Browse BJJ Gyms

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Auckland

Sorriso BJJ (formerly Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Auckland) is a well-established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Auckland, New Zealand, founded in 2006. With two locations in Mount Eden and St Johns, Sorriso BJJ has built a reputation as one of New Zealand's premier competition teams, earning numerous individual and team championships. The academy offers a structured belt grading system with attendance tracking and a comprehensive curriculum that progresses students according to their belt level. Training includes advanced techniques, self-defense moves, and competition preparation. Sorriso BJJ emphasizes that jiu-jitsu is a team sport where practitioners form strong bonds with training partners, pushing each other to overcome limits and achieve goals together. The academy's training philosophy focuses on emotional control, teaching students to manage stress, anxiety, fear, and anger while developing mental strength through both victories and losses. While competition is encouraged as a way to accelerate progress and develop self-discipline, it is not mandatory. The academy welcomes practitioners of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced competitors, offering programs for kids (Little Eagles and Eagle Warriors), adults (Fundamentals, Intermediate, Advanced), and specialized No-Gi classes. Students are carefully mentored by a team of highly-trained instructors who provide support and motivation for continuous improvement.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Oceania

Lemos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is an Alliance team affiliate in Brisbane, offering comprehensive BJJ training for all ages and skill levels. Founded and led by head coach Bruno Lemos, a 4th degree black belt under Alexandre Paiva, the academy has been serving the Brisbane community with over 26 years of martial arts experience. Bruno Lemos brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep philosophy to the academy. He believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not merely a sport or self-defense system, but a lifestyle that improves every aspect of an individual's life. This holistic approach is reflected in the academy's training methodology, which emphasizes technical excellence, character development, and community building. The academy offers programs for everyone, from Little Champs (ages 3-5) to advanced competition-level training. Lemos Academy features world-class facilities spanning 360 square meters of mat space divided into two training areas, enabling simultaneous classes at different skill levels. The facility includes separate male and female showers and changing areas, air-conditioned training space, a dedicated strength and conditioning area with equipment, and a recovery zone featuring sauna and ice bath facilities. The welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere has earned the gym consistent 5-star reviews, with members praising the quality of instruction, cleanliness, and supportive community that helps practitioners of all levels achieve their goals.

Alliance JJ Niterói

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Niterói is part of the world-renowned Alliance Jiu Jitsu team, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations globally with 15 IBJJF World Championship titles and over 300 affiliated academies worldwide. The Niterói academy brings the Alliance methodology and excellence to the heart of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. The academy features a modern 100+ square meter facility with dedicated training mats, providing a professional environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Alliance Niterói follows the official Alliance group class methodology, pioneered by Master Fabio Gurgel, ensuring students receive structured, progressive training that builds both technical skills and personal development. The philosophy emphasizes that "Jiu Jitsu is one of the best tools for life improvement." Alliance Niterói offers comprehensive programs including beginner fundamentals, intermediate and advanced gi classes, no-gi grappling, women's jiu jitsu, kids and teens programs, and private lessons. The academy is committed to maintaining Alliance's global standard of excellence with certified instructors providing safe, high-quality training in a welcoming community environment. Additional amenities include WiFi, security, exclusive Alliance products, and laundry facilities.

Alliance Korea

Alliance Korea is the official South Korean affiliate of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams in history. Founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, and Alexandre Paiva, Alliance has produced over 100 world champions and won the IBJJF World Championship 15 times, making them the only team to achieve a "Grand Slam" in BJJ. Alliance Korea Changwon is led by head instructor Dongwoo Kim, a certified IBJJF black belt who received his belt directly from Alliance co-founder Master Alexandre Paiva, making him a direct lineage black belt. With over 15 years of experience, Master Kim has trained with some of the best competitors and instructors in jiu-jitsu history. He is also an active competitor, regularly competing in major international tournaments and bringing real competition experience to his teaching. Under Master Kim's leadership, Alliance Korea has achieved remarkable accomplishments. In 2024, they became the first gym in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do provinces to produce a national team member for the Asian Games (where jiu-jitsu was adopted as an official sport). In 2025, they produced two reserve team athletes simultaneously - a first for the region. Most notably, at the 2024 IBJJF Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Alliance Korea became the first Korean team to bring home a championship trophy, demonstrating their international competitive capability. The academy offers systematic, technical BJJ education based on Alliance's world-class training methods, welcoming students of all levels from beginners to champions.

