opportunity that only have happened by knowing the Sandoval's. To all you ladies who are thinking of learning but feel intimidated DON'T Coach Alicia is 1of 2 female brown belts in the state...She's herself has won a World Championship - so ladies take advantage of this knowledge / opportunity like other ladies have done - traveling as far as Globe daily to train with Coach Alicia. Lastly I have to say their kids program is top notch like me my son also won the STATE Championship so if you have children this is the place to be at to get the top training partners for them. Thank you Coach Alex and Alicia my journey in this art has been pleasant and rewarding to my personal growth. read more

After a couple decades of Martial Arts training both as a civilian and in the Marine Corps, I have finally found a home away from home! Professor Alex and his wife Alicia run the BEST Jiu-jitsu Academy in all of Arizona and I would say top 2 in all of the West Coast!! The TEAM and FAMILY atmosphere that is promoted and contagious throughout the academy from the 4 year olds all the way to the 50+ year olds is one of a kind and unmatched. We moved from Southern California to the Gilbert area specifically to be able to continue training at a Carlson Gracie Team Academy because that's where we trained in California. We weren't sure what to expect and how we would be welcomed but based on our experience with the CGT across the country in different states that we've traveled to, we hoped for the best and the BEST is what we received. Between my wife, our 12 year old daughter, and myself, we couldn't be happier with the school. God truly blessed us by putting us at this Academy, with Alex and Alicia, and the Carlson Gracie Gilbert family that we are now a part of. Our other 3 kids will all train here as well as they reach the appropriate ages to start and I will continue to tell everyone I know and meet that if you want the best for yourself and your kids, come join the Carlson Gracie Gilbert Team! Tell them Shanen sent ya read more

My family and I have been attending Carlson Gracie Gilbert for a while now I'd like to share the following observations about the academy. Cleanliness: Although I haven't bounced around to every Jiu Jitsu academy in the valley, I suspect you will be hard press to find one cleaner. The academy is obviously cleaned daily and and restrooms are stocked with soap & paper towels. Mats are mopped and disaffected several times a day. Additionally, the entire academy is professionally sanitized on a regular basis. Coaches: Coaches are there to help us learn techniques as well as motivate us to achieve the physical demands necessary to practice Jiu Jitsu. Classes are orderly, structured and fast paced. At no time have I seen someone standing around wondering what to do next. Additionally, all the coaches have had a background check as well fingerprinted and have clearance to work with children. It may seem trivial but it's comforting to know there are no "creepers" training my kids. Atmosphere: Training with fellow teammates is fun. Everyone is there to have fun and work on goals. We all work together as well as push one another during difficult training sessions. Truly, after joining Carlson Gracie Gilbert we feel like we have joined a supportive family. read more

About a year ago, my wife and I decided to look into Jiu Jitsu schools for our then 7 and 11 year-old daughters. We went to the Gilbert Carlson Gracie Academy during a kid's class to check it out and really liked the instructor and the energy of the class in general. Our girls tried the class the following night and I couldn't believe how respectful and helpful the other kids were to the newcomers. Kids being kids, I fully expected my girls to be shown exactly where they stood in the pecking order during live rolling (sparring), but the other students were nothing but helpful and welcoming. It was very clear that somebody was doing something right with these kids. Within a week, all three of us were members. One year later, my daughters are being taught respect for authority and their peers, how to work hard and achieve goals, and of course, they're learning how to defend themselves. The instructors and other members are like family at this point and we couldn't be happier with our decision to join the Carlson Gracie Team. read more

Two years ago, my daughter was invited to another Jiu-Jitsu gym and quickly discovered a passion for the martial art. In searching for a gym closer to our home I was referred to the Sandavol's gym in Gilbert and WOW, what a difference in experience! Compared to our previous gym, Medavia is vibrant, bright, clean and classes are full, all good signs. After sitting in and watching a few classes it is evident that there is a strong family-like community cultivated within the gym that values mental and physical health and strength. My daughter started kids classes at 4:30, fun and challenging workout/ warm up and then instruction and "rolling", her absolute favorite part. Alejo Sandoval gave constructive feedback and encouragement to each child, my daughter never wanted to let him down, so she pushed harder! I would highly recommend this gym to anyone seeking a martial art gym for their kids, adults and families. read more

We first started training with my eight daughter. Shortly after my 4 year old son couldn't wait to join. Great discipline and also fun for the kids. I sat on the side lines for almost two years and finally decided to get on the mat myself. I have been training for more than a year now and we couldn't be happier that we found this place. Since I started I've lost about 50 lbs. and don't struggle to keep it off. Everyone on the team is very friendly and I couldn't say enough about the Sandoval family. I have formed life long friendships and enjoy watching all the kids grow and become young adults. There are so many reasons why one might start training in jiu jitsu, whether it be weight loss, self defense or competition. Whatever the case may be, this academy is an amazing place to reach those goals. read more

