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CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen
5 ★★★★★ 95 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Phoenix, Arizona
Part of Checkmat
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 checkmatphoenixbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (714) 873-9346
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The gym has a ton of classes to fit everyone's needs including: beginner, advanced, women's only, and children's classes with both morning and evening times.”
“The gym is a family friendly environment, but will get you ready for any high level competition you wish to compete at.”
“The gym has a ton of classes to fit everyone's needs including: beginner, advanced, women's only, and children's classes with both morning and evening times.”
What members say
“The best Bjj Gym, Mayko an Karen are the best coaches, My Son and Husband and myself take classes here, and we have learned so much!”
“The gym has a ton of classes to fit everyone's needs including: beginner, advanced, women's only, and children's classes with both morning and evening times.”
“My family has been training with Checkmat Phoenix for almost 5 years and it's been a huge part of our lives ever since.”
“The gym itself is clean, the instruction is very detailed (important for a newbie) and everyone is so friendly.”
“The gym feels like a community where we've watched each other and our children grow in strength, confidence, and skill.”
“The gym is a family friendly environment, but will get you ready for any high level competition you wish to compete at.”
From the reviews
I started at the end of 2022 and cannot say enough positive things about this BJJ gym! The gym itself is clean, the instruction is very detailed (important for a newbie) and everyone is so friendly. I was nervous to start, but everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. Come learn from the best with Mayko and Karen!
My daughter started the kids class and let me start by saying it has been such a great experience for her. The staff is amazing, Karen is one of the nicest coaches I have met. Karen welcomed us with open arms and has answered all of my questions.
Amazing gym with world class instruction! Karen and Mayko are great instructors who truly care about their students and their success. The gym has a ton of classes to fit everyone's needs including: beginner, advanced, women's only, and children's classes with both morning and evening times.
The best Bjj Gym, Mayko an Karen are the best coaches, My Son and Husband and myself take classes here, and we have learned so much!! love this Gym
New to BJJ? Start at CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen
CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen 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.
Your first BJJ class at CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen
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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