# Ares Peoria Jiu-Jitsu Academy > Peoria, United States ## Overview **Name:** Ares Peoria Jiu-Jitsu Academy **Description:** Ares Peoria Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training facility located in Peoria, Arizona. The academy prides itself on creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment for all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. With a philosophy centered on character, integrity, and family values, Ares Peoria ensures that every member feels like part of the family. Led by Professor Livio Ribeiro, a second-degree black belt and IBJJF World Champion, the academy offers expert instruction from competition-proven coaches. The coaching staff includes multiple IBJJF-ranked athletes and world-class competitors who are dedicated to guiding students whether they're just starting their jiu-jitsu journey or preparing for high-level competition. The academy offers comprehensive programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (both Gi and No-Gi), kickboxing, kids programs (ages 4+), ladies-only classes, competition training, and specialized programs for veterans and first responders. The academy emphasizes that jiu-jitsu fosters confidence, discipline, and community. Students describe Ares Peoria as transformative, with testimonials highlighting the friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors, and supportive community that makes training both challenging and fulfilling. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 9009 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Unit 104, Peoria, Az, United States of America Peoria, AZ 85382, United States **Phone:** (623) 263-4432 **Email:** shannon@arespeoria.com **Website:** https://www.arespeoria.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arespeoriajiujitsuacademy/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AresPeoria ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 AM - 7:15 PM - Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 7:15 PM - Thursday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Sunday: Closed ## Facilities & Amenities Kickboxing ## Instructors ### Livio Ribeiro - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Lívio Ribeiro was born on April 27, 1993 in Bacabal, a city located in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. At the age of 6 Ribeiro, due to his parents divorce, Galinho moved to Teresina, a city also located on the Northeast of the country. While growing up Ribeiro tested himself in a number of martial arts, activities such as karate, judo and capoeira though he did not settle in any. At the age of 15 Lívio finally found a combat sport he enjoyed in jiu jitsu. When he started Galinho had no expectations in jiu jitsu, he was merely trying to fill a free portion of his daily schedule. A friend from school referenced training BJJ at the Projeto Social QG da Luta (PSQGL) academy and invited Lívio to come along. There Ribeiro met two instructors who would become his reference in the sport from white to black belt, coaches Helder Mourão and Luiz “Major”. Mourão’s life slowly dragged him away from the sport, and by the time Lívio became a brown belt, Galinho’s training was almost solely guided by Major. It was also as a brown belt that Ribeiro decided to travel to the United States together with team mate Alef Brito, packing their kimonos, the hope for a better future and not much else. Without any contacts in the big northern territory, Ribeiro and Brito planned to compete in the two major tournaments of the year: The IBJJF Pan and World Championships. Once in the United States, the Brazilian duo was invited by Osvaldo Moizinho to come and train at the Ares Jiu Jitsu academy in Modesto, California. There the PSQGL athletes were received with arms wide open, feeling immediately at home and becoming part of the team. While training with Osvaldo and Samir Chantre at the Ares gym, Galinho conquered both of his competition goals, the aforementioned Pan and World Championship. After these two tremendous achievements, coach Moizinho contacted Luiz Major and with his permission promoted Galinho to black belt. A ceremony that took place on June 2018. Livio Ribeiro 2018 World Championship Highlight ### Ana Luiza - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** No Gi Worlds Champion, American Nationals Champion, 4x Brazilian Nationals Champion, 2x South American Champion, Pan American Bronze medalist. ### London Horn - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Super active IBJJF black belt competitor. 2021 IBJJF Worlds bronze medalist and 2025 IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con Open Class Champion. ### Robiel Tesfaldet - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Super active IBJJF black belt competitor. ### Carsen Betzold - Blue **Role:** Assistant **Bio:** Super active IBJJF competitor. Multiple IBJJF Open champion, 2024 IBJJF No Gi Pans bronze, 2025 IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con bronze. ### Daniel Ciuclea - Brown **Role:** Assistant **Bio:** 2024 AZBJJL brown belt open gold, 2024 AZBJJL #3 brown belt, 2x AZBJJL purple belt gold. ### Shannon Horn - Black **Role:** Assistant **Bio:** Super active IBJJF black belt competitor. Ranked #9 Master 5 lightweight in the world (GI) and #4 Master 5 lightweight in the world (No GI) by IBJJF in 2025. ## Programs ### Introduction to Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Designed for beginners of all ages. Experience a supportive environment where you can learn the fundamentals and build confidence. **Classes:** ### Adult BJJ (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the gi for adults. All skill levels welcome. **Classes:** ### Adult BJJ (No-Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling training for adults. All skill levels welcome. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for children ages 6 and up, focusing on fundamentals and character development. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ (No-Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling program for children ages 6 and up. **Classes:** ### Littles Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu for ages 4-5, focusing on basic movements and fun. **Classes:** ### Competition Training **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Advanced training for blue belt and above competitors. Led by Professor Livio. **Classes:** ### Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Stand-up striking and kickboxing program for those looking to master their stand-up game. **Classes:** ### Ladies Only Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes exclusively for women in a supportive environment. **Classes:** ### Jiu Jitsu Concepts **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Conceptual understanding and technical refinement of Jiu-Jitsu principles. **Classes:** ### Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Free training time for all members to practice techniques and spar. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/arizona/peoria/ares-peoria-jiu-jitsu-academy)