Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Training at Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy has is an absolute privilege and a game-changer. Gustavo is not just a coach; he is a true legend and a pioneer of our sport, and the opportunity to learn directly from one of the original Nova União black belts is something you just don't find every day. The atmosphere on the mats is incredible because it truly caters to everyone, whether you are a serious competitor chasing gold, a hobbyist looking for a great workout, or a family seeking a positive community. He has managed to build a school that honors the deep traditions of Jiu-Jitsu while keeping it fun and accessible for every skill level. If you are looking for authentic, world-class instruction from one of the best to ever do it, this is the place to be."

If you want to try BJJ but feel nervous or intimidated to start, I can’t recommend this gym enough. I first trained here in 2017 before moving out of town, and honestly, I didn’t realize how rare a place like this was until I tried finding another gym like it. From day one, they make sure you feel welcome, especially as a woman. The coaches are incredibly attuned to their students and meet you exactly where you are in your journey. The students are just as kind and encouraging, which can significantly impact someone's experience at a gym. Since then, I’ve been to other gyms that have bad vibes or feel unwelcoming, but GD has built something different. They not only focus on solid training but also create a culture where people genuinely look out for each other. I definitely took this for granted when I lived here. If you’re considering starting, this is the place to do it.

I've been training at Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy for a few months, and I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I've made. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about helping every student improve whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned grappler. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and respectful, with a strong sense of community. Training partners are skilled and supportive, and there's always a focus on safety and growth.

GD academy is filled with great talent and professionalism. The instructors get a feel for each student’s growth/advancements and adapt their teaching styles to fit the student’s needs. Everyone there is extremely knowledgeable and even the other students are very welcoming when it comes to new students entering the gym. In fact, my wife and I along with our four kids (ages: 14, 10, 7, 4) travel 45 mins each way to train here at least 4 days a week because of the family vibe and friendly community that has grown here. I highly, highly recommend this place to start your BJJ journey. If you already train, I encourage you even more so to come try it out and find your new BJJ home here!

I really love how welcomed I felt since my son first started back in 2022. He stopped practice and now we are back in 2024 but with his sisters too. The coaches are amazing. They instill responsibility, confidence, respect, and much more into my children. My children enjoy it and look forward to practice. I’m happy to be back. I enjoy seeing my kids have fun.