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Carlson Gracie Oro Valley
4.9 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Oro Valley, Arizona
Part of Carlson Gracie
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
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule carlsongracieorovalley.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 520-335-5000
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 am, 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12:30 pm, 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12:30 pm, 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Carlson Gracie Oro Valley is so much more than a Jiu-Jitsu academy, it’s a place where kids grow with precision, progress, and focus.”
“Whether you're looking to compete, get in shape, learn self-defense, or just be part of a great community, this is the place to be.”
“They truly seem to care for each person and help to develop confidence, discipline and skills for success both for sports jiujitsu and self defense.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor Valentino is not only knowledgeable and successful in his Jiu Jitsu path but he truly cares and is a wonderful teacher and guide specially to little ones .”
“His commitment to not only your jiu jitsu, but his commitment to developing a family atmosphere within the academy has kept me coming back year after year.”
“Here, Jiu-Jitsu teaches not only technique, but also discipline, friendship, and resilience,v alues that go far beyond the mats.”
“Whether you're looking to compete, get in shape, learn self-defense, or just be part of a great community, this is the place to be.”
“Carlson Gracie Oro Valley is so much more than a Jiu-Jitsu academy, it’s a place where kids grow with precision, progress, and focus.”
“He presents a dynamic mix of discipline, fun, and leadership that make him such a great role model for toddlers who may be a little shy/scared or even unwilling to engage.”
From the reviews
Carlson Gracie Oro Valley is an incredible academy that radiates passion, discipline, and family. Professor Valentino leads with unmatched dedication—his love for Jiu Jitsu shines through in every class, blending technical precision with genuine care for each student’s growth.
I've been with Professor Valentino for over 4 years. His commitment to not only your jiu jitsu, but his commitment to developing a family atmosphere within the academy has kept me coming back year after year. I can't recommend CG OV high enough.
My son started here when he was 4 years old and it has been a great experience for not only him but for me as well! When he first started he was very insecure about people and was just very unsure of himself. He had a lot to overcome but Professor Valentino is amazing!
I've been training here for the past year, and I can't say enough good things about this academy. From day one, the coaches and students made me feel welcome, regardless of my experience level. The instruction is top-notch, with coaches who are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve.
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Oro Valley
Carlson Gracie Oro Valley 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 Carlson Gracie Oro Valley
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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