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Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense - Avondale
4.9 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Avondale, Arizona
Part of Gracie Barra
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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (623) 850-0048
Hours
| Monday | 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–8 AM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8 AM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 AM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | 9–10 AM |
The classes they run
“Children, teens and adults all train here and you can tell that everyone is growing/has grown into great people with the leadership of GB Avondale.”
“Children, teens and adults all train here and you can tell that everyone is growing/has grown into great people with the leadership of GB Avondale.”
“I’ve been to a couple of other places where I’ve trained gi and no gi as well.”
“I’ve been to a couple of other places where I’ve trained gi and no gi as well.”
“My son is now on the competition team and Professor Mike has been such a great teacher.”
“The kids’ program is outstanding, teaching discipline, confidence, and self-defense in a fun, safe environment.”
What members say
“My son is now on the competition team and Professor Mike has been such a great teacher.”
“The instructors are great with kids and create a fun, supportive environment while teaching discipline and confidence.”
“And let me tell you the confidence he’s gotten he loves coming to the class and learning new techniques!”
“We’ve been going to this class for a little over a month now for our son! And let me tell you the confidence he’s gotten he loves coming to the class and learning new techniques!”
“My son is now on the competition team and Professor Mike has been such a great teacher.”
“We’ve been members of Gracie Barra Avondale since it opened its doors in January 2020, and it’s been an incredible experience!”
From the reviews
I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here for approximately 6 months now. I’ve been to a couple of other places where I’ve trained gi and no gi as well. This gym is definitely top tier all around. The lessons are taught at a pace where everyone can learn safely.
We’ve been going to this class for a little over a month now for our son! And let me tell you the confidence he’s gotten he loves coming to the class and learning new techniques!
The best bjj school in the area, I highly recommend this school, my son trained there for just over two years and it was amazing, very good training system, a lot of support and dedication from Professor Michael Bruner and his team of coaches, very professional. An excellent team and a great atmosphere.
My husband & two kids train here & they all absolutely love it. My kids have learned so much & get the wiggles out in a positive environment. There’s so much more to their training that include learning courage, respect and obedience all while having fun!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense - Avondale
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense - Avondale 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 Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense - Avondale
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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