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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise / SET Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Surprise, 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
- 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 (ages 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 graciejiujitsusurprise.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 329-4281
Hours
| Monday | 9:30–11:30 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–1 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The Gracie Bullyproof program is incredibly well thought out – it teaches kids how to defend themselves without encouraging aggression.”
“We love the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense format for adults and kids versus the competition style schools for our family.”
“The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they create a welcoming environment for everyone—whether you’re brand new to BJJ or have experience.”
Other martial arts here
“Our son especially enjoyed the physical play and learning the wrestling/grappling side of jiu-jitsu in a fun and structured environment.”
“With Coach Don’s expertise as a certified Jiu-Jitsu instructor and a black belt in Karate (And an amazing family man!”
What members say
“Don and Coach Mimi have a great dynamic and work very well together.”
“The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they create a welcoming environment for everyone—whether you’re brand new to BJJ or have experience.”
“The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they create a welcoming environment for everyone—whether you’re brand new to BJJ or have experience.”
“The classes are structured, positive, and focused not only on technique, but also respect, confidence, discipline, and teamwork.”
“My daughter is 7 and loves it here! We love the class size and the way they ensure the kids are always focused in and learning.”
“Our son recently completed the 10-day trial at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise, and we decided to sign him up for the summer because he genuinely enjoyed it.”
From the reviews
My 8-year-old son has been attending Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise for a few weeks now, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. From the very first class, the instructors made him feel welcome and supported.
We love this gym. Our 7 yr old has attended the Jiu Jitsu Gym for the last couple months. The classes teach him the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu and self defense. The instructors are great. They even offer classes for first responders and nurses.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise is amazing. It is a safe and fun place for kids to grow and learn. Coach Don is extremely thoughtful. The place is clean and perfect for adults and kids as well. We love the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense format for adults and kids versus the competition style schools for our family.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Surprise is a fun and safe place to learn the great art of Jiu Jitsu! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they create a welcoming environment for everyone—whether you’re brand new to BJJ or have experience.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise / SET Martial Arts
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Surprise / SET Martial Arts 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 Jiu-Jitsu Surprise / SET Martial Arts
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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