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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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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Women Empowered® – Dedicated Instructors
Amy Barrus
Angela Okerye
Bella Azzi
Nina Bignalet
Vivian Globus
WHO WE ARE
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® is a way of life.
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 possible instruction and support. We strive to ensure that each of our students receive the best self-defense instruction and experience available, in group or private lessons.
“ 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! ”