Alliance Laguna Hills

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Laguna Hills is a modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Laguna Hills, California, part of the renowned Alliance team network. The academy strictly follows the Alliance methodology, which has produced multiple world champions and is recognized as one of the best Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. Alliance pioneered the group class methodology that has become the standard for BJJ instruction worldwide. The academy offers over 2,025 square feet of training space with a full range of programs for children, teens, and adults at all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Students train under highly qualified instructors who are certified through Alliance Jiu Jitsu, ensuring high standards of instruction and safety. The academy's philosophy, articulated by Master Fabio Gurgel, emphasizes that "Jiu Jitsu is one of the best tools to improve your life," promoting a lifestyle where health results from both physical activity and emotional control. Alliance Laguna Hills provides a comprehensive training environment with modern facilities including lockers, showers, WiFi, security systems, vending machines, and a pet-friendly policy. The academy offers programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, as well as specialized classes for women, kids and youth, no-gi training, competition preparation, and private instruction.

Alliance Las Vegas

Cobrinha BJJ Las Vegas is an affiliate of the world-renowned Alliance team, led by Professor Hector Vasquez. Alliance is considered one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams in history, with 15+ IBJJF World Championship titles and over 300 affiliates worldwide. The academy is directly connected to Rubens 'Cobrinha' Charles, widely regarded as the best featherweight in BJJ history and the first (and only) black belt to complete the Super Slam—winning all 5 major tournaments (ADCC, World Championship, Pan Championship, European Championship, and Brazilian Nationals) in a single year (2017). Professor Hector Vasquez, known as 'Mighty Mouse,' has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2010. After being defeated by a female purple belt in his first class, he became completely dedicated to the art. Under the direct instruction of Cobrinha, Hector progressed from blue belt to brown belt in just 2 years and has since become a 5x World Champion, 2x World No-Gi Champion, 4x Pan American Champion, and 5x American National Champion. He continues to compete actively while building a competition team in Las Vegas. At Cobrinha BJJ Las Vegas, students benefit from world-class instruction rooted in the Alliance methodology. The academy offers programs for all ages and skill levels, including Kids BJJ, Adult BJJ (gi and no-gi), Women's Self-Defense, and Muay Thai Striking. Professor Hector's teaching philosophy focuses on technical precision, competitive excellence, and personal development. The academy emphasizes building confidence, discipline, and mental toughness alongside physical skills. With a strong focus on competition training, many students from the academy have gone on to become champions themselves, continuing the legacy of the Alliance team.

Alliance Novo Hamburgo

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Novo Hamburgo is part of the world-renowned Alliance team, one of the largest and most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations globally. The academy was originally founded by professors Luiz Carlos Gonçalves Junior and the late professor Laerte, and has been transforming lives for over 25 years. In 2018, the academy relocated to its own facility at Avenida Nações Unidas, 2649, under the leadership of Professor Joel Bobzão, who serves as proprietor and CEO alongside his son Guilherme Dal Prá. The academy is part of Alliance's international network of over 360 academies across all continents, backed by 15 world championship titles. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes core values of respect, discipline, self-control, and self-confidence, fostering both physical and mental development through jiu-jitsu training. With 570 square meters of tatami mat space, the facility provides a comprehensive training environment for practitioners of all levels and ages, from beginners to black belts. The academy accepts students beginning at age four and has produced regional and national champions, contributing to Novo Hamburgo's reputation in national and international competitions. Professor Joel Bobzão, originally from Caxias do Sul, discovered jiu-jitsu in 2010 when seeking a safe and beneficial physical activity for his son. Professor Jardel Alisson Ferraz D'Elly, a black belt instructor at the academy, also contributes to the training program and is recognized for his social work with children. The academy offers amenities including changing rooms, a canteen with meal options, Wi-Fi, parking, and an onsite pro shop. In October 2025, the Câmara Municipal de Novo Hamburgo formally recognized the academy's 25-year anniversary through City Council Resolution nº 1343/2025, acknowledging its role as "a space of discipline, respect and inclusion."

