Students practicing Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Arizona Combat Sports in Tempe, working on positional control and armbars. Join now to build your skills.

At Arizona Combat Sports, we take pride in offering a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) program that’s both beginner-friendly and challenging enough for advanced practitioners. Our facility is designed for serious training in a clean, safe, and professional environment. Whether your goals are fitness, competition, or learning practical self-defense, our experienced coaches are here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a ground-based grappling martial art that teaches practitioners how to control an opponent and finish fights with submission techniques. Instead of relying on size, speed, or brute strength, BJJ emphasizes leverage, balance, and timing. Submissions such as armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes are used to safely end a confrontation.

The roots of BJJ trace back to Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo, but it was the Gracie family in Brazil who refined and spread the art globally. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world, practiced in both Gi (traditional uniform) and No-Gi (rash guard + shorts) formats. It has also become a cornerstone of mixed martial arts (MMA), as seen in the UFC and other combat sports organizations.

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.

What You’ll Learn First:

  • Core positions: guard, mount, side control, and back control

  • Basic submissions: armbars, triangle chokes, rear-naked chokes

  • Positional escapes and movement drills

  • Safe falling and rolling techniques

  • Controlled sparring sessions (rolling) once you’re ready

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

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground control, positional dominance, and submission techniques. Unlike striking arts like Muay Thai or boxing, BJJ emphasizes leverage, technique, and real-world self-defense applications.

Yes, BJJ is beginner-friendly and ideal for those who’ve never trained before. Most BJJ schools, including Arizona Combat Sports, offer structured introductory classes that focus on basic positions, such as guard, mount, and side control, as well as beginner-level submissions.

Most BJJ classes require a Gi (uniform), which includes a jacket, pants, and belt. For No-Gi training, wear a rash guard, grappling shorts, and compression gear. Our team at Arizona Combat Sports will guide you on what’s needed for your first session.

On average, it takes 8–12 years of consistent training to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The belt system progresses through white, blue, purple, brown, and black—each representing more profound knowledge of techniques and rolling (live sparring).

Rolling is a form of live grappling sparring where students test their techniques against resisting partners. It helps improve timing, reflexes, and strategic movement. It’s safe, controlled, and usually introduced after a few weeks of basic training.

Popular submissions include the rear naked choke, armbar, triangle choke, kimura, and guillotine choke. These are taught progressively based on skill level at Arizona Combat Sports.

BJJ teaches how to escape, control, and submit an attacker without relying on size or strength. Its emphasis on ground defense and leverage makes it highly effective in close-contact encounters or when taken to the ground.

No. BJJ will help you get in shape over time. It builds cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. Beginners of all fitness levels are welcome at Arizona Combat Sports.

Gi training uses grips on the uniform to control and submit opponents. No-Gi uses body positioning and overhooks and underhooks instead. Both are taught at Arizona Combat Sports and complement each other in MMA and competition training.

Yes. Our youth BJJ program focuses on technique, discipline, and fun. Kids learn body awareness, respect, and self-defense in a structured environment with experienced coaches.

Interested in one of our classes, but not sure what it will be like?