Home › For beginners › Tempe, AZ
BJJ for Beginners in Tempe
6 gyms in Tempe, 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 6 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. Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
2. Jay Pages Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 302 reviews
“Super welcoming crew! Dropped in for a 6 am class while visiting town, and had a blast. Jay is so knowledgeable and approachable. He takes time for questions, and has a really…” — Brandon
3. Dark Matter Jiu Jitsu/Ares BJJ Tempe
5 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
“We come here for their kids jujitsu program. All I can say is… AMAZING!!! We’ve been bringing our 8 year old son here for about 4 months now and it’s been amazing watching him…” — Aaron
4. Like Minded Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
“Training at Like Minded Jiu-Jitsu has been one of the best experiences of my life. From day one, the environment was incredibly welcoming and friendly. Whether you're a beginner…” — Mir
5. Diamond Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
“It has been nothing but a good experience from my first conversation with Frank. Upon coming to my kiddos trial class the studio is very clean and nice. I was greeted by Frank and…” — Leanna
6. Tempe Jiu Jitsu Academy
Booking your first class in Tempe: 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.