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.

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!

Such an amazing & friendly environment. I've been to other gyms, but this is by far the best one.read more

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.

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.

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.

We LOVE this school! My seven year old has ADHD and experiencing some issues at school. We thought…read moreexploring Jiu Jitsu would teach him respect, discipline, and determination. Professor Luke is amazing with the kids. He makes them feel independent and empowered! My son is thriving in school and loves Jiu Jitsu. He shares his moves with me at home and I often have to tap out. He's improved so much both academically and in sparring!

Gracie Barra Chandler is simply world-class. The quality of the jiu jitsu instruction is unmatched,…read moreand every single professor and coach serves as a phenomenal example for my kids--both on and off the mats. My wife, four of our five kids, and I all train here (our youngest is only two, but she'll be on the mats soon enough!). Professor Piu has built something truly special: a high-performance, positive, and family-friendly culture that turns hard training into a joy. He's transformed what started as a small Arizona gym into one of the top jiu jitsu academies in the country. If you're looking for elite-level training, role model coaches, and a place where the whole family can thrive, this is the place.

During our visit to Phoenix, our 11-year-old daughter, a yellow-black belt, had private training…read moresessions at 10th Planet Phoenix to prepare her for an upcoming IBJJF tournament. Professor John Botello provided exceptional private training sessions to our daughter. His instruction was clear, patient, and detail-focused, and he tailored the sessions to our daughter's skill level and helped make real improvements in her technique. The school has a welcoming atmosphere, and you can tell they care about their students' progress. Highly recommend training here!

John Botello is one of the best instructors when it comes to Jiu Jitsu, and obviously a total…read moremaster of the 10th Planet system. The community at 10th planet is full of wonderful people as well, everyone is very chill and respectful. I highly recommend checking out 10th planet if you are looking to learn the sport of Jiu Jitsu and make new friends

Master Ray Fisher is a force of nature. His depth of understanding of Kenpo, Qi Gong, and other…read morestyles and concepts of martial arts is only surpassed by the depth of his compassion for every one in his dojo/family. He is especially brilliant with kids, who snap to attention at his booming voice, but smile and giggle when he gets silly working with each one individually. He lays out exactly what he expects of his students and of parents (oh yes, you will have homework) and is always encouraging and positive - lavishing praise for the ones who work hard and try their best, and correcting and asking for better of those who fall short. Ms. Lyn is also amazing in her role as a second instructor, and my son especially loves training with her. She demands the best of her students, but ends up being the one who plays the most games with the kids. The students here are kind, funny, and very helpful to the lower ranks. I don't see a trace of ego in anyone who trains at this dojo, which is my number one concern at any martial arts school. It really does feel like a family, which is a rare thing to say for someone like me, who has become a bit jaded after experiencing a few too many "belt-a-month" schools. If you really want your child or yourself to learn the self mastery that can come from being a martial artist, then you should consider ACS first and foremost. Although many schools have wonderful programs, this one stands apart because of the humble, kind, and exacting leadership of Master Ray and his team.

I have been involved with ACS Karate on and off for over a decade. Originally forced by my parents…read moreto do karate as a pre-teen, I would be lying if I told you I really wanted to go those early years. Although I first resented my parents for forcing me to get involved in the sport, time has given me perspective and I can honestly say that it was one of the most defining activities of my youth. Now in my 20's, I am still involved in the martial arts and can see the benefits of my training in my everyday life. I spent several years enrolled in Chinese Kenpo classes, which is more or less traditional karate. Kenpo is a practical self-defense style, focused on real-world applications. As a small female, I appreciate learning techniques that can keep me safe in any situation. Kenpo not only gave me the skillset I need to keep myself safe, but it also gave me confidence in my ability to do so. This style of karate is excellent for teaching young children respect, dedication, self-control, friendship, and confidence... but the benefits aren't just for kids. No matter their age, everyone will benefit from training in Kenpo. Now as an adult, I still benefit from years of physical and mental conditioning in these classes. After a few years of training in Kenpo, I decided to join the kickboxing classes for a different kind of workout. Most recently, I got into Tai Chi and Qi Gong as my interest in "calmer" sports grew. While I no longer participate in Kenpo or kickboxing, I am still a student in the Tai Chi and Qi Gong disciplines. Although I never participated in these classes, ACS Karate also offers training in Jiu Jitsu, mixed martial arts (MMA), and weaponry. Master Ray Fisher and his staff are as dedicated as any true karate "masters" must be. Professor Fisher has been training in karate and other martial arts for 35+ years and has been the owner of this "dojo" for over 25 years. That in itself is a true testament to his technical skills and business savvy. He is a kind man and his passion for the martial arts is apparent in every way. Professor Fisher's dedication to his students makes this dojo stand out from all other karate schools in the Phoenix area. He is truly interested in each student and takes the time to identify their personal goals and develop strategies to achieve them. I have seen Master Fisher work with both young children and elderly individuals, treating everyone with the same level of respect and attention. ACS Karate offers classes six days a week so "not having time" isn't a good excuse to stay home. They have group classes, as well as private one-on-one training sessions. Professor Fisher is committed to helping you train, so he will sometimes schedule appointments outside business hours if your schedule requires it. Occasionally they offer various clinics in weapons, basic self-defense, and Eastern medicine/healing techniques. They also host and attend tournaments and conferences to give you the chance to interact with other martial artists from around Phoenix. Give ACS Karate a call. Ask for Master Fisher. You will not be disappointed!!!

I work at a women's boxing gym called Jabz and we brought Denise in for a 90 minute workshop. It…read morewas fantastic! She was so friendly and professional. She has a passion for this that comes across as she teaches plus she mixed in some humor while teaching about such a sensitive topic. The information was priceless and she had great drills for us to practice. Being an all women's gym it was nice to learn this stuff from another woman! She did also bring a male assistant to help with drills which was so helpful as it made it more real. Cannot recommend Denise enough! By far the best self-defense class I've been to. Every woman left feeling empowered and talked about it for weeks to come!

I enrolled in the Strong and Safe workshop with my high-school-aged daughter in order for her to…read morelearn how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Denise teaches a fast-paced mix of situations, statistics and vital hands-on training using the strength of one's own body. I now feel more empowered in parking lots, meeting new clients and early morning outdoor exercise. I hope it's training that neither of us ever need to employ, but it just might be the exuded confidence from this workshop that avoids an occurrence that might have otherwise happened. Karen H., Runner, Business Owner