Alliance Porto

Alliance Porto is part of the world-renowned Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team, recognized globally not only for technical excellence but also for the professionalism of its coaching staff. The gym's mission is to be a world-reference academy in Jiu-Jitsu, helping practitioners achieve their best version through structured, level-appropriate training. Founded by athletes, coaches, and professors with extensive experience across Europe, Asia, and South America, Alliance Porto has been active in combat sports for over 30 years. The gym emphasizes both competitive success and the personal and social development of its students. At Alliance, the curriculum is carefully planned according to each student's level, age, and specific needs, ensuring that every practitioner reaches their maximum potential. Alliance Porto offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels: Kids BJJ (starting from age 3), Teens, Beginners (learning fundamentals in a safe environment), Intermediate (for white belts after 2nd stripe), Advanced (blue belt and above with higher intensity), Competition training, Women's classes, No-Gi grappling, Self-Defense, and adapted programs for para-athletes. The academy operates two training mats with classes running from early morning to evening throughout the week.

Alliance San Diego

Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego is San Diego's leading training center for kids, teens, and adults, offering world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a safe, supportive, and competitive environment. Part of the legendary Alliance team — a proud 14x World Champion organization with over 300 affiliates worldwide — Alliance San Diego continues the tradition of excellence established by master instructors who have shaped the sport globally. Led by Professor João "Johnny" Faria, a black belt with over 30 years of experience and 23 years as a black belt, Alliance San Diego provides structured programs for all ages starting from 3.5 years old. Professor Faria is a multi-time IBJJF medalist and respected coach who oversees three successful academies in the San Diego area (Alliance San Diego, Alliance Carlsbad, and Alliance Chula Vista). His teaching style blends old-school fundamentals with modern techniques, always focused on growth, community, and respect. Alliance San Diego offers comprehensive programs including Toddlers (3.5-5), Youth BJJ (6-12), Youth Competition, Youth Muay Thai, Adult BJJ, No-Gi, Women's Only BJJ, and Competition Class. The academy features a large, clean facility with multiple training areas, an experienced coaching staff including black belts Jena Bishop (3rd degree), Marcos Lopes, Vando Silva (3rd degree), and Dustin Wooldridge, plus dedicated instructors at brown and purple belt levels. Whether training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, students join a welcoming family atmosphere where high-level athletes train alongside beginners.

Alliance Washington

Alliance BJJ Washington is a veteran-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy with two locations in Lacey and Lakewood, Washington. Founded by Army veteran and 10-time All-American Greco Roman Wrestler James Johnson Jr., the gym opened its first location in Lakewood in May 2015, followed by the Lacey location in June 2020. As a member of Team Alliance, one of the most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu teams in the world with over 300 affiliate academies across 29 countries and 13 World Championship titles, Alliance BJJ Washington provides world-class instruction while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. James Johnson Jr. began his martial arts journey as a child, earning his black belt in Tang Soo Do before wrestling in high school and serving in the US Army as a Greco Roman wrestler. He started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 and continues to compete at high levels while leading the academy. The gym emphasizes proper Alliance techniques, building strength, commitment, and unity that the organization is known for worldwide. Students benefit from a positive training experience whether they're focused on self-defense, competition, or personal development. The academy offers a comprehensive range of programs including Baby Eagles (ages 5-6), Eagles 1 and 2 for kids (ages 7-14), adult fundamentals and intermediate classes, advanced classes, no-gi training, competition classes, and a women's only program. Alliance BJJ Washington prides itself on helping students reach their individual goals while building self-confidence and practical self-defense skills. The instructors work with students to adapt techniques to their personal style, creating well-rounded practitioners. The gym also hosts special events and holiday gatherings, fostering a strong community beyond the mats.

