Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale

"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!"