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Cactus Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Scottsdale, Arizona
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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
- 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 cactusjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 448-6648
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Coach Ed is very kind, patient, and always positive working to strengthen the kids and overcome their weaknesses.”
“My older son even had a one on one with Ed and their daughter and he was able to learn some new techniques and to be able to feel more comfortable and confident in class!”
“Not only have our daughters learned a new self defense skill, but they are more confident in themselves and more connected to their bodies since starting Jiu Jitsu.”
What members say
“Ed and Val are excellent instructors and leaders.”
“They and all the students were very welcoming and friendly.”
“The members are super kind and friendly, there are multiple instructors offering different teaching styles, as well as offering any assistance you may need.”
“My older son even had a one on one with Ed and their daughter and he was able to learn some new techniques and to be able to feel more comfortable and confident in class!”
“One of the many things I love about training at Cactus JJ is the focus on safety especially for students new to Gracie Jiu Jitsu.”
“One of the many things I love about training at Cactus JJ is the focus on safety especially for students new to Gracie Jiu Jitsu.”
From the reviews
I’m not exaggerating if I say that Cactus Jiu Jitsu has changed the trajectory of our kids lives. Not only have our daughters learned a new self defense skill, but they are more confident in themselves and more connected to their bodies since starting Jiu Jitsu.
Coach Ed is really great with the kids. He explains everything in ways they can easily understand, he has the kids contribute to the lessons and he shows so much patience. The class is always engaging, safe and fun. I highly recommend Cactus Jiu Jitsu. This is a wonderful family Academy!
We love Cactus Jiu Jitsu Academy. Ed is a great master and he is perfect with kids. He is calm and very patient. He involves the kids in every step. I truly recommend Cactus Jiu Jitsu Academy.
I've been training here since they opened. One of the many things I love about training at Cactus JJ is the focus on safety especially for students new to Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Your first BJJ class at Cactus Jiu Jitsu 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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