Alpine Jiu Jitsu

Alpine Jiu-Jitsu is a family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in the heart of Alpine, California, serving the East County community since 2016. With over 20 years of combined experience, the academy offers comprehensive BJJ training for all ages starting from 5 years old, creating a welcoming environment where entire families can train together. The academy is led by founder Professor Frank Califano, a black belt under Master Fabio Santos (7th degree coral belt), and features world-class instruction from Tarsis Humphreys, a 4th-degree black belt and multiple-time IBJJF World Champion. Tarsis trained under Fabio Gurgel at the legendary Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Academy in São Paulo, Brazil, and brings elite-level competition experience to students. The coaching team includes experienced instructors Deborah Clem, David Goan, Danielle Kaiser, Matt Heinemann, and purple belt assistant coach Hector Mena, all dedicated to providing quality instruction across all skill levels. Alpine Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes building confidence, coordination, and self-defense skills while fostering a strong sense of community and family atmosphere. The academy offers specialized programs including Mini's classes (ages 5-10), Juniors & Teens (ages 11-16), Adult Fundamentals for beginners, Advanced Gi and No-Gi classes, MMA training, and women's self-defense. All head instructors are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified, ensuring a safe training environment for students of all ages and experience levels.

Alpine Jiu-Jitsu

Alpine Jiu-Jitsu is a local, family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Alpine, CA, serving the East County community since 2016. Located just 30 miles east of downtown San Diego and minutes off the 8 freeway, the academy offers comprehensive BJJ training for all ages 5 and up. With over 20 years of combined experience, the academy provides a welcoming, family-friendly environment where students can build coordination, confidence, and self-defense skills. The academy is led by founder Professor Frank Califano, a black belt under Master Fabio Santos (7th degree coral belt), who has dedicated nearly 20 years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and opened the academy in 2016. The coaching team also includes Tarsis Humphreys, a 4th-degree black belt and multiple-time IBJJF World Champion who trained under Fabio Gurgel at Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Tarsis brings world-class expertise in pressure passing, guard work, and strategic gameplay. Additional instructors include Deborah Clem, David Goan, Danielle Kaiser, Hector Mena (purple belt), Matt Heinemann, and gym manager Jennifer. Alpine Jiu-Jitsu offers programs for all experience levels including Mini's (ages 5-10), Juniors & Teens (11-16), Adult Beginner/Fundamentals, and Advanced classes in both gi and no-gi styles. The academy emphasizes fundamental techniques, self-defense, coordination development, and competition training. All head instructors are black belts, and coaches are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. The academy partners with Adopt A Cop BJJ and We Defy Foundation, supporting law enforcement and combat veterans through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

AMBJJ - Alex Martins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Alex Martins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (AMBJJ) in Dallas, Texas is led by Professor Alex Martins, a 5th Degree Black Belt with over 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Martins began his martial arts journey in 1997 at age 17, training under Junior Cardoso in Manaus, Brazil, and has since become a global reference in the BJJ community. Professor Martins is an elite competitor with an impressive competitive resume, including IBJJF Master World Champion in 2016 and Ranked #1 in the World in the IBJJF Master 2 Division during the 2017/2018 season. He was personally awarded by Professor Carlos Gracie Jr. for his outstanding competitive achievements. His competition success spans across the United States, Japan, Spain, UAE, Brazil, and Europe, with multiple gold medals at prestigious events including American Nationals, Pan Ams, and numerous IBJJF Opens. The academy's teaching philosophy extends beyond techniques, focusing on shaping lives through discipline, confidence, respect, and personal development. Professor Martins brings enthusiasm, patience, and structure to every class, helping students reach their potential both on and off the mats. As he says, "If a person has the best possible attitude and respective behavior, he/she can better the world."

American Top Team D'iberville

American Top Team D'Iberville is part of the world-renowned American Top Team organization, one of the premier mixed martial arts training centers in the world. Located at 10380 Automall Parkway in D'Iberville, Mississippi, the gym offers a comprehensive range of martial arts programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Fitness Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo, and Kids Martial Arts. The facility provides world-class training in a supportive, family-friendly environment where students of all ages and skill levels can achieve their goals. At American Top Team D'Iberville, the training philosophy centers on empowering students to reach their full potential, whether they dream of competing in the cage, getting fit, building confidence, or finding a supportive community. The high-energy classes combine technical martial arts instruction with fitness training, helping students build strength, discipline, and mental toughness. The gym emphasizes a positive, welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable and safe while learning effective techniques. The gym is led by Professor Mike Sanford, a BJJ black belt who received his black belt in 2014 under Daniel and Diego Moraes. Professor Sanford has over 20 years of martial arts experience, starting with Boxing and Kempo Karate at age 5, and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2005 under Master Francisco Mansor (a red belt under Helio Gracie). The coaching staff also includes Professor Ann Sanford, Mississippi's first female BJJ black belt and an active competitor since 2007, along with experienced instructors in striking, kickboxing, and kids programs including Tyler Hill (purple belt), Brandon Davis (brown belt), Dan Triplett (black belt), Monica Medina (brown belt), and legendary MMA fighter Alan Belcher.

