Now Open with a Full Class Schedule!
Now Open with a Full Class Schedule!
Join us on the mats today — and save the date for our Grand Reopening Celebration on Sept. 6th!
Join us on the mats today — and save the date for our Grand Reopening Celebration on Sept. 6th!
GRAND REOPENING
Of our newly renovated 5,000 sq. ft. space at our Tatum location.
SATURDAY, Sep 6th, 2025
FREE Family and Community Activities from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Special Seminar with Rener Gracie from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HUGE RAFFLE PRIZES | ORGANIC FOOD & COFFEE TRUCKS | LIVE DJ | COLD PLUNGE
FUN FOR THE KIDS! – 22′ WATER SLIDE & OBSTACLE COURSE
GIANT CONNECT 4 & JENGA | COLORING CONTEST
APPEARANCE by the PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT
with a FIRE TRUCK for the KIDS to EXPLORE
RENER GRACIE Seminar
$200 per person | $150 for active CTC students
White GI required for all participants.
GRAND REOPENING
Of our newly renovated 5,000 sq. ft. space at our Tatum location.
SATURDAY, Sep 6th, 2025
FREE Family and Community Activities from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Special Seminar with Rener Gracie from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HUGE RAFFLE PRIZES
ORGANIC FOOD & COFFEE TRUCKS | LIVE DJ | COLD PLUNGE
FUN FOR THE KIDS! – 22′ WATER SLIDE & OBSTACLE COURSE
GIANT CONNECT 4 & JENGA | COLORING CONTEST
APPEARANCE by the PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT
with a FIRE TRUCK for the KIDS to EXPLORE
RENER GRACIE Seminar
$200 per person | $150 for active CTC students
White GI required for all participants.
GRAND REOPENING
Of our newly renovated 5,000 sq. ft. space at our Tatum location.
SATURDAY, Sep 6th, 2025
FREE Family and Community Activities
from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Special Seminar with Rener Gracie
from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HUGE RAFFLE PRIZES | ORGANIC FOOD & COFFEE TRUCKS | LIVE DJ | COLD PLUNGE
FUN FOR THE KIDS! – 22′ WATER SLIDE & OBSTACLE COURSE | GIANT CONNECT 4 & JENGA | COLORING CONTEST
APPEARANCE by the PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT with a FIRE TRUCK for the KIDS to EXPLORE
Rener Gracie Seminar
$200 per person | $150 for active CTC students
White GI required for all participants.
EVENT SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
Cool down with high-speed fun!
Get ready for nonstop thrills with our 22-foot Triple Lane Water Slide, brought to the event by AZ Jolly Jumpers. This towering inflatable attraction is the ultimate way to beat the heat while turning up the excitement. With three side-by-side lanes, you can race your friends to the bottom or keep the fun going all day long with back-to-back slides. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, this giant slide brings serious energy to the party. Don’t forget your swimsuit — this crowd favorite is sure to make a splash at the Grand Opening celebration. Come ready to slide, splash, and laugh with the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix community.
It’s game on with Giant Connect 4!
Bring your competitive spirit and test your skills at Giant Connect 4, a larger-than-life version of the classic game that’s fun for all ages. Whether you’re going head-to-head with a friend or helping the kids strategize their next move, this oversized setup makes for an engaging break between demos and food runs. Easy to play but tough to master, Connect 4 delivers quick, crowd-friendly fun that adds a playful energy to the event. Step up, drop your discs, and see if you can connect four before your opponent does. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, challenge, and family-friendly entertainment.
Stack it high and don’t let it fall!
Add a little suspense to your day with Giant Jenga, the oversized game that brings big-time fun to every age group. Whether you’re playing casually or competing for bragging rights, this crowd-pleaser challenges your nerves and your steady hand as the tower grows taller with every turn. The larger-than-life blocks make it a hit for families, friends, and spectators alike, turning each move into a moment of anticipation. Take a break from the action and test your focus in this simple yet exciting game. Just be ready — because when it tumbles, it’s game over.
Get ready to fuel up with flavor!
We’re excited to welcome a delicious addition to our Grand Opening celebration: a food truck powered by BLT Kitchens, serving a fresh and fully organic menu of build-your-own bowls, burritos, and tacos. Whether you’re fueling up before a seminar or recharging after a demo, this food truck offers health-forward, chef-crafted options with bold Southwestern flavor. With customizable ingredients and clean, locally sourced produce, there’s something tasty for everyone to enjoy, from carnivores to plant-based warriors. Don’t miss your chance to taste what Phoenix’s top culinary incubator is cooking up.
Catch a buzz the organic way!
We’re proud to feature Cruizin for a Brewzin, an organic coffee cart serving up bold, barista-crafted drinks made with 100% organic beans. From smooth cold brews to rich espresso and creamy lattes, every cup is brewed fresh using premium, responsibly sourced ingredients. This mobile coffee experience is all about clean energy, great taste, and high-quality ingredients that align with a health-focused lifestyle. Whether you’re grabbing a morning boost or a mid-day refill, this cart delivers a delicious pick-me-up you can feel good about. Sip something special while celebrating with the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix community.
Meet the heroes behind the sirens!
