I was new to town and was shopping around for gyms and stumbled in here. I noticed a lot of…read morechemistry among the people training immediately (not the cult kind of vibe you might find in other gyms) The Mo's were super welcoming and patient with me as I was fairly new to the sport. Been training with this crew for 2 years now and I definitely understand why everyone gets along so well (honest folks just trying to get an honest workout) They've prepared me for competitions and also given me a place where I can just drown out the outside noise life can hold and enjoy the dance we call jiu jitsu. They are also part of an affiliation that unlocks access to more gyms around the state you can train at as long as you are paying your dues to one gym that's in the affiliation, which I find convenient as I travel the state often.

Great staff. Very inclusive and supportive. Great group. Came with a group of first timers and…read morepeople who had practiced years and everyone enjoyed their Saturday open mat session

I was on a vacation trip to Scottsdale and dropped into a few academies to train Jiu Jitsu with…read morefolks in the area. I'm a Black belt with thirteen years on the mats, so I've been to many different locations over the years and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly out there. Professor Ximenes was a relaxed, friendly guy and said, "Of course!" when I asked if he was amenable to me training with his 9 am class. No mat fee, no drama about uniform. Solid jiu jitsu instruction, which I'd expect given his competition pedigree. I got to roll with his students and with him. Again: no drama, no ego. An excellent class and a great start to my day. Thank you to Professor Ximenes and his students for welcoming a fellow jiujiteiro to their academy.

Training with Thiago and the skilled fighters here has been life changing Great gym highly…read morerecommend!

Nexus Martial Arts is a great place to train in Scottsdale, AZ. They replied quickly to our email,…read morewelcoming us over. The drop-in fee was $30. The facility, mats, changing room, restroom, and shower was immaculately clean. They had air conditioning and a water fountain. There is a separate room for changing and leaving your items in a cubby, so the side of the mat was tidy. The instructor, nicknamed Rasta, was a super friendly and funny brown belt. He was teaching a fundamentals class for white belts. But for us blue and brown belts, he showed us some extra stuff with the lapel called the "English handcuff." During the situational and open rolls, Rasta kept in mind our injuries, and found ways to control and tap us without being mean or being a bully. He showed us a lot of respect and humor. I would definitely come back if I'm ever in Scottsdale again!

Staff were friendly and welcoming when I came in to check out their evening nogi class. Learned…read moresome great technique and had fun during my rolls. I've signed up here and would definitely recommend!

Training at Gustavo Dantas BJJ has been one of the most defining experiences of my competitive and…read morepersonal development. This academy is not just a place to train it's a place where athletes are forged. Every competition I've entered, every win I've earned, and every lesson learned in loss has been shaped by the time, sweat, and intention poured into me by the coaching staff. Gustavo Dantas sets the standard. His attention to detail, pressure-tested techniques, and ability to see what an athlete needs before they see it themselves is elite. His leadership creates a culture where excellence is expected, not hoped for. Pro. Paul, Josh, Teague, and Jeff have each played a critical role in refining my game. From competition strategy, positional awareness, pressure management, and mental composure they consistently invested real time and energy into my growth. That level of coaching is rare. What separates this academy is that they don't just teach techniques they elevate competitors. They sharpen you, correct you, push you, and hold you to a higher standard because they genuinely care about your progress. I'm grateful for every round, every correction, every hard conversation, and every moment they chose to invest in me. The results show up on the mats, in competition, and in confidence. If you're serious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu whether as a competitor or someone seeking mastery this is the place. Respect. Gratitude. Loyalty.

I had one of the best experiences here! I came in not knowing a single thing about jiu jitsu and…read moreleft not only learning a ton of self defense skills but getting to meet some very cool and supportive people! I am a very anxious person but gdbjj made me feel very welcome and at ease and I couldn't have chosen a better place to train. I highly recommend taking classes here for people of all ages!

Put my 4 year old daughter in here and she absolutely loves this place. If your looking for place…read morethat teaches respect, confidence & is family oriented, this gym is everything and more! Maria & Kiko are amazing, along with everyone else! They make you feel so welcomed and like a family. This gym not only teaches you about Jiu Jitsu and the fundamentals of it but it teaches you about the respect of the sport and eachother.