My husband and I are honored to have our son be apart of such a great academy!! I signed my 7 year old son up a few months ago and he just loves it! My younger son, who is 2, can hardly wait to be a part of the team when he turns 4!! The skills my son has learned in just a few months time, has built his confidence immensely. Professor Alex and Coach Alicia push for everyone to better themselves, but still make it a fun, and learning environment. It doesn't matter if you're new to Jiu Jitsu or if you have been doing it for years. There is a place for every level on the team. Everyone that is apart of the Carlson Gracie Team is so humble and friendly. I would encourage every parent to sign their children and themselves up. After just one class, you will be addicted, just like my son is. :) read more

This is an update from my review from 4 years ago. My 9 year old daughter now attends since late 2018. She went once a week due to my wife's and my work schedule. Professor ALEX suggested we go onto the team's Facebook page and speak with other parents. We have worked out a schedule for my daughter to attend almost every day of the week. She loves it and can now consistently train. I would like to thank the parents who help us get my daughter to jiu jitsu. Most importantly, this is the kind of family environment that Medavia/Carlson Gracie team endorses and creates.. Well you can tell by the kids outscoring their competitors by double the points.. Thank you professor Alex and Alicia! I love you! read more

LOVE everything about Medavia BJJ! The instructors/coaches/owners truly care about all their students. You can tell from their passion for BJJ it is not just about $$$. The environment here is all about family and helping one another to become the best bjj practitioner and person possible. Being affiliated with Carlson Gracie Jr. makes it even greater. The Master himself visits multiple times per yr to teach and train. Other great instructors and professors are also brought in for seminars, Marcelo Alonso, Daniel Wanderlay to name a few. They even have a awesome kids program. So wether your looking for exercise, self defense, family activity,or to compete or all three Medavia is the place! read more

We have been members of this Academy for a little under 2 years and we cannot rave about it enough. The most welcoming environment for the whole family, from the little ones, through adults. The instruction is heads above any other we have ever seen and everyone is treated like family. The support from Professor Alejo and the other coaches is what sets this Academy apart from all the rest. The members and their individual strengths are celebrated and encouraged, truly a TEAM environment. It is hard to explain in a review how wonderful this academy is, you have to experience it to truly understand. read more

I started training here as a 300lb out of shape fat guy :) and am now a 285lb in better shape fat guy :) Everyone here has been amazing and encouraging. I've never felt out of place or like I'm "less than" because of my size. The coaches and my fellow teammates have encouraged me and in the last 6 months I've noticed a huge improvement in my skills and physical fitness. I love the humility of everyone here as well as the family friendly atmosphere, many of my teammates bring their kids in while they train. All in all if you are looking for a place to train come join our family read more

I can't say enough good things about Medavia, but just to name a few: fantastic coaches, a positive environment, the amazing people such an environment attracts. If you are looking for one of those rare places that has the optimum combination of: -expert coaches that tailor their teaching just for you and focus on every single student as if they were the only one -a school that truly practices martial arts philosophy, discipline and fitness -genuinely good people with can-do attitudes -a team/family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and included than look no further. read more

This place is more than just a studio where you work out; it's family. Besides stellar leadership, fun people and top-notch instruction, you quickly realize the value you pay monthly for your membership doesn't end on the mat. Be prepared to make lifelong friends through watching MMA fights together, chilling at the bar occasionally and generally doing life together. Quality, integrity and high standards comes with the territory so it's no surprise this studio cleans up at huge competitions. Love this place and love these people! read more

This is a great place for the family or individual. My entire family trains here and we love it. There are so many positive aspects to this place such as learning self defense, great cardio and of course learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My first couple months here I lost ten plus pounds and my cardio went through the roof. Professor Alex and Coach Alicia also do such an amazing job with the kids big and small. Both my kids love this place and look forward to training with Professor Alex and Coach Alicia. read more

A very good atmosphere. The last time we visited my son and I had our gis stand on its own because they were drenched in sweat and we didn't have access to a laundry. I've know the owner Alex since '88 way back when we served in the Army together. He was always highly motivated and still is. He never gives up and will push you beyond whatever you thought your limits were. You won't be disappointed. Haven't visited the new academy yet but plan to soon. Good people! Lots of discipline and integrity read more

Our oldest daughter started going here about 5 months ago. She had been in karate with a couple of different places but it wasn't challenging her. We brought her here and I can not say enough about it. She has really grown in just the last 5 months. It is a family environment and she has developed some really good friendships. The coaches are really involved, offering feedback and encouragement. Our youngest daughter saw how much her sister liked it and asked to join also. read more

Can't say enough good things about the Sandovals or the Carlson Gracie Team. It is a fantastic environment, for adults, teens and kids. The Jiu-Jitsu pedigree of the coaches is top of the line. Add to that their personal investment in each student, their philosophy on physical and mental fitness, and the humble, fun and challenging manner in which they teach. Great place, great people and real, no-nonsense Jiu-Jitsu. You're wasting your money if you go anywhere else. read more

I have always wanted to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but being over 40 I was nervous about getting hurt. When I started at Carlson Gracie I was surprised to find that the egos I expected to find did not exist. I was welcomed as a family member and surrounded by people who train hard and are respectful. Professor Alex excels at helping his students grow and understand the techniques. If you are looking for the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the valley this is the place. read more