Key Takeaways:
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a ground-based grappling art that works for any body type or fitness level, making it one of the most practical martial arts for self-defense and total-body fitness.
- Most beginners in the Phoenix area can expect to pay $100-$200/month for BJJ classes, with the path to a blue belt typically taking 1-3 years of consistent training.
- Arizona Combat Sports offers adult and youth BJJ programs in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix, with both Gi and No-Gi options for all skill levels.
You don’t need to be an athlete to start. You don’t need prior martial arts experience. You don’t even need to be in shape. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu meets you exactly where you are and turns you into something tougher, sharper, and more capable on the mat.
At Arizona Combat Sports, our BJJ program serves complete beginners, competitive grapplers, and everyone in between. Classes run across the East Valley, covering Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix.
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a ground-based grappling art that teaches you to control an opponent and finish a fight through submissions, not punches. The core idea: leverage and technique beat size and strength every time.
The art traces its roots to Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo, and then the Gracie family refined it in Brazil into what practitioners study today. It’s now a cornerstone of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition worldwide and one of the fastest-growing martial arts globally.
You’ll train in two formats:
- Gi (traditional uniform): grip-heavy, technique-precise, great for building fundamental control
- No-Gi (rashguard and shorts): faster-paced, body-grip-focused, closer to MMA and wrestling
Both develop different skills. Serious grapplers train in both.
How Is BJJ Different from Muay Thai or MMA?
Striking arts like Muay Thai train punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. MMA combines striking with grappling. BJJ focuses entirely on the ground game, positional control, and submissions like armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes. Most real-world altercations end up on the ground, which is exactly where BJJ gives you the advantage.
Gi vs. No-Gi: Which Should Beginners Choose?
Start with whichever format your gym emphasizes most. At Arizona Combat Sports, we teach both, so new students can sample each early. Gi training tends to slow things down enough to learn positional concepts clearly. No-Gi is more athletic and dynamic. Many students find they prefer one over the other after a few months.
Benefits of Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Real-World Self-Defense
BJJ is highly regarded as one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense. Many street altercations end up in a clinch or on the ground, and BJJ equips you with the skills to stay safe. You’ll learn how to neutralize aggression, control your opponent, and escape dangerous situations—without relying on strikes that may escalate violence.
Mental & Physical Conditioning
BJJ training is a full-body workout disguised as problem-solving. Every roll (sparring session) challenges your cardio, core strength, flexibility, and reflexes. Mentally, you’ll develop patience, discipline, and resilience. It’s often called “human chess” because each move requires strategy, timing, and anticipation of your opponent’s reactions.
Confidence & Stress Relief
Few things boost confidence like knowing you can defend yourself. Over time, training also becomes an outlet for stress relief, allowing you to step away from life’s pressures and focus on improving yourself on the mat. Many students find BJJ to be a form of moving meditation, sharpening their focus and reducing anxiety.
Community & Personal Growth
One of the strongest aspects of training at Arizona Combat Sports is the community. Our BJJ team thrives on mutual respect, teamwork, and encouragement. Whether you’re training for fun, fitness, or your next belt promotion, you’ll be surrounded by a group of motivated individuals who want to see you succeed.
Gi and No-Gi BJJ – What’s the Difference?
We believe in the importance of training in both Gi and No-Gi styles, as each offers unique benefits.
- Gi BJJ uses the opponent’s jacket, sleeves, and pants for grip-based control. This develops precision, patience, and a strong understanding of traditional techniques.
- No-Gi BJJ is faster and more dynamic, relying on body grips, underhooks, and overhooks. This format is especially relevant for MMA fighters and those looking to develop quicker movement transitions.
By practicing both, you’ll become a well-rounded grappler capable of adapting to different rulesets, competitions, and real-life scenarios.
Is BJJ Right for Beginners?
Yes. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) training is ideal for beginners of all ages and fitness levels. Our coaching staff breaks down techniques into simple, step-by-step instructions and drills.
BJJ Beginner Skills You’ll Learn First:
Our step-by-step teaching style ensures you can progress at your own pace, without pressure or ego. Every class is structured to make sure beginners feel comfortable while still being challenged.
The Belt System & Progression
One of the most rewarding aspects of BJJ is its belt ranking system, which provides a clear path for growth:
- White Belt – The beginner stage, focused on learning fundamental techniques and survival.
- Blue Belt – Mastery of basic positions, submissions, and escapes.
- Purple Belt – Advanced skill level with deeper technical understanding.
- Brown Belt – Highly skilled, focusing on refining and mastering techniques.
- Black Belt – The pinnacle of BJJ, representing years of dedication and expertise.
At Arizona Combat Sports, our coaches provide a structured progression system to help you work toward your next belt while building real skill and confidence.
Competition Training in BJJ
For those who want to test their skills in competition, we offer pathways into local, regional, and national tournaments.
- Structured competition classes with advanced drills
- Positional sparring for tournament preparation
- Game-planning and strategy coaching
- Nutrition and weight management guidance
Our athletes have gone on to compete in IBJJF tournaments, submission-only events, and MMA fights, showcasing the strength of our training system.
