BJJ Gyms in Arizona, United States

10th Planet Phoenix, AZ

John Botello is the Chief Instructor of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix. He was born and raised in Harlingen, Tx. John started training Jiu-Jitsu while in the U.S. Navy under Relson Gracie in 2001 while in Pearl Harbor, Hi. After training with Relson for a year, John then moved to San Diego, Ca. John then started transiting from San Diego to Los Angeles, Ca. to train with Rickson Gracie. John also trained with Rickson Gracie black belt Fabio Santos, from whom John received his blue belt. John was told about Eddie Bravo by a friend of his and decided to try out his class while in Los Angeles. After one class John was hooked, and decided to give up training in the the Gi all together. John then started training at 10th Planet Hollywood. After leaving the Navy in 2006 while driving home through Arizona and back to Texas, Johns’ sister convinced him to stay in Arizona. He started training at Sitan Gym in Chandler Arizona under black belt Edward Rene Sanchez, whom John received his purple belt from in 2007. John has been certified to teach the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system since Jan 26th 2007. His school is Eddies’ first 10th Planet affiliate school. John now holds the rank of black belt under Eddie Bravo in the 10th Planet system. If you have never done Jiu-Jitsu before, John will show you step by step what to do in each position. He is a very patient, knowledgeable instructor. John keeps the training environment friendly, competitive, yet ego free. John still competes regularly because he loves the thrill and preparation involved in competition, and he truly believes that the best is yet to be seen not only from 10th Planet Phoenix, but the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu family as a whole.

Carlos Farias Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Carlos Eduardo Farias is a 3rd degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 30 years of experience in training and competing, and nearly 20 years of experience teaching adults and children. He received his black belt from MMA veteran Roberto "Spider" Traven, a 7th degree black belt, 1999 Abu Dhabi Absolute Champion and two-time World Champion. Carlos studied Jiu-Jitsu in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil under Professor Guilherme Santos before coming to the United States. After years of teaching at various Mixed Martial Arts academies in the Valley, Carlos proudly opened Farias Jiu Jitsu academy in Mesa, Arizona in 2013. Carlos is currently ranked #6 in the World for the Adult IBJJF Black Belt division and is an active and renowned competitor. His competitive achievements include multiple IBJJF Pan Championship titles, World Championship medals, American National titles, and numerous regional championships. As an Ultra Heavyweight competitor, he has consistently placed at the highest levels of competition including 1st place finishes at the Pan Championship (2014, 2015), multiple podium finishes at the World Championship, and victories at IBJJF Opens across the country. Carlos has earned his 3rd degree Black Belt and currently has 3 black belts training under him. Farias Jiu Jitsu offers authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in a safe and familiar environment. Members of all ages and skill levels are warmly welcomed by the Farias Jiu Jitsu family. The academy emphasizes values of honor, discipline, humility, respect and equality through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In Kids' Classes, students learn discipline, good sportsmanship and leadership while discovering enhanced strength and self-confidence. Adults' classes deliver unparalleled training that builds mental and physical strength, endurance, and camaraderie among classmates. The academy also features a Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program led by Carlos's first female Black Belt, Meghan Gerson, with one of the largest women's BJJ classes in Arizona. All Kids and Adults who are prepared for competition have multiple opportunities throughout the year to compete at local, state and regional levels on the Farias Jiu Jitsu competition team.

