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 came across Gracie Phoenix when I was looking for true self defense. I was struggling and skeptical. The support I found, the empowerment I experienced, and the commitment to detailed teaching, is like none other. My journey through the Combatives program impacted me so much, I decided to become an instructor so I could share with others! I am proud to be a part of this community.”
– Kiara Howerzyl
“I have to say this is one of the best places to learn the art of jiu-jitsu the teaching and the knowledge that Adam has is outstanding!! Everyone that attends here is so happy and satisfied with great and positive energy! You will never feel out of place here it’s not a place where you just train and take all your anger out it’s a fun and awesome learning experience! I highly recommend this place you will not be disappointed!”
– Tony Adams
“My 7-year old son has been going here for about a year now. He has been involved in many youth organizations and I have to say, without a doubt, this is THE most well-run of them all. Coach Adam and his team are dedicated to all of the students, youth and adult. The staff’s commitment, compassion, and care for everyone who walks through the door is evident in everything they do. When a new student is introduced, Coach Adam tells the class what the student’s name is and then asks “How do we treat him/her?” And in unison, the class replies …LIKE FAMILY. Integrity, manners, respect, caring, and good citizenship are concepts the students are rewarded for constantly displaying. My son is an only child so we have him involved in many things. This is, BY FAR, the best thing he does. In closing, my family owes Coach Adam and his amazing staff a huge thank you for the level of effort and commitment they bring to the mat everyday.”
– Christopher Jason
“I was blessed the day I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix. The feeling that came over my body the first time I flipped Adam (instructor) over and I ended up on top was pure joy. I felt accomplished and safe! I was so happy. That day changed my life. And I’ve been on the mat almost every day since then. Learning how to Truly defend myself against an attacker has brought me more happiness than I’ve ever imagined. Something I am forever grateful for. I recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix to everyone. Men, women and kids can learn so much from this school. My 5 yr old is in the Bullyproof program and loves it! I love it because she’s learning how to defend herself against bullies and strangers (badguys). She knows how to get away. Something every parent should want their kids to know. She’s more aware of her surroundings and she knows what to do in a scary Situation. She’s learning respect, manners, discipline, about health etc. I am so proud of her and all that she’s learned.”
– Nicky Bustamante
“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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Jenny Hall
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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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Exclusive Women Empowered® Instructors
Angela Okerye
Bella Azzi
Nina Bignalet
Vivian Globus
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