Even if competition isn’t your goal, training alongside competitors will push you to work harder and stay motivated.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids
We also offer a Kids Jiu Jitsu program designed to build confidence, discipline, and respect from a young age. Children learn essential self-defense skills while improving focus, coordination, and teamwork. Many parents find that their kids carry these lessons into their schoolwork and everyday life.
Key benefits for kids include:
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Better focus and discipline
- Healthy physical activity in a safe environment
- Learning respect, teamwork, and perseverance
Safety & Training Environment
At Arizona Combat Sports, safety comes first. Our mats are cleaned daily, and our facility is designed for a comfortable and hygienic training experience. Coaches emphasize controlled training, making sure techniques are practiced safely and with proper supervision. This ensures that both beginners and advanced students can train without unnecessary risks.
Beyond physical safety, we also focus on creating a supportive environment where students feel respected and encouraged. Our coaches and training partners are committed to helping each other improve without ego or intimidation. Whether you’re rolling for the first time or sharpening your skills for competition, you’ll find an atmosphere that values discipline, mutual respect, and steady progress.
Join the BJJ Program at Arizona Combat Sports
Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program provides everything you need to succeed.
Our program includes:
- Structured belt progression
- Gi and No-Gi training options
- Youth and adult classes
- Experienced instructors with competition backgrounds
- Supportive team culture and community
At Arizona Combat Sports, we’ve trained champions, empowered professionals, and helped beginners find confidence on the mats. Now it’s your turn.
FAQs About Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and how does it work as a workout?
BJJ is a ground-based grappling martial art that teaches submission techniques, positional control, and leverage. As a workout, it trains cardio, core strength, grip, mobility, and reflexes in every session. Most practitioners burn 400 to 800 calories per class.
How much does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu cost per month in Phoenix, AZ?
BJJ memberships in the Phoenix metro area typically run between $100 and $200 per month. Some gyms offer introductory trial periods or punch cards. Arizona Combat Sports can walk you through current membership options when you visit.
How long does it take to get a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Most students earn their blue belt in 1 to 3 years of consistent training. Progress depends on how frequently you train, how well you retain technique, and how your instructor evaluates overall skill.
Do I need to be in shape before starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes?
No. Fitness comes from training, not before it. Beginners are expected to start from zero. Classes are structured to develop your conditioning gradually, and training partners are coached to work at a pace appropriate for new students.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good for weight loss and getting in shape?
Yes. BJJ classes burn significant calories while building muscle endurance and improving cardiovascular fitness. Combined with consistent attendance, most students see measurable body composition changes within 2 to 3 months.
BJJ vs. MMA vs. Muay Thai: which martial art is best for fitness and self-defense?
Each art has real strengths. BJJ excels for ground control and real-world self-defense in close-quarters situations. Muay Thai delivers intense stand-up cardio and striking defense. MMA combines both. For pure self-defense value per training hour, BJJ is consistently ranked among the most practical options because most fights end on the ground.
What are the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix?
The East Valley has a strong BJJ community. Look for gyms with experienced coaches, structured curriculum for beginners, clean facilities, and a culture that balances competition and casual training. Arizona Combat Sports serves this entire region with adult and youth BJJ programs.
Are there alternatives to BJJ for adults who want martial arts training and a full-body workout?
Yes. Wrestling, judo, and sambo cover similar grappling ground. Muay Thai and kickboxing offer excellent stand-up cardio workouts with self-defense applications. If you enjoy ground-based problem-solving, BJJ is a strong fit. If you prefer stand-up movement, Muay Thai may suit you better.
Sources
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, history, techniques, and global development. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu
- Caloric expenditure in martial arts training. General reference: American Council on Exercise (ACE). https://www.acefitness.org
- BJJ belt progression standards, International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). https://ibjjf.com/belt-requirements
25+ Years in Tempe
Why Trust AZ Combat Sports
For more than 25 years, Arizona Combat Sports has trained complete beginners, kids, ASU students, first responders and professional fighters at one location: 1425 West 14th Street in Tempe. Here's what has kept the East Valley coming back.
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Founded & Run by Fighters
Founded by Trevor Lally and led today by partners who have competed at a high level, including former pro fighter and MMA head coach Trevor Smith.
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Black Belt Instruction
BJJ head coach Steve Rosenberg is a second-degree black belt under Nova União and has coached at ACS for more than 15 years.
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Proven With Competitors
An active fight team of amateur and pro athletes, with students competing in IBJJF tournaments, submission-only events and MMA.
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Safety First, Always
Every class is supervised, sparring is always optional, mats are sanitized multiple times a day, and youth instructors are background-checked.
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Zero-Ego Culture
Beginners train next to experienced fighters in a team-first room. Most members walk in with no martial arts background at all.
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No Contracts, No Surprises
Month-to-month memberships with no sign-up fees. Try one free class per discipline before you commit to anything.
"I've trained at this gym for four years doing BJJ and I can't recommend it enough."
Anthony, Google review of Arizona Combat Sports