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South Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Phoenix, Arizona
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 3–15) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule southmountainjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (602) 809-9417
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–1 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“The combination of integrity and deep care for every individual, from children to adults equally, is beyond comparison of any other coach I’ve experienced.”
“I hope as the community grows we can add more no-gi classes and continue fostering our wonderful culture.”
“I hope as the community grows we can add more no-gi classes and continue fostering our wonderful culture.”
“Whether it’s you want to train Jiu Jitsu as a hobbyist or a competitor, SMJJ offers it all!”
“You’ve got people here who can push you and if you’re a beginner you’re going to get quality instruction.”
Other martial arts here
“Even my daughter, who used to be so shy about wrestling, now eagerly demonstrates moves at home (usually attempting to armbar me throughout the day).”
What members say
“Coach danny is an absolute gem of a human and coach Sarah is one of the best coaches with so much patience I’ve seen.”
“You’ve got people here who can push you and if you’re a beginner you’re going to get quality instruction.”
“As a proud dad watching my entire family train at South Mountain Movement & Wellness, I can't say enough good things about this place.”
“My son has been a member since February , he has improved so much, it’s very exciting seeing him sparring and doing his new techniques.”
“The kids program is top notch and the academy is state of the art!”
“The facility is always clean, the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate our crazy family logistics, and they genuinely care about every student's progress.”
From the reviews
A trustworthy, safe, supportive teacher is the single most important variable of success outside of our own personal responsibility. The combination of integrity and deep care for every individual, from children to adults equally, is beyond comparison of any other coach I’ve experienced.
As a proud dad watching my entire family train at South Mountain Movement & Wellness, I can't say enough good things about this place. The instructors are phenomenal with both kids and adults, striking that perfect balance between pushing everyone to improve and keeping it fun.
I’m struggling to put into words just how amazing this gym and community are - it's something you have to experience to truly understand. But I'll try! I feel so lucky to have found a place where BJJ is not just a physical activity, but a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
I have been with SMJJ since the first day they opened their doors. Coach Sarah and Nigel have grown to be more than just coaches. They have become mentors in my learning of BJJ, leaders in our community, and most importantly, family.
New to BJJ? Start at South Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
South Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 South Mountain 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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