I've been training at Kiko France Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over five years, it's truly been one of…read morethe best decisions I've made in my 20s. Kiko is an incredible instructor--technical, patient, and genuinely invested in every student's growth. The culture he's built is welcoming, disciplined, and supportive. I've met some of my best friends on these mats, and it's become much more than just a place to train. They also have outstanding kids and women's programs that reflect the intentional, high-quality environment here. If you're thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu or looking for the right academy, this is it.

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.

The instruction is clear, technical, and the coaches actually take time to correct your form and…read moreanswer questions. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, there's definitely value to be had. The culture is friendly and competitive without being toxic--people roll hard but respectfully. Mat etiquette is solid, and the higher belts are approachable and willing to help. Only reason it's not 5 stars is consistency--some classes can vary depending on who's teaching, and the warm-ups can feel a bit rushed or skipped entirely on certain days. Also wish there were a few more no-gi classes during the week. That said, if you're serious about improving and want a positive training environment, this place is definitely worth checking out.

This school is amazing. You feel the positive vibes from the second you enter the training…read morefacility! Victor is engaged, kind and so wonderful with all the kids, no matter their experience level or abilities. Our son LOVES class and we have noticed a significant boost in his confidence, attitude and focus. We are so grateful to have found these coaches, professors and studio!

The Boys have been with Coach Darrin for 1.5 years and counting! They love it! Coaches are amazing…read moreand dedicated to all the students to give them the best experience! We are glad to be apart of Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale!

While on Thanksgiving holiday, my gal and I did a drop-in at an affiliate gym aka a CTC (Certified…read moreTraining Center); we both train at Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ) Headquarters in Torrance, California. Our GJJ spot has extremely high standards when it comes to instruction, cleanliness, mats, students, vibe and etc. That said, this CTC holds the same standard. The locker room, shower (complete with accoutrements), seating area and overall vibe were at the highest level. The owners/instructors Emily and Darin are extremely helpful, friendly and giving, as are the students. You will have a fantastic time training here!

I have been looking for a way to really focus on getting my self in shape and losing a large amount…read moreof weight. I had a membership with LA Fitness, but I had a hard time really getting into workouts there. I thought that training in Martial Arts would be an excellent way to keep up motivation and get a good workout in at the same time. I discovered Pro Edge gym and started training back in June. This has proven to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The gym is phenomenal, they have a professional staff, a large variety of equipment, multiple classes to chose from, and high-quality Trainers. For me, I thought it would be best to go with the one on one training sessions. My trainer, Albe, has been great. He has kept the training exciting and motivating by mixing a variety of different techniques and styles to keep you eager to continue on. He has really helped drive me to continue on my weight loss journey, and though the one on one training sessions, it has been an excellent way for me to stay accountable to the plan. The best part is I feel like I'm learning a valuable skill in the process of becoming a healer person. I highly recommend this place and Albe to anyone looking to get in shape, develop their skills, or just looking for something to do. I really have enjoyed my time and will continue on.

I can't say enough about Pro Edge. After visiting a few boxing gyms, I decided to give this one a…read morego--third time really was the charm. Walking into any gym can be intimidating, but from the moment I stepped in to get information, I felt genuinely welcomed. Unlike many gyms that immediately push you to sign up, the front desk staff took the time to explain their drop-in classes so you could try it out first. That alone spoke volumes. Each coach has their own unique coaching style and knows exactly when to push you and when to encourage you. That energy carries through the entire gym and creates a real sense of community. Even on your worst day, the members become your biggest cheerleaders. It's been two years now, and Pro Edge is more than just a gym--it's home.

Being an out of state drop in from Washington I wasn't sure I was going to find somewhere I was…read morecomfortable as a 2month old spazzy white belt. Well I was wrong, this place was the perfect for where I am at in my journey with BJJ. Multiple classes so far in my 3 week visit and between the instructors being knowledgeable/friendly their students are too which tells me its part of the culture. I'll definitely continue to go while I'm in town and will be my school when I get here permenantly next year.

This bjj school has been around for a long time and rightfully so. They've got such a welcoming…read moreatmosphere that it makes it easy to keep coming in. If you're interested in the jiu jitsu, definitely come by.