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Refuge BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 49 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Phoenix, 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 4–12) — 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
- 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 refugebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (623) 516-0598
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son is in their Mighty Mites program and my daughter is in their Youth program; both love it there and are always excited when it’s time to train.”
“There is not much to say other than everyone in the valley that rolls knows the Refuge Youth Competition Team.”
“If you’re interested in learning martial arts for self defense, keeping fit or even for serious competition training, Refuge BJJ is the place to go!”
“They do an incredible job of meeting people where they’re at—whether you’re brand new, looking to build confidence, or wanting to push yourself to the next level.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The best coaches, very clean,the best teammates you can have, it's like having a second family.”
“If you are looking for a place to train BJJ, whether starting out for the first time or continuing your BJJ, I would highly recommend Refuge BJJ.”
“The coaches and employees at the gym are amazing, very nice and welcoming and all of the coaches are super knowledgeable and helpful.”
“My son is in their Mighty Mites program and my daughter is in their Youth program; both love it there and are always excited when it’s time to train.”
“There is not much to say other than everyone in the valley that rolls knows the Refuge Youth Competition Team.”
“Great atmosphere, the gym is always clean and the instructors are extremely dedicated to their students growth.”
From the reviews
I've been to more Jiu Jitsu schools than I can remember the names of and my daughter is only 9. I just don't see the point in wasting my time and or my child's time at the second best gym. I don't see the point of getting the second best training. It's a drive for us but it's worth the drive.
My two sons have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Coach Josh for 4-5 years. They love going to his classes because he teaches well and makes learning fun, in a safe and supportive environment. He clearly loves teaching and jiu jitsu and competes himself very successfully.
This gym has a great , welcoming atmosphere. Large mat space with lots of room to roll. Very cleanly with private changing rooms. The instructors are top notch and the other students are also great. I’d highly recommend people of all levels to train here.
We are so happy to have found Refuge BJJ. Our boys love Coach Kanani and Coach Josh. We are blessed to have them teaching our children. If you are interested in studying BJJ check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.
New to BJJ? Start at Refuge BJJ
Refuge BJJ 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 Refuge BJJ
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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