We’re honored to welcome the City of Phoenix Fire Department to our Grand Opening celebration. Firefighters will be on-site with one of their impressive fire trucks, giving kids and families a chance to get up close, explore the equipment, and learn more about the people who protect our community. It’s a rare opportunity to interact with real-life heroes in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re snapping photos, asking questions, or watching little ones light up with excitement, this experience adds a meaningful and memorable touch to the day. Come say hello and meet the team that keeps Phoenix safe.
Meet Pups & Shop for a Cause!
We are happy to have #LovePup, a local non-profit dog rescue and foundation, in attendance at our celebration. Shop exclusive #LovePup merchandise with 100% of sales benefiting their rescue dogs, get info on ways you can help, and (weather permitting) meet adoptable pups. Stop by their booth to show your support for an organization dedicated to helping The Valley’s canine community, and maybe meet your new furry best friend!
In This Powerful Interview with Head Instructor Adam Ideson, Discover the Mission, Passion, and Vision Behind Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix.
Training For All Levels
Self-Defense Through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for Kids and Adults at Any Skill Level.
Join a certified, world-class academy where you’ll gain real self-defense skills, build lasting confidence, and become part of a community that supports your growth—on and off the mat.
About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
Our mission is to create a welcoming home for real self-defense. In every group and private lesson, certified instructors guide you through proven Gracie University techniques—building real-world skills, lifelong confidence, and mental resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
To better understand why our academies and culture stand apart—play the GJJ 101 Philosophy video.
Real People. Real Results.
Discover how people just like you have built strength, confidence, and lasting change through
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix.
“I can’t emphasize enough how incredible the instructors are who teach private lessons at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Over the past couple of years, my father, my son, and I, have all had the privilege of working with several instructors, and each one has impressed me with their deep knowledge of the techniques and the training programs.
What truly stands out is their patience and understanding. Even on days when my confidence wavers, they are always there to listen and uplift me, providing the encouragement I need to push through. Their ability to connect with students of all ages is remarkable; they are just as fantastic with kids as they are with adults.
If you’re seeking personalized attention or looking for someone to work with your children, you can’t go wrong with any of the instructors at this school. Their dedication to teaching and fostering a supportive environment makes all the difference in the learning experience.”
– Jana Foreman
“I stumbled into the right place! Six years ago, my oldest son was being bullied at school and I wanted him to have the skills and confidence to stand up for himself. The Bullyproof program and the Little Champs classes were perfect for him. He loved it from the very first class, has been training ever since, and is currently thriving in Black Belt Club. My younger son started a year later and also loves it and they continue to train together. The kids’ programs continue to reinforce discipline, listening, mental and physical strength along with the 6 Character Development Traits of manners, respect, responsibility, caring, health and citizenship.
The community that Adam has created is one of the most positive atmospheres that I’ve ever been around. It got me training on the mat, too, and I have been at it for about a year and a half. For me, it is everything. It’s physically and mentally challenging, it’s humbling, it’s empowering, it’s fun, and it’s something that has become a big part of our life and we have all made some very good friends in the process.”
– Jason Zipser
“ If you have even the tiniest bit of curiosity about Jiu-Jitsu, then you really should try it out. No pressure environment, with encouraging accredited professionals showing every detail of your combatives course. Self defense has never been so fun and safe. ”
Meet Our Head Instructor
Adam Ideson
Head Instructor
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Adam Ideson has been dedicated to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® since 2010. From his first class, he was drawn not only to the effectiveness of the art, but to its ability to transform lives. In 2013, he became a Certified Instructor through the Gracie Academy* and has since earned advanced certifications, including Gracie Survival Tactics®, Gracie Medical Defense®, and SafeWrap®.
Today, Adam serves as Head Instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix and plays an active role in supporting other Certified Training Centers across the country, including contributions to Gracie University Headquarters. Known for his thoughtful teaching style and deep commitment to student growth, Adam is a respected leader within the organization and a passionate advocate for safe, structured, and empowering instruction.
*In 2017, the Gracie Academy outgrew its previous location and was rebranded as Gracie University to reflect its growth from a single academy to a global organization.
Listen to the Podcast: Head Instructor Adam Ideson Shares the Story Behind Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
Meet the Certified Instructor Team
These are the instructors you will find in both of our academies—each bringing care, clarity, and connection to every class.
Our instructor team is made up of passionate, highly trained educators who bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense to life for students of all ages. Every coach has completed the rigorous Gracie University Instructor Certification Program, and shares a deep commitment to structure, safety, and empowerment in every class.
Certified Women Empowered® Instructors: These instructors have completed advanced training through Gracie University specific to trauma-informed, women-centered self-defense. Every Women Empowered® class is led by these amazing instructors.
Each instructor maintains ongoing certification and continuing education requirements to uphold the integrity and quality of instruction set forth by Gracie University.
BP – Bullyproof® | GC – Gracie Combatives® | MC – Master Cycle® | WE – Women Empowered®
Alisha Olson
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Brandon Clark
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David Sandoval
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Erica Schoenberger
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Joe Court
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Justin Koester
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Kai Koester
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Kiara Howerzyl
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Lance Praet
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Ruthy Mavashev
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Sarah Richetto
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Troy Mylius
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Women Empowered® – Dedicated Instructors
Amy Barrus
Angela Okerye
Bella Azzi
Nina Bignalet
Vivian Globus
Powered by Gracie University. We are proud to be a Certified Training Center licensed by Gracie University—the worldwide leader in self-defense education. Visit Gracie University online.
