Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense

If you’re looking to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, or meet a community of accountable, grounded individuals; I highly recommend GB Scottsdale. Professor Victor’s passion for life and BJJ is apparent in his every word spoken. The Professors and Coaches are talented, authentic, and honorable. As someone with no martial arts background who joined late in life, I was made to feel a part of something incredible that could’ve been very anxiety-inducing. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on the mats.

Gracie Barra in Scottsdale has been a positive experience for our family. The staff demonstrates outstanding leadership and creates an environment that encourages every student to be their best—on and off the mats. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, and the class sizes are just right. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a solid martial arts program rooted in discipline, respect, and encouragement!

Professor Gavin and the whole team at our North Scottsdale location are outstanding! Our daughter is 5 and goes 2-3 times per week. We love the unlimited membership as well as being able to attend classes around the world! We’ve even attended in Calgary, Canada! Dropping in to each unique location and always met with the best presence and expertise is truly amazing. Our family really enjoys the experience and how much it has taught our daughter! Thank you North Scottsdale for being you and also for being such a light to the community.

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has been blessed to train at some of the top academies across the country, I’ve learned that a great school is about more than just technique—it’s about culture. Gracie Barra Scottsdale, and truly every Gracie Barra location across the Valley, has cultivated something special: a culture of excellence built on respect, integrity, and community that welcomes every type of student. What has struck me most here is the balance. The instruction is world-class—structured, consistent, and competition-tested—yet never at the expense of character or family. As a father, the “Parent and Me” class is one of the greatest joys of my week. It allows me to share quality time with my little ones while reinforcing the same principles we teach at home: integrity, respect, sacrifice, and love for others. To see my children absorb those values while laughing, sweating, and bonding on the mats is priceless. At the same time, if you’re a competitor hungry for the highest level of training, you’ll find it here. The curriculum is designed so that the white belt hobbyist, the parent rolling for fitness, and the dedicated athlete preparing for the next tournament all have a place—and all are taken seriously. That’s rare. The truth is, Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra in Phoenix is more than just martial arts—it’s a community that shapes people. If you’re looking for a school where you can grow as an individual, compete at a high level, or invest in your child’s character and confidence, Gracie Barra Scottsdale and the broader Gracie Barra family here in the Valley has a place for you. For me and my family, it’s been a gift.

As one of the inaugural students at GB Scottsdale in 2015, my journey here has been significant. After a decade of dedication, I earned my black belt. My children also trained alongside me, and I've poured my sweat and blood onto these mats. Most importantly, I forged lifelong friendships with fellow students and instructors. To say I was invested in this academy would be an understatement. However, after ten years, I and many of my teammates recently made the painful decision to leave. This was not a choice we took lightly. It stemmed directly from observing the ownership's consistently poor treatment of dedicated staff, loyal students, and even the volunteers who generously gave their time. The most recent example being a highly respected senior female student and volunteer coach who was treated with utmost disrespect. While the ownership promotes a message of "family," the reality I observed was different. There appears to be a revolving door of instructors, employees, and volunteers. The common factor in this high turnover, from my perspective, has been the ownership's approach. The focus seems to have shifted from community to commerce, with business practices that can feel impersonal and profit-driven. For those considering where to train, I offer my story as a cautionary tale. I spent a decade here, and my decision to walk away was one of the hardest I've had to make. I would encourage prospective students to look for a school where the values of community and respect are not just spoken, but are demonstrated from the top down.