Gracie Jui Jitsu has been home for us for over a year. And when I say home, I mean home. I've got two kids in their kids program. The first day you step inside, they say they will treat you like family, and they do. Each instructor goes out of their way to provide the child what they need to succeed, and truly cares about seeing your child gain confidence in life. The principles they teach go so far past Jiu-Jitsu as well. While the Women's Empowerment isn't something that works for me at the moment, I tried a class, and would recommend it to anyone! We love that we have become friends with the instructors, kids, and other families there. read more

I signed up one month ago and i think its my new favorite place! I have met most of the team, maybe ive met them all? Each teammember is AWESOME! They all are funny, comforting, and sooo knowledgable! It is very easy to feel out of place when starting something new like Jiu-Jitsu, especially when you are with a group who has been practicing for a while. Its easy to get discouraged and just stop showing up. Gracie Jiu-jitsu Phoenix shines in making everyone feel welcome and part of a team. The instructors are always watching and correcting to make sure movements are done properly, but more importantly, safely! Every time I leave here I feel like I just had my butt kicked, well I guess i did, but kicked in a good way! Overall, if you are on the fence about joing this location, just show up. Talk to the team and let them guide you. Its an amazing place filled with amazing people. read more

Obviously the Gracie name is legendary in the Jiu-Jitsu world and this academy represents the name well. Fun place for the kids to go to, very family-oriented with excellent instructors and staff. read more

I really can't recommend this school highly enough. I came here after first trying a sport BJJ school, and have been so happy that I made the change. The curriculum-based teaching is so great, especially for beginners who don't want to get smashed trying to roll on their first day. The instructors here are so incredible. So much so in fact, that even though there are now two other Gracie Jiu-Jitsu schools within a closer distance to me, and have attended classes there, I still choose to drive just a little further to learn from these instructors Do yourself a favor and go learn here read more

I dropped in for 6PM BJJ and had a great time. The instructor Nathan was friendly and attentive, I'm looking forward to visiting again next time I'm in town! read more

I really loved my first session at this establishment. All the teachers and help was much appreciated and I highly recommend!

My son is now into lesson #6 of the Bully Proof - Little Champs program. I was apprehensive at first because I didn't know how my 5 YO would react to the program. I also didn't know what to expect either. But my son loves it and so do I. Mr. Val & Mr. Adam are patient, fun yet stern with the kids. They teach them how to speak up, have a voice. They teach them how to be confident and disciplined. They teach them how to defend themselves. All the characteristics that I was looking for my son. I was also worried because my son has a short attention span and didn't know how he'd do in a class of 10+ kids. But I was assured that this was normal behavior and that in time, he'll be more focused. This is just all new to him. I am happy we signed him up and look forward to seeing this young little boy turn into a confident little man! read more

Adam and his instructors are top notch and in a league of their own! I can't imagine training anywhere else!

The programs and staff at this studio are amazing. The Bullyproof program for kids is a must. Kids not only learn useful self-defense skills but also learn about core values and morals like respect, responsibility, etc. As other reviews mentioned, the kids are encouraged to treat each other like family. The instructors are great with the kids and keep them engaged and focused. I also highly recommend the adult classes. The instructors are knowledgeable and personable. I am glad to be a part of this Gracie family! read more

My kid loves it here and won't stop talking about it. The instructors went out of their way to make him feel comfortable, and the lessons from the class also are helping with stuff at home. We are thrilled with how things are going so far. Thank you! read more

My significant other and I have been training self defense Ju Jutsu for years on and off. Our main headquarters is a self defense school in Miami with the Valente Brothers. Living full time in Phoenix we only have selected opportunities to make the trip to Miami for training. Upon looking for a school that would embrace our passion for self defense we found practically no options. We visited countless Ju Jutsu schools in the Phoenix and surrounding areas with no luck. We decided to check out Phoenix Gracie Ju Jutsu. Adam the head instructor and owner recognized the school that we are a part of and embraced us with much respect. He offered us a free 10-day class trial for us to get a feel for the classes and the commute to get there (at any given time the commute is between 30-45 minutes). Currently we are almost done with our trial and our experience has been amazing. Since the roots of the Ju Jutsu we train in and Adams school come from the same source, there is a comforting similarity in techniques and Adam embraces any difference in techniques we may have which makes it much easier for us to also adapt and embrace differences in information. Adam makes sure that all his student body is humble, friendly and respectful which makes it a non competitive environment where everyone is working for the same goal which is assisting each other to learn effective realistic self defense. Adam is very humble and treats the students like friend and family always trying to adjust to your needs as an individual. He creates a sense of camaraderie in the academy. When it comes to his instructing ability he communicates clearly has an excellent break down of technique, and also is very attentive in class making sure you are doing the technique correctly and safely. Adam also ensures that we are practicing in a extremely clean and hygienic environment. We look forward to continuing and recommend this academy to anyone looking for self defense and or a good form of exercise with a positive, safe and supportive environment. read more

Adam and Justin are great instructors! We did a private class with friends and had a lot of fun. Good for all ages and skill levels, including the women and teens in our group. Highly recommended. read more

