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.

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.

If your looking a Brazilian style martial art this is the place to go to. With a variety of added…read morefighting styles, Muay Thai,boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jítsu. Your bound to learn many things here. However, if you don't have any experience in any martial art, that's okay come and learn (no judgements there.) You will learn a hard mental, physical side of capoeira that will push you and challenge you in every aspect. If you have fitness goals, this is another bonus capoeira is been known to be a great workout. Also, you won't just learn kicks, you will learn a variety of dodges, acrobatics, flips and etc. Instructor Kino, has many years of experience in Capoeira. He is extremely patient, motivating, reasonable, and knowledgeable in your needs. The best part about all of this is that Chandler has a Capoeira location. Monday Wednesdays 8pm - 9:30 and Fridays at 7pm to 8:30.

From the owner: Grupo Topazio offer Capoeira classes with a more martial art focus…read more we train an practice Gymnastics, Brasilian Jiujitsu, fitness and conditions from the perspective of Capoeira. Physical training is complemented with cultural exposure to the Portuguese language, learning to play musical instruments used in Capoeira as well as learning typical dance and activities related to the Afro-brazilian culture.

Both of my daughters (12 &14) have been training here at the Desert Dojo for almost a year! My…read moredaughters have never been in better shape, both physically and mentally. They are learning self confidence in their ability to protect themselves. As a parent, I appreciate that they are learning both Muay Thai & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They are strong grappling on the floor and also have come to love sparring. Sensei Jerry is the perfect mix of patience & knowledge which makes for an excellent teacher. We are so happy to be apart of the Desert Dojo Family.

From the owner: Specializing in beginners. We offer Martial Arts classes for kids, teens and adults in Chandler,…read moreArizona. We focus on “training for life” through Martial Arts and traditional Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We have students from Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Ahwatukee and Tempe.

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.

Kioto BJJ Southwest has a great training atmosphere. We work hard and have a great time together…read more Having an established and traditional curriculum means we always know where we stand as students and can easily work with the professors to achieve our goals. Joe and Liz have created an awesome learning atmosphere where I feel that I can achieve my personal best. With the exception of open mat, I don't think Ive ever found myself to be the only woman present- we have a great group of women here which not all academy's can boast. Kioto is a fantastic option in the east valley.

Traditional BJJ with a syllabus developed thru our lineage through Grandmasters Francisco Mansor…read moreand Helio Gracie. Kioto SW is a smaller BJJ gym with a great family feel. Kioto has all shapes and sizes, lots of female students and kids. Kioto students have competed and won at all levels. Come train with us and see what BJJ can do for you. We are also affiliated with the We Defy Foundation, which provides BJJ scholarships to service connected veterans.