Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale

“Coach Darin and Coach Emily are extremely patient, knowledgeable, professional and courteous. We love having our little champ in the Bullyproof program!! She has learned so much and absolutely loves coming to class. I would recommend this specific program to ALL parents with littles. They learn discipline, respect, kindness and gratitude along with ways to survive tough circumstances. They learn how to de-escalate, and get out of sticky situations, while gaining confidence in themselves and their skills. The class is structured to be fun, while learning, and is absolutely amazing. Thank you both for creating a safe and healthy environment of instruction for our littles. We appreciate you!! The hubby and I are enrolled in Gracie Combatives and absolutely love class. It's not your regular, run of the mill, Jiu Jitsu school. The instructors go into every detail and encourage smart training so that nobody gets hurt. They want you to come back and keep learning. You aren't thrown into the ring, as a beginner, and made to fend for yourself. You are given very clear instructions, encouraged to go slow, give each other feedback and to stay safe. In addition, I am also enrolled in Women Empowered. LADIES: THIS CLASS IS NECESSARY FOR ALL OF US!!! PLEASE come check it out! I can't stress enough, how necessary, the knowledge this class offers us! I wish I had learned about this sooner in my life, it could have made a big difference. It is the most supportive environment with amazing ladies. The level of instruction here is phenomenal. Patience, clarity, thorough explanations and an incredibly knowledgeable staff. Update: this place is better than ever. If you've ever thought about trying jiu jitsu, or contemplated coming in to watch a class, this is the place to try!! There is a new instructor, Brandon, who has recently joined the crew and he's awesome. This dojo just seems to get better, the longer we are here. All of the instructors are patient, kind and professional.”

“I am extremely happy to have given Gracie Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale a try. I trained in two other schools before landing here. My jiu jitsu journey has not been the best; it's been intimidating, uncomfortable and painful. I almost quit entirely after my last shoulder injury - from my last school. The instructors at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale follow the core techniques that make this sport/defense class; the gentle art it is. The techniques are sliced into smaller - easy to grasp moves. At the end of each class, the slices are combined into one fluid move. I've been here nearly 3 mo and zero injuries. I wish I had started here sooner, but I'm glad I'm here now. I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in self defense, making great connections, and (bonus) staying in shape.”

“I cannot say enough good things about this place for newbies like us wanting to learn self defense. (Experienced as well, also go here). We started a couple months ago, and it took a lot of convincing for my son to try it and he is glad he did. Since he did not start when he was little, he had been shy and intimidated to start as a teenager in a class format (as opposed to private lessons), because he was worried that he would look or feel stupid or be the only kid with all adults, or the only teen among other teens who are more advanced at it. NONE of these things ended up being a valid thing to fear at this place. Both the instructors and the other learners are so supportive and there always seems to be a new person showing up so that soon enough, my son wasn't the newest person in a class. Sometimes he IS the only kid among adults at a given class, but he never feels out of place, because everyone helps each other. The beauty of how they structure classes is that you can start at any time and you are never lost and it is actually a benefit to have both experienced and inexperienced learners in each class. Also, although they do have women-specific classes, females and males can do the class my son does, and it creates real world scenarios of size differences and strength differences that can be useful!! Each class is built around a skill out of a number of the most needed self defense skills in Gracie JJ, and you can start in any order. You can go just once a week but we are finding that going at least twice a week helps it click and become more reflexive. When you sign up they also give you access to a trove of videos explaining the moves, and simplifying it all. It almost feels like a little home or community! The owners are highly skilled and teach themselves. Another thing I really love is that they teach for real world use BUT they do it in a gentle way that does not result in injury. My son's confidence has gone up since starting, as well as mine for him, because when I watch him practice, I really am starting to feel that if he needed to, he could diffuse a situation, and defend himself. Side note: I also love the location, because I can kill two birds with one stone and get shopping done while my son is in class if I want to, and we can grab lunch or dinner at a number of places nearby after our Saturday morning and weekday evening classes. An observation- the more advanced class after my son's, has a petite little 13 year old girl in it, who has zero fear about going up against adult males, and having the technique to do it! I guess that is proof right there that the classes are doing what they are supposed to!”

“30 days in and I couldn’t recommend GJJ Scottsdale more! Each of the coaches call their students by name, encourage kindness, and foster learning for self defense. The mats and training gear always look, smell, and feel clean. Scheduling and payment is transparent. The walkthrough of each skill is done in a seamless way that showcases multiple angles and outcomes. I have never felt more encouraged to ask questions (even in a traditional learning environment). 10/10 recommend at least doing the free trial!”

“My son has been going here for over a year and has enjoyed it ever since. Coach Emily and Coach Darin are attentive and caring to all age groups. Their instruction is understandable and includes teaching that is fun and inviting. The environment they foster for children and teens builds character and improves self-discipline, self-defense, respect for each other, and confidence. Children achieve belts and badges and participate in discussions and activities, all of which incentivize good behavior at home, school, and within the community. Activities have included games and food at no extra cost to help everyone be happy!”