Blue Wave Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Blue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a family-owned and operated academy in Nashua, New Hampshire, led by husband-and-wife team Jimmy and Dasha Quinlan. The academy provides a professional, technique-oriented approach to modern grappling for students of all ages, from young children to adult competitors and hobbyists. Head instructor Jimmy Quinlan brings over two decades of elite martial arts experience to Blue Wave. A three-time wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmy was the all-time wins and pins leader at Bridgewater State University, a 4x All-Conference champion, and ranked in the top 10 nationally during his collegiate wrestling career. As a UFC and TUF 17 veteran, he has coached athletes through over 15 UFC fights across the US, UK, and Germany. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jimmy is an 8x IBJJF major tournament adult medalist, No-Gi Adult World Champion, Pan BJJ Adult Champion, and 2x No-Gi Pan Adult Champion, having competed against legends like Buchecha, Garry Tonnon, and Ricardo Abreu. Co-owner Dasha Quinlan is a brown belt under Jimmy with over 15 years of BJJ training. She is a No-Gi Worlds silver medalist and has earned multiple IBJJF medals including bronze at the Atlanta Open and New Haven Open. Dasha is also an amateur MMA competitor, bringing well-rounded grappling expertise to the academy's instruction. The Blue Wave philosophy centers on three pillars: introducing students to the principles and techniques of Jiu-Jitsu, encouraging comprehensive study to develop self-defense capabilities, and fostering a competitive environment that builds resilience, tenacity, and a never-quit attitude. The academy's coaching team also includes Professor Josh Trefry, Assistant Coaches Leo Troncoso and Edniel Adorno, and Coach Bobby Lebrasseur, all dedicated to patient, example-driven instruction. Reviews consistently praise the clean facility, welcoming family atmosphere, and the instructors' genuine care for helping every student progress regardless of experience level.

Ares Peoria Jiu-Jitsu Academy

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.

Ares BJJ Phoenix

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Black Flag Submission Company

Black Flag Submission Co. is a Military Veteran owned and operated martial arts school that has been serving the Phoenix area since 2014. Operating as one of the Valley's leading Catch Wrestling and Hybrid Grappling facilities, Black Flag is proudly bordered between Alhambra Village & North Mountain Village in Phoenix, Arizona. Black Flag specializes in grappling arts including Catch Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Amateur Wrestling, and Combat Sambo. The gym takes a less traditional and more laid back approach to operating as a martial arts facility, creating a family-friendly atmosphere where members from all walks of life come together with a common goal and passion for training. While the training is taken seriously, the atmosphere remains welcoming and relaxed, with approachable coaches who are open to answering questions. The gym's innovative approach blends the philosophies and concepts of BJJ and Catch Wrestling, creating a highly effective ground combat system proven successful in multiple combat sports including MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi, Sub Only competitions, Freestyle Wrestling, and other forms of grappling. Head instructor Gilbert "Mickey" Olivas holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is a Catch Wrestling Elite Coach certified by Scientific Wrestling, and brings extensive experience as a United States Marine Corps Veteran. The coaching staff also includes Co-Owner DiAnna Olivas (Brown Belt BJJ), Prof. Scott Sutton (Black Belt BJJ), and Prof. "Maverick" Callaway (Black Belt BJJ), ensuring high-quality instruction across all programs.

10th Planet Scottsdale, AZ

Steeyle Levine is a certified 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. Native to Arizona, Steeyle had an interest in martial arts early on starting his journey in Tae Kwon Do. Steeyle participated from ages 7-13 receiving his black belt in 2002. Though he was hungry for more and eager to continue his growth in martial arts, school was his priority. After graduating high school, Steeyle longed to return to martial arts. He began to watch a lot of UFC as it became more mainstream. Steeyle would then train with friends in his backyard until one day he decided to try a local tournament. After taking second place he knew he was very interested in continuing the Jiu Jitsu journey. Another tournament later with a first round loss Steeyle knew he needed to find an academy. After listening to Joe Rogan commentate and talk about his friend Eddie Bravo and his unique Jiu Jitsu system Steeyle did some research and found that 10th Planet Phoenix was in his area. After attending one class he was absolutely hooked. Steeyle started officially training in December of 2009 under John Botello at 10th Planet Phoenix. Not long after taking the next step into martial arts with Jiu Jitsu, he knew immediately that this was his calling. Recently having earned his Black Belt back in December of 2018 becoming John Botello’s first black belt, Steeyle has made the leap to chasing his dream of being an owner/head instructor at his own academy. Steeyle has been an active competitor in the community participating and winning in tournaments such as Grapplers Quest, NAGA, 10PQ, Fight 2 Win, Bull Pen Submission Series, and Last Warrior Standing to name a few.