I started training at Gracie United last year, taking both the women's self-defense classes as well as the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes. As a female it can be intimidating going into a male dominated environment to train. However, you are quickly put as ease and made to feel safe by both, the men and the women students, as well as the instructor. Everyone is great to train with and you feel like you're part of a family. You are not forced to deal with bloated ego's as everyone is there to learn and to get better. The quality of instruction is second to none. The head instructor Val Larralde has trained in the arts for 17 years and was a student under Relson Gracie. He now holds the rank of Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Sauer and the rank of Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in Kodokan Judo. So you know that the training you receive is done so in the true spirit of the Gracie family. Val is invested in the education of his students and will make sure that everyone in his class truly understands the techniques being taught, to allow greater efficiency, as well as safety. You can tell that they take pride in their establishment as the studio is always clean well taken care of. The Bully-Safe program teaches the children how to deal with bullies and in a manner that is safe and effective. It is done so in a way that's fun and helps to build the children's confidence and self-esteem. Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about my experiences there. Through my training I have been able to lose weight and gain new levels of confidence that carries over into other aspects of my life, including work. I also feel much more confident, that I am learning the proper techniques to stay safe, should I ever find myself in a dangerous situation. I would highly recommend this studio for anyone looking to get into Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (man or woman), women who are looking to learn self-defense in a safe and controlled environment. As well as parents who want to help their children feel safe at school by equipping them with the necessary tools to deal with bullies. read more

This is a great school for first time students! The environment is non-threatening, the instructors are knowledgeable and the jiu-jitsu is strong. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix - 11am Gracie Combatives program - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I hadn't even noticed how much this place affected my life until I looked at where I had started. Honestly, the first time I walked in there I was terrified. But now everywhere I go, not just there, I feel like I've grown in confidence exponentially thanks to going to Jiu-Jitsu. I've always struggled with trust in myself and boundaries with people (and I still definitely need to work on them) but this program has helped me out so much in getting farther. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and I feel way safer walking alone, especially as a girl. So, not only am I learning self defense, I also managed to go to a place as wonderful as this one and learn to love and respect myself a little bit more as well. Truly, thank you so much. read more

Your Previous Reviews 6/8/2013 Edit " This is a great place to train for individuals with any level of interest in jiu jitsu. The instructors and participants are all friendly. There are no egos or chips on shoulders. The school is always clean which is a huge plus. A definite highlight is that they are a Gracie certified jiu jitsu school so you know you're getting your money's worth! read more

Coach Adam is great with children. He is so positive and encouraging. He motivates the children. And at the same time ensures that they are having fun learning. It's really a great place for the children. read more

All it took was about 2 minutes watching Coach Adam and the rest of the staff interact with the kids to know this is a quality-run business. I feel bad using the word business because from the start they make you feel like family. In fact they refer to the kids as family. In addition to teaching Jiu-Jitsu they stress manners, respect, tolerance, and above all else, avoid the fight if at all possible. In a world hyper-focused on bullying, they stress avoiding the situation, but if that is not an option, the kids learn to defend themselves. This ability, along with the culture that Coach Adam creates, builds confidence. This is hands-down one of the best things we do for our son. Highly, highly recommend!!! -Chris and Tammy Eyrich read more

These guys are great all around. I have 2 kids in their program and they both absolutely love coming. As a parent, I really enjoy the professionalism these guys approach every class with, they really know their curriculum and make it clear to the kids (and parents) how they are progressing. Additionally, I can't say enough about the level of effort that the staff puts into making jiu-jitsu fun as well. At the end of the day, my kids come out exhausted with big smiles on their faces. Great, positive people who really get it. read more

I came here with my 7 year old daughter several months ago and was wow'd every time we came to her "BULLY PROOF", little champs class. Mr. Adam, Ms. Kai, Mr. Lance and Mr. Justin not only talked the talk of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy but with every encounter with each and every person upheld this respectful and empowering way of being and interacting in the world. They continually demonstrated healthy boundaries, respect, self care/love, self control, and many many other excellent qualities as an example for my daughter and the other young kids (adults too!) in her class to model after. They follow rules of engagement for self defense that are geared towards de-escalation if possible and if not how to protect yourself and how defend your position if there is a physical fight. They repeat many moves to help instill body memory for self protection if a situation arises and role play senecio's that mimic what they may encounter with a bully. They encourage this healthy and responsible way of being in the home/school settings as well and set up incentives for behavior reflective of teachings. I cannot say enough about the level of excellence and way of being exhibited by this business. For now we are taking a break so we can pursue another love, "gymnastics " however I'm sure we will be back! Much gratitude to these life role models. Thank you . read more

This place is awesome. Very welcoming of newcomers and a great place to learn practical application of self defense. My wife also raved about the Women's Empowerment program, and after just trying it out one time is planning on continuing with the entire program. Then, when our boy is old enough, we plan on enrolling him as well. Overall platinum rating read more

Amazing studio and instructors!!! I wish we had found this place sooner. The instructors really take an interest in each child, and do a wonderful job at engaging the children in the lesson. They make it fun, and teach the children about respect, anti-bullying and self defense. Definitely going to keep coming back and possibly enroll all three of my children! read more

This is not a business but a family. If it is your 1st or 100th class you are treated with the same kindness and respect. Not only has it made my daughter more confident, it has made me a better parent. Val and Adam are unlike anyone you have ever met. Professional, dedicated, patient, and energetic are only a few words to describe the instructors. Any child or adult are lucky to train at such an amazing place. read more