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Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 197 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Mesa, Arizona
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule areseastmesabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (602) 935-0269
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They're very good at their young kids program, keeping it fun and interesting for the kids while introducing them to moving their bodies and playing jiujitsu.”
“From Texas - Solid No Gi…reached out before my visit to inquire what I needed to be prepared for.”
“The gym is always clean and Alex is one of the best competitors who can actually teach and coach.”
“I attended a Saturday Open Mat and was immediately welcomed by both the staff and students.”
“All of the coaches are highly knowledgeable and take the time to break techniques down in a way that works for all skill levels.”
What members say
“Special mention to Coach Steve Benton, who is amazing with all ages and stands out for his patience, attention to detail, and ability to make learning both effective and enjoyable.”
“Owner Alex is very helpful, welcoming, and genuinely cares about every student’s progress, which sets the tone for the entire academy.”
“Very clean, timely, well structured class, and I’m leaving a fan that will be back whenever we’re visiting family out here.”
“All of the coaches are highly knowledgeable and take the time to break techniques down in a way that works for all skill levels.”
“They're very good at their young kids program, keeping it fun and interesting for the kids while introducing them to moving their bodies and playing jiujitsu.”
“Very clean, timely, well structured class, and I’m leaving a fan that will be back whenever we’re visiting family out here.”
From the reviews
Ares East Mesa is an outstanding BJJ academy. The coaches are highly proficient not only in their execution but in their instruction of the art. The atmosphere is positive, encouraging, and family-friendly. Our entire family is very thankful to be part of AEM BJJ.
Ares East Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the kind of place where you walk in as a stranger and leave feeling like part of the team. The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming, and disciplined — exactly what you’d expect from a serious BJJ academy.
From Texas - Solid No Gi…reached out before my visit to inquire what I needed to be prepared for. Received a very timely reply from the owner Prof Alex advising “you are welcome here” with a few specifics.
Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy is an outstanding, family-oriented gym with an incredible atmosphere. Owner Alex is very helpful, welcoming, and genuinely cares about every student’s progress, which sets the tone for the entire academy.
New to BJJ? Start at Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy
Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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.
Your first BJJ class at Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy
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.
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