Sonoran
Brazilian Jiu jitsu

We build leaders by challenging
the mind and body

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KIDS CLASS

Why Start Jiu Jitsu Now?

jiu jitsu students drilling technical sequence

Everyone who has trained in jiu-jitsu for some time will say, “I wish I started sooner.”

Jiu-jitsu has transformed many lives since the 90s and has been popularized as the world’s most effective form of self-defense.

Integrating a consistent Jiu-Jitsu practice will improve your quality of life by helping you to become more physically fit and manage your mental health.

If you seek a new worthwhile personal challenge, need an outlet to cope with stress, or want to join a community of positive teammates to keep you accountable, visit Sonoran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Tucson, AZ.

We look forward to seeing you on the mats.

The true rewards of training Jiu Jitsu

Create friendships and connections with people who have similar goals

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BJJ Training Benefits

Learn Self Defense
Improve Physical Fitness
Improve Confidence & Self Esteem
Opportunity to Compete in the Sport of Jiu-Jitsu
Community Of Like-Minded Peers
Recreational & Competitive Classes
High-Level & In-Depth Instruction
Large Mat Space

question and answer with jiu jitsu black belt

Frequently Asked Questions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of submission grappling. The term Brazilian indicates a style brought to the United States by the Gracie family in the 1990s. The term jiu-jitsu has been around for over 1,000 years. It is important to note that there is no striking in BJJ.
The short answer is no. There is being in shape, and there is being in jiu-jitsu or wrestling shape. Anyone can meet the criteria but must commit to regular training (no less than two times a week is a good rule of thumb).
In the first class, a student comes to class on time, steps on the mat, warms up, and learns fundamental positions and techniques of the sport. As you progress, you will begin to include positional sparring (called rolling), rolling from a neutral position (starting on a knee), and then warming down and asking questions after.
Comfortable athletic clothing without zippers, pockets, or excessive string is required to train on the mats. Zippers can scratch the mats, while pockets and excessive string can lead to unnecessary finger snags.
Yes! A student must be at least 7 years old to participate. The head kids instructor is Gaby, Brown Belt. Click here to learn more about Coach Gaby and the program here.
The different belt colors represent varying degrees of experience and skill. When a student has striped tape on a belt, that indicates progression related to that belt; for instance, if you see two stripes on a student's belt, that means they are halfway through the belt. Students can have up to four stripes on their belts before graduating to the next belt.
A gi class indicates a traditional kimono, or gi uniform with a belt, must be worn. In no-gi, the uniform consists of board shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard. Traditionally gi practice is in the cooler and colder months, and no-gi in the summer. With the explosion of the sport in the United States, schools emerged, training one or the other. At Sonoran, we teach both regularly, as many of the instructors have experience in both venues, and our instructor Marcelo Garcia. We follow his methods as a multiple IBJJF world champion and ADCC competitor (both the highest standard for gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu).
There is general mat etiquette posted around Sonoran. Mat etiquette ensures a positive and creative community and culture at Sonoran. It is helpful to become acquainted with practices on the mat as a jiu-Jitsu student.
Our kids program starts at $95 a month and our adult program starts at $85 a month.

femail jiu jitsu athletes sparring during a mixed level class at Tucson BJJ dojo

Coaching & Competition

Our staff of instructors has well over 50 years of combined teaching experience. Each has unique styles and approaches that provide well-rounded skill sets. We focus on specific positions for up to two weeks at a time. Our system ensures maximum drilling time and knowledge of the position before we move on.
Marcelo Garcia is a living jiu-jitsu legend with achievements at the highest levels of jiu-jitsu competition. Coaches and athletes train regularly at headquarters in NYC with Marcelo at his school.
- Over 100 + medals were won at various competitions.
- Multiple AZBJJL state champions at different belt levels.
- Multiple super fight winners locally and on the F2W stage.
- Grappling Industries Phoenix Team Champions.
- A community and culture that goes unmatched.
- A demand for professionalism and class.
- Countless goals accomplished—confidence, weight loss, and camaraderie.