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Proving Ground MMA/Vargas Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 59 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
- 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 (ages 5–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule provinggroundmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (623) 278-7330
Hours
| Monday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7–8 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 AM–1 PM |
The classes they run
“Since my children have starting coming here I can see the difference in their confidence and coronation.”
“They offer high-quality instruction in both Gi and No-Gi from technical black belts.”
“They offer high-quality instruction in both Gi and No-Gi from technical black belts.”
“He has created a training facility and team that is well suited for all kinds of people; all are welcome from families to high level competitors.”
“Whether you're dropping in for an open mat or signing up for full-time classes, the vibes are just immaculate.”
“My son learned life-long skills for competition in Jiu Jitsu as well as self-defense.”
“Whether you're a veteran of combat sports or a day-one beginner, you'll be welcomed and treated like family here.”
Other martial arts here
“If you are interested in trying out jiu jitsu or striking or MMA please come here and give it a shot.”
“I have played highly competitive soccer and did some minimal wrestling previously.”
What members say
“This is your chance to join a newer gym and get individualized attention from a superior coach and some of the best training partners around.”
“From the moment I walked in to his gym to each and every visit to train, he and his coaches and his students all were welcoming and encouraging.”
“High level coaching, top quality training, and a family friendly atmosphere make this gym one of the premier schools in the west valley.”
“The gym has a perfect balance: you’ll find high-level competition athletes pushing the pace alongside people just looking for a great workout.”
“He has created a training facility and team that is well suited for all kinds of people; all are welcome from families to high level competitors.”
“Most importantly, the training is safe, and the facility is spotless.”
From the reviews
Excellent Coach! My son was a member of this gym for three years. Coach Vargas was an amazing coach and mentor, and the gym members were very welcoming and supportive. My son learned life-long skills for competition in Jiu Jitsu as well as self-defense. He still visits coach whenever he is in AZ.
Best place in the West Valley to train! This is your chance to join a newer gym and get individualized attention from a superior coach and some of the best training partners around.
Coach Ruben has been running his gym for over a decade. His dedication and commitment to the community is unmatched. High level coaching, top quality training, and a family friendly atmosphere make this gym one of the premier schools in the west valley.
Coach Ruben is a caring and thoughtful man. He has created a training facility and team that is well suited for all kinds of people; all are welcome from families to high level competitors.
New to BJJ? Start at Proving Ground MMA/Vargas Jiu Jitsu
Proving Ground MMA/Vargas Jiu Jitsu 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 Proving Ground MMA/Vargas Jiu Jitsu
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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