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BJJ for Beginners in Phoenix
26 gyms in Phoenix, Arizona show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 26 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Strong Heart Academy Brazilian jiu-jitsu & MMA
5 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
“I’ve only been in a mixed martial arts studio, once since my wife passed away. Unlike the previous studio in Maricopa, I found this to be a welcoming facility. The professor Mike,…” — Howard
3. Gracie Jiu Jitsu North Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
“Big thank you to Sean! While traveling for work, I was looking for a place to train and found Gracie Jujutsu North Phoenix. I called ahead and spoke with Sean, who was very…” — Nick
4. Marcio Andre Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 153 reviews
5. South Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
6. Forte Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 117 reviews
“I can't recommend Forte Jiu Jitsu enough! If you're looking for a jiu-jitsu gym that offers top-notch instruction, a supportive community, and a welcoming atmosphere, look no…” — Corina
7. Gracie Barra North Phoenix Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
9. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
“Every time a new girl or woman joins our club, I always go over to greet her with a friendly hello. I always tell them that this is the best girls club ever! All of the…” — Jennifer
10. CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen
5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
“I started at the end of 2022 and cannot say enough positive things about this BJJ gym! The gym itself is clean, the instruction is very detailed (important for a newbie) and…” — Jordan
11. 12th Street Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
“The atmosphere was great & definitely ideal for anyone who trains Jiujitsu or wants to start. Very clean & the staff is awesome. Coach Jose was so welcoming and open. Felt like…” — Crystal
12. Gracie Arizona Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
“Gracia Arizona provides high quality Gracie Jujitsu, the instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly. The facility is very large, clean and welcoming, I highly recommend.” — Gabriel
13. Pro Edge Boxing MMA & Brazilian Jujitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
“Great gym with friendly people and very good coaches! My coach "Tiny" or Jose always goes the extra mile to help me achieve my fitness goals. I went into this gym having never…” — Austin
14. Gracie Barra Ahwatukee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
15. Exodus Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
“We love Exodus! The professors and coaches are so good at instructing, and very patient with the kids. I have a large family and finding an activity that everyone can do together…” — Mary
17. Ares BJJ Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“So far great experiences with Ares BJJ PHX! I sparked interest and was instantly contacted by Kristina (who is amazing). Kristina was able to get me into a class and was a huge…” — Gina
18. Refuge BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“This gym has a great , welcoming atmosphere. Large mat space with lots of room to roll. Very cleanly with private changing rooms. The instructors are top notch and the other…” — Nicholas
19. Gracie Barra Arcadia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
20. Barncat Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
“Professor Connor is incredibly kind and professional, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. His teaching style is both effective and compassionate,…” — Matthew
21. Ares PV BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
“I was visiting the area for work and wanted to stay sharp with some training. Walking into Ares PV BJJ was the best decision I made! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable,…” — William
22. Sol BJJ - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Phoenix
4.9 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
24. Megaton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“Fantastic Jiu-Jitsu gym! Professor Megaton and his Black Belts are amazing instructors with the expertise and experience to provide suitable training for students of every level…” — Mike
25. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
“I was relatively new to Jiu-Jitsu and as much as I wanted to learn self-defense, I wanted to feel that I was in a safe, non-intimidating environment. The instructors focus on…” — Ramon
Booking your first class in Phoenix: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.