American Top Team Ottawa

Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy (MMAFA) has been proudly serving the Kanata community since 2001, transforming lives through martial arts education and coaching. As a 2024 award-winning facility (Best Martial Arts School, Best in Youth Sport and Recreation, and Top Pick), MMAFA provides a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere where individuals of all ages can achieve their personal goals. The academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, offering comprehensive programs for preschoolers (ages 4-6), kids (ages 7-12), teens, and adults. Their mission is simple: help the community get safer and stronger—inside and out. Through martial arts training, students develop not just physical skills, but also confidence, focus, discipline, and respect. The academy strongly believes that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Led by owner and head coach Stephane D'Amour, along with a dedicated team of 18 instructors and coaches including Assistant Head Coach Andrew Hart, the academy has built an amazing community of hard-working, kind, and focused members. Special programs include Girls & Women's Jiu-Jitsu classes, creating an inclusive environment for all. MMAFA serves Kanata, Sittsville Area, DunRobin, Carp, Arnprior, and Kinburn communities, offering life-changing classes that students describe as "addicting" with "fantastic group of coaches and students that work hard, respect each other, and have tons of fun."

Anchorage Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Llc

Anchorage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ABJJ) is Alaska's #1 ranked BJJ team, offering world-class training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and HIIT. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the academy is proud to be part of the Tinguinha BJJ Academy Team and home to the ABJJ Army Fight Team. With over 158 years of combined coaching experience and more than 316 combined wins in BJJ and MMA competitions, ABJJ provides top-quality instruction for practitioners of all levels. The ABJJ Army is composed of some of Alaska's most successful and widely recognized mixed martial arts competitors. Team members pride themselves on professionalism both in and out of the cage, maintaining a hard-working training culture that has resulted in over 300 fights with a 70% win record. The academy's 8,279 square feet of grappling mats provides ample space for training across all programs. ABJJ's coaching staff includes head instructor Mason "Ryder" Spadafore (3rd Degree Black Belt), who began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2003 and brings exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Ryder is a 3rd Place finisher at the 2013 Pan American Games (Middle Weight Black Belt Senior 1) and 2nd Place finisher at the 2016 Pan American Games (Middle Weight Black Belt Master 3). He is also Safe Sport Certified and holds instructor certifications in EFC (Effective Fitness Combatives) and APSC (Alaska Police Standards Council) for law enforcement control tactics. Additional black belt instructors include Todd Palmer (3rd Degree), Daniel Delaney, Dannesh Bastani, Jason Delozier (1st Degree), and Nani Palmer (1st Degree), along with MMA specialists Matt Stout and Derek Chalifour, wrestling coach Mark Burkart, and Muay Thai instructor Shane Hall (Brown Belt BJJ).

Anthracite Combat Club was founded in 1993 by Jeff Walcott in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The club's origins trace back to when Jeff began studying under a top Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Philadelphia. After receiving a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeff brought his training home to Schuylkill County, starting with small groups of close friends and gradually expanding into a formal academy. The club offers high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction certified by both the IBJJF and JJGF. Training emphasizes a systematic progression of techniques combined with proper repetitions and conditioning. The academy has built a strong competition pedigree, with team members consistently placing in the top three positions at tournaments. In 2004, the team expanded into mixed martial arts competition, achieving notable success in the cage. Today, Anthracite Combat Club serves over 60 members with programs for ages 5 through adult, including specialized classes for kids, teens, and women's self-defense. Head instructor Jeff Walcott holds a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and brings decades of experience since beginning his training in 1993. He is joined by Matt Melusky, a 2nd degree black belt in BJJ and brown belt in Judo. The academy is also supported by co-owner Lisa Walcott and club manager Kristin Polston. The team continues to travel and train with top-level instructors to bring the latest techniques and approaches back to their students in Schuylkill Haven.

