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Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
4.4 ★★★★☆ 123 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Scottsdale, 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 717-0222
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter started taking lessons here 2 years ago and this is the best decision we took, we have seen her grow confident as a person and make everlasting friends.”
“My biggest takeaway has been how they teach the self defense moves to where these young kids understand it.”
“Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or training for high-level competition, the professors meet you where you are with unwavering support and expert guidance.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“TL;DR: Fantastic gym with incredible professors teaching superb technique.”
“Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or training for high-level competition, the professors meet you where you are with unwavering support and expert guidance.”
“Professors Victor and Bernardo, along with coach Michelle, have created an awesome, safe, friendly environment.”
“TL;DR: Fantastic gym with incredible professors teaching superb technique.”
“Our daughter is 5 and goes 2-3 times per week. We love the unlimited membership as well as being able to attend classes around the world!”
“If you are thinking about beginning your journey in Jiu Jitsu I highly recommend Gracie Barra Scottsdale.”
From the reviews
Gracie Barra in Scottsdale has been a positive experience for our family. The staff demonstrates outstanding leadership and creates an environment that encourages every student to be their best—on and off the mats. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, and the class sizes are just right.
Gracie Barra Scottsdale is truly a gem—if I could give it 10 stars, I would! From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed into an incredible community built on respect, discipline, and encouragement. The professors and staff are absolutely outstanding, especially when it comes to working with kids.
Hi! I’m Kim, I cannot say enough great things about the BJJ experience that I have encountered at this location with its program…I started at 57 yrs old & have been training for the past 8 yrs. Thanks to my son, Professor Christian who encouraged his Mama to give it a try and for that I am forever grateful to him.
TL;DR: Fantastic gym with incredible professors teaching superb technique. If you try one class I'm certain you'll want to sign up and train here for life. I began training three years ago as a way to get exercise during the pandemic.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense 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 & Self Defense
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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