Listen to a podcast with Head Instructor, Adam Ideson
Training For All Levels
Offering classes for kids, beginners, and advanced students.
About GRACIE JIU-JITSU®
Our mission is to provide the highest level of self-defense instruction in a positive, healthy, and safe environment.
Our instructors are dedicated to providing each of our students with the best self-defense instruction, support, and experience available in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu through group and private lessons.
REAL WORLD RESULTS
“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
You will learn the 36 core techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment.
“ 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 Gracie University Certified Instructor Team
Adam Ideson
Head Instructor
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Adam has been practicing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® since 2010. Since his first class, he has been captivated by the art and has dedicated himself to studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and sharing this art and lifestyle with others. Adam graduated from the Gracie Academy* Certified Instructor Program in 2013. He is also a Certified Level I and II Instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics, the nationally recognized defensive tactics program for law enforcement offered by Gracie University.
*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 a podcast with Head Instructor, Adam Ideson
The Certified Instructors at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix are graduates of the Gracie University Certified Instructor Program. Our Women Empowered® instructors are graduates of the Gracie University Women Empowered® Instructor Certification Program. Being an instructor in the Women Empowered® program requires a certification through Gracie University that is specific to this program and separate from the regular Instructor Certification Program.
All instructors maintain their continuing education and certification requirements per Gracie University standards.
The following icons denote the programs each instructor is certified in:
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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Emmerson Douglass
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Erica Shoenberger
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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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Exclusive Women Empowered® Instructors
Amy Barrus
Angela Okerye
Bella Azzi
Nina Bignalet
Vivian Globus
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