10th Planet Tucson, AZ

Anthony Birchak is an American mixed martial artist. He competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Birchak was a highly decorated amateur wrestler at Sahuarita High School. Birchak attended Pima Community College and Grand Canyon University where he majored in Visual Communications. Birchak has an MMA record of 13-3, He is currently a Bantamweight fighter for the UFC, before getting the call to the UFC Birchak was the MFC bantam weight champion. Casey Halstead is a professional Mixed Martial Arts trainer with over eight years of coaching experience.  Originally a mixed martial artist with a boxing foundation, Casey took his Eddie Bravo Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, striking, and wrestling, skills onto the teaching platform.  He is the owner and head coach of 10th Planet Las Vegas, 10th Planet Costa Mesa, 10th Planet Buena Park, and 10th Planet Orange, 10th Planet Irvine, and the newest location 10th Planet Tucson, while still training under 7th Degree Red and Black Belt Jean Jacques Machado and 10th Planet’s founder Eddie Bravo.  In addition to the series of the 6,10th Planets, he was the head Jiu Jitsu instructor at Mark Munoz’s Reign Training Center. Casey actively works with some of the most experienced and well respected MMA fighters in the world.  He is seen coaching and working alongside Ultimate Fighter season 13 Winner Tony Ferguson, UFC veteran Mark Munoz, Cain Carrizosa, Diego Rivas, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Carla Esparza, Ian McCall, Marlon “Chito” Vera and Anthony Birchak.

Alliance Scottsdale

Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale is home to the 14x World Championship Alliance Team, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams in the world. Founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, and Alexandre Paiva, Alliance BJJ is recognized globally for technical excellence and professionalism. Alliance has produced hundreds of World Champions, over 25 of them at the black belt level. At Alliance Scottsdale, martial arts training is about more than self-defense. The academy focuses on building self-confidence, improved focus, physical strength, and positive social interaction for both children and adults. The training philosophy emphasizes setting goals, working hard, and following through, all while having fun and making friends in a safe, professional environment. The academy is led by Professor Thiago Ximenes, a 3rd-degree black belt under Professor Fabio Gurgel with over 35 years of martial arts experience. Professor Ximenes began training in Judo at age 4 and competed as a world-class elite athlete, medaling at multiple international events including world championships. He transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trained at Alliance São Paulo under Professor Fabio Gurgel. His competitive BJJ record includes 3-time World Medalist, 8-time Pan-American Medalist, over 10-time National Medalist, and 4-time European Medalist. Professor Ximenes is dedicated to sharing his knowledge, focusing on details with students and mentoring both children and adults to develop confidence, fitness, focus, and producing the next generation of elite athletes.

10th Planet Villains

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Whittier, also known as "10P Villains," is a premier No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy founded in April 2023. The gym is part of the internationally renowned 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu network founded by Eddie Bravo, specializing in no-gi grappling techniques designed for MMA and self-defense applications. The academy welcomes students of all ages and skill levels, offering programs for both adults and kids. Their training philosophy emphasizes building confidence, discipline, and resilience through the challenges of Jiu-Jitsu. The supportive environment ensures every student learns to overcome obstacles and evolve both on and off the mats. The gym integrates techniques from Wrestling, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu into a comprehensive grappling curriculum. Head Coach Mike Wilson leads the instruction as a 2nd-degree 10th Planet Black Belt with over 16 years of experience in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. Coach Wilson's background includes training under legendary figures like Murilo Bustamante at Brazilian Top Team before transitioning to 10th Planet in 2015. He trained extensively in Las Vegas under Casey Halstead, earning his black belt in July 2019 and serving as Head Coach of 10th Planet Downtown Las Vegas. His coaching experience extends to cornering elite UFC fighters including Joe Benevidez, Tim Elliott, Natan Levy, and serving as Team Coach for Team USA Grappling at the 2021 UWW World Championships. Under his leadership, 10th Planet Whittier has become one of Southern California's most formidable competition teams, earning team titles at the JJWL Pan American Championships (2024) and placing at multiple IBJJF events. Coach Wilson continues training under Olympic Judo Coach Justin "JFlo" Flores and maintains close connections with 10th Planet HQ and Eddie Bravo.