Apollo Beach Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Apollo Beach is a family-oriented martial arts academy founded in February 2018 by Professor Luis Mata and Professor Erin Harpe, both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts under Rob Kahn and Matt Arroyo. The academy is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages achieve their personal goals through self-defense training, discipline, and confidence-building programs. Professor Luis Mata brings over 13 years of jiu-jitsu experience and 6 years of MMA experience to the academy. He began training in 2007 at age 16 and competed in prestigious tournaments including the IBJJF World Championship, IBJJF New York Open, and Abu Dhabi Professional Jiu-Jitsu Trials. As a professional submission grappler, Luis coached the 2018 Kids International champions. Professor Erin Harpe is a two-time IBJJF World Champion (2014 blue belt, 2015 purple belt) and professional MMA fighter signed with Invicta Fighting Championship. She started training at age 5 under her father, Royce Gracie black belt James Harpe, and moved to Tampa in 2013 to train with the Gracie Tampa Network. The academy offers specialized programs for all experience levels, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids, teens, and adults, striking classes (kickboxing and Muay Thai), women's self-defense, HIIT training, and youth programs. The training philosophy emphasizes practical self-defense, physical fitness, and building confidence in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Gracie Apollo Beach serves Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Tampa, and surrounding communities in Florida.

Area 502 Mixed Martial Arts

Area 502 MMA is Louisville's premier mixed martial arts training facility, proudly serving as the city's only Official Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy. This state-of-the-art 12,500 square foot facility features a full-size boxing ring, over 2,500 square feet of matted training area, and a 3,000 square foot private gym, providing an exceptional training environment for martial artists of all levels. Led by head coach Phillip Perkins, a 2nd degree black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie Jr., Area 502 carries on the proud Carlson Gracie legacy in Louisville. Coach Perkins has taught and trained around the world, including spending over two months in Brazil training and teaching seminars. The academy offers comprehensive programs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (both gi and no-gi), Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wrestling, and MMA for men, women, and children of all ages and skill levels - from complete beginners to advanced competitors. The coaching team at Area 502 brings world-class expertise and proven results. Notable instructors include Aaron Sheckles, a 5-time Golden Gloves Champion with 23 years of boxing experience who has trained 7 Golden Gloves Champions, 6 Junior Olympic Champions, and 3 Ringside World Champions. Blake O'Neil, known as "Coach O Cinco," is a purple belt under Coach Perkins with a 7-1 MMA record and experience training UFC fighters at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. The team also includes multiple Carlson Gracie Jr. black belts: Alex Hacker (former wrestling coach and Thai boxing practitioner), Joshua Dominguez (MMA veteran), and Roger Skillman (specialist in gi chokes). Ruben Vargas, a brown belt with world and national championships in sport karate and an OEF Army veteran, rounds out the exceptional coaching staff. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal development, Area 502 provides expert instruction in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment.

Ares Arizona BJJ

ARES Arizona BJJ is the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Mesa, Arizona, founded and led by Professor Paul Nava, a highly respected 4th-degree black belt. Since 2000, Paul has been deeply immersed in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building an impressive competitive record with multiple world titles at the highest levels of international competition. The coaching staff at ARES Arizona BJJ is widely recognized as the best in the Valley, with each instructor bringing extensive competitive success—including numerous world titles—and years of experience teaching students at every level. The academy prides itself on creating a welcoming, family-like training environment where everyone from complete beginners to advanced competitors can thrive. Their comprehensive curriculum covers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi), Judo, Wrestling, Yoga, and Strength & Conditioning, with specialized programs for adults, kids, and women. ARES Arizona BJJ's mission is clear: to guide every student on their Jiu-Jitsu journey, whether they're stepping on the mats for the first time or pursuing world championship aspirations. The academy is also an approved ESA vendor in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, and offers special partnerships for military members, first responders, and families who train together.