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Apex Mixed Martial Arts

4.8 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Tucson, Arizona

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule apexmixedmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 520-344-4842

Hours

Monday 8:15 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 9–10:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 8:15 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
Thursday 9–10:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm
Friday 8:15 am–12 pm, 4:30–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 pm
Sunday 10–11 am

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Apex Mixed Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 5 mentions

“I’ve been taking my son to Apex for over a year now, and it’s been amazing to see the difference in his self-esteem and overall movement.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

👤 Private Lessons

“The instructors there are very knowledgeable and give one on one feedback during classes.”

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🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“Apex MMA is an amazing experience, with outstanding coaches that can handle all levels of training, from professional fighters to absolute beginners.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Apex Mixed Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 11 mentions

“Apex MMA is an amazing experience, with outstanding coaches that can handle all levels of training, from professional fighters to absolute beginners.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 126 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“This gym has really great coaches that all teach different styles and great moves.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Apex MMA is an amazing experience, with outstanding coaches that can handle all levels of training, from professional fighters to absolute beginners.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“Coach Joey and The instructors are top-notch, super knowledgeable, and create a welcoming environment for all levels.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He holds you accountable while never compromising on proper form, fundamentals, and technique.”

great workout & conditioning 4 mentions

“This sport and especially the way they practice here teaches amazing discipline and will get you in the best shape of your life if you’re consistent.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 5 mentions

“The gym including all of the equipment is always very clean and all the coaches are friendly and accommodating.”

From the reviews

I’ve been coming to this gym for over 20 years, and it has truly been one of the most grounding constants in my life. Joey Rivera is an exceptional trainer, leader, and coach. His classes are fun, motivating, and disciplined. He holds you accountable while never compromising on proper form, fundamentals, and technique.

★★★★★ — Alisa, Jan 2026

I got crazy lucky getting introduced to MMA at Apex. The coaches at this gym are top of the line which allows for a much higher rate of progression and competitiveness in the sport compared to others.

★★★★★ — Nicholas, Jul 2025

Best gym in Arizona I was lucky to learn mma here the best coaches and best community to get better I have only been train 2 years here and have developed so much not only in mma but also in life.

★★★★★ — Nico, Mar 2026

Ive been coming here for around 8 months now. Hands down Apex is the best gym in Tucson for MMA. The instructors there are very knowledgeable and give one on one feedback during classes. The gym including all of the equipment is always very clean and all the coaches are friendly and accommodating.

★★★★★ — S, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 126 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Apex Mixed Martial Arts

Apex Mixed Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Apex Mixed Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Apex Mixed Martial Arts

4343 N Oracle Rd #195, Tucson, AZ85705

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.