WHO WE ARE
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix is comprised of two premier locations—both recognized as Gracie University Certified Training Centers. Our flagship Tatum Academy is one of only seven Elite CTCs worldwide, a prestigious designation awarded to schools that uphold the highest standards in environment, instruction, and operational excellence—setting us apart from more than 260 certified centers around the globe.
We deliver world-class self-defense training while serving as a hub for personal growth, health, wellness, and connection within the community. Our mission is to empower people of all ages—not only through structured self-defense programs, but also by providing resources and support that help individuals discover and become their best selves.
Our commitment begins with instruction. Every coach at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix has completed Gracie University’s immersive Instructor Certification Program and continues ongoing education to uphold best-in-class teaching standards in every class.


Whether in group classes, private lessons, or custom seminars for businesses and organizations, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix provides a safe, empowering self-defense experience rooted in the time-tested principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Through our structured curriculum and supportive culture, students gain skills, confidence, and connection that extend far beyond the mat.
Founded in 2012 by owner and Head Instructor Adam Ideson, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix began as a single academy inspired by a powerful vision: to offer world-class self-defense and life-changing personal growth to the greater Phoenix community. Adam’s journey began with an introduction to jiu-jitsu through a friend. Within seven months, he left his full-time job and committed to training daily. That passion led him to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, where he trained under Rener Gracie. After experiencing the curriculum, philosophy, and learning environment that Rener and Ryron Gracie were cultivating through their Certified Training Centers, Adam knew this was his calling.
Today, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix operates two thriving locations, with a team of 18 Certified Instructors and more than 500 active students. Our academies have become premier destinations for self-defense, personal development, and meaningful community connection across Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Our students range from age 5 to 78, with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and goals. Some train once a week. Others train five days a week. But all are part of something greater — a supportive, energizing “Jiu-Jitsu family” where people of all ages grow in strength, confidence, and character.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix is known not just for our world-class self-defense instruction, but for the deeply connected community that brings hundreds of individuals and families through our doors each week. We are a space where health, wellness, and self-improvement are lived values — and where personal growth is a shared journey.
We invite you to experience firsthand how our expert instruction and welcoming community can positively impact your life. Join us, and discover why so many across the Valley choose Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix as their path to empowerment.
Our academies are built on a foundation of eight core principles that guide every aspect of our instruction, culture, and community engagement. These principles shape not only how we teach, but the environment we create — one that supports growth, connection, and lifelong empowerment. You’ll find each principle outlined below, woven into everything we do.
1. Empowerment Through Education
Our mission begins with education. All of our instructors our graduates of the rigorous and detailed, Instructor Certification Program through Gracie University. Our team of Certified Instructors, empower students by teaching the principles that make Gracie Jiu-Jitsu effective—both physically and mentally. Through understanding why techniques work and how to apply them, students gain self-awareness, confidence, and a lasting sense of personal power that extends far beyond the mat.
2. Supportive and Safe Environment
Creating a positive, healthy, and safe environment is paramount. We understand that fostering the right culture and energy significantly impacts learning and performance in a positive way. Our instructors are committed to cultivating a space where students feel respected, supported, and free to learn without fear of judgment. This foundation of trust encourages students to grow with confidence and curiosity.
3. Community and Belonging
When you join Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix, you join our “GJJPHX family”. We foster a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose that enriches each student’s experience. This community culture creates accountability, encouragement, and connection—both on and off the mat.
4. Compassion and Resilience
We understand that many students come to us with reservation, fear, past trauma, or self-doubt. Through compassionate instruction, we help students face challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their confidence in a supportive and uplifting environment.
5. Passion and Dedication
Our instructors are deeply committed to both the art of self-defense and the success of each student. Their passion fuels their teaching and inspires students to view self-defense as a lifelong path of growth and self-discovery—not just a skill to learn, but a mindset to live by.
6. Continuous Improvement and Innovation
We are dedicated to evolving. By blending time-tested Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques and principles with modern self-defense strategies and adaptations, we ensure that our curriculum stays relevant, practical, and effective. All instructors engage in continuing education and are re-certified by Gracie University every two years to uphold the highest standards of instruction.
7. Finding a Way
Every student brings a unique background, perspective, and set of experiences. Our team meets each person where they are—adapting instruction and offering solutions to help every student feel seen, supported, and capable of progress.
8. Integrity and Discipline
We believe that self-defense begins with the belief that one is worth defending. Through honest communication, consistent effort, and mutual respect, we instill the values of integrity and discipline—principles that extend beyond the mat and support success in every area of life.
Meet Our Head Instructor

Adam Ideson
Head Instructor
|
|
|
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
|
|
|

Brandon Clark
|

David Sandoval
|

Emmerson Douglass
|
|

Erica Shoenberger
|
|

Joe Court
|

Justin Koester
|
|
|

Kai Koester
|
|

Kiara Howerzyl
|
|

Lance Praet
|
|

Ruthy Mavashev
|
|

Sarah Richetto
|

Troy Mylius
|
Women Empowered® – Dedicated Instructors

Amy Barrus

Angela Okerye

Bella Azzi

Nina Bignalet

Vivian Globus
“ The atmosphere is so welcoming even when you haven’t been there in a while. It always feels like family. The instructors are amazing and of course the content of what is being taught is absolutely the best! ”