Martial Arts & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in North Phoenix
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BJJ for Kids Confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships.
BJJ for Adults Get stronger, leaner, and more resilient. Learn real self‑defense.
BJJ for Women Build strength, skill, and unshakable confidence.
Life Benefits of BJJ Reduce stress, improve focus, and join a supportive community.
Martial Arts in North Phoenix | BJJ Classes for All Ages & Skill Levels
Our Martial Arts Academy
Serving North Phoenix and Scottsdale since 2009!
Making us the longest running BJJ Academy in North Phoenix.
Strong Heart Academy is proudly part of Caio Terra Association!
Ready to transform your life through BJJ and Martial Arts in Phoenix or Scottsdale? Our Family Friendly BJJ Academy is where families grow stronger together—on and off the mats.
Try a FREE TRIAL at our North Phoenix gym and experience the difference.
We offer Adult Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, Kids BJJ, No Gi or MMA, and Women’s self‑defense for all ages and skill levels! Our coaches help every student build a game that fits their body, goals, and personality—not a cookie‑cutter program.
BJJ for Kids:
Our age‑specific classes help children build confidence, discipline, and resilience in a safe, fun environment. Watch your child grow as they learn real Jiu‑Jitsu skills with peers their age.
BJJ for Adults:
With flexible class times and a supportive community, training fits easily into your busy life. Whether you’re brand‑new or leveling up your technique, our instructors guide you every step of the way.
Join us and take the first step toward strength, confidence, and a lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We have four separate classes for Kids for a reason. We find that breaking kids up into age appropriate groups is safer and allows your kid to grow with people of similar skill levels.
Tiny Tigers: Ages 5-6 years old
Kids BJJ: 8-12 years old
Teens: 13-16 years old
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ready to change your life through Jiu Jitsu? Take the next step and take a FREE JIU- JITSU TRIAL! You will find we are family friendly and will fall in love with the Martial Art of Jiu Jitsu. We help you develop a game for your body and skills. Not just give you a corporate bjj game plan!.
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sharpens your technique, speed, and adaptability by focusing on grips and control without the traditional gi, making you more versatile in real-world self-defense scenarios. Each class delivering exceptional value through skill progression, personalized coaching, and a family-friendly community committed to your growth..
Phoenix BJJ Free Trials & Specials – Start Your Martial Arts Journey Today
Take advantage of our BJJ Free Trial and exclusive Seasonal Enrollment Specials at Strong Heart Academy. This will include a uniform / gi for the trial. After the Free Trial you can Join Intro / Beginner classes taught by experienced coaches in a welcoming, inclusive community that builds fitness, discipline, self-defense, and lifelong friends. Limited spots—book your free trial now to secure special pricing and start your martial arts journey.
Seasonal enrollment specials:
Ready to step onto the mats? This BJJ Easy Start Special is designed to remove every barrier between you and your first roll. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about self-defense; it’s about building functional strength, sharp mental focus, and joining a community that has your back. We’ve bundled everything a beginner needs—from the gear to the curriculum—so you can stop overthinking and start training.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Quick Start Special
Adult BJJ Quick Start Special — $150 Savings
Unlock your potential with our One Month BJJ Special for adult men and women! Experience unlimited classes for 30 days in a family-friendly atmosphere, combining expert instruction and bold mindset training—this unbeatable value kickstarts your martial arts journey unlike any other. A fun way to get fit!
Kids Quick Start Special — $150 Savings
Unlock your child’s potential with our Kids BJJ One Month Special, four weeks of expert-led, fun, discipline, self-defense and confidence-building classes designed for ages 5-12. This limited-time offer delivers unmatched value through personalized attention, skill development, and a safe, family-friendly environment that sets Strong Heart Academy apart.
Limited Time New Years Special!
BJJ Free Trial — One Week
“Awesome gym with friendly and strong rolls. Mike couldn’t be nicer, I’ll be back next time I’m in Phoenix!”
More Than Just a Martial Arts Gym
Students receive access to our monthly online classes. Learn from home!
Anyone can subscribe to our streaming service full of online training.
Join our community and stay connected via social media, podcasts, and more!
Visit our store for Strong Heart Merchandise!
Kids Martial Arts: Kids BJJ is the Perfect Activity for Families and Kids
For families and children searching for an enjoyable, interesting, and challenging hobby, martial arts are the ideal choice.
At Strong Heart Academy, we think martial arts instruction offers a special chance for families to connect, acquire new skills, and create priceless memories.
Our martial arts programs are made to offer a secure, welcoming environment where kids may grow in self-assurance, respect, and discipline while having fun and meeting new people.
Regardless of age or experience level, all of our knowledgeable instructors are committed to assisting students in realizing their greatest potential.
Kids can gain self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment via martial arts instruction, which will help them in many facets of life.
With our kind and encouraging environment, martial arts can develop into a lifelong passion that can strengthen families.
If you're looking for the perfect activity for your family and kids, consider joining us at Strong Heart Academy and experience the numerous benefits of martial arts training firsthand.
“I have been off and on training jiujitsu for almost 10 years and have been to plenty of gyms. Strongheart has everything you could want in a facility. The professors are very knowledgeable and excellent teachers. Plenty of class options and extremely clean mats. I can’t wait to get my kids training as well! The students have been very welcoming and an ideal atmosphere. Come check it out!”
Anti-Bullying & Self-Defense for Kids
In a world where digital distractions and schoolyard challenges are on the rise, parents in Phoenix are looking for more than just an after-school activity—they are looking for a way to "bully-proof" their children. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has emerged as the gold standard for youth self-defense because it focuses on something most martial arts don't: neutralizing a threat without landing a single punch.
Why BJJ Works Against Bullying
Most school-related altercations end up on the ground or in a "clinch." While traditional martial arts focus on kicking and punching (which can often get a child in trouble at school), BJJ is known as the “Gentle Art.” It teaches children how to:
Control the Distance: Prevent a bully from grabbing or hitting them.
Use Leverage, Not Strength: Allow a smaller child to defend themselves against a larger peer.
Negotiate from a Position of Power: Use "Control Holds" to restrain a bully until an adult arrives, rather than escalating the violence.
The "Quiet Confidence" Factor
The best way to stop a bully is to never become a target in the first place. Bullies often look for signs of insecurity—hunched shoulders, lack of eye contact, or hesitation.
Through BJJ, kids achieve "small wins" every day on the mats. Whether it’s mastering a new sweep or earning a stripe on their belt, this constant progress builds Unshakeable Confidence. When a child knows they can defend themselves, they carry themselves differently. This quiet strength acts as a natural deterrent to bullying before a word is even spoken.
WOMEN’S BJJ
Empower yourself through our Women’s BJJ program. We offer both Basic and Advanced classes, with coed training. Whether your goal is mastering self-defense or reaching peak physical fitness, our instructors have a proven track record of guiding women to elite levels. Working with Men and Women allow you to adjust your BJJ game to multiple body types. We have supportive training partners to help you advance. Don’t let doubt hold you back from your potential—join our family-friendly community today.
Phoenix Arizona MMA 101 Class Friday at 6pm!
MMA | Mixed Martial Arts 101
Our MMA students can work with our coaching staff to learn footwork and MMA concepts. We have always been a BJJ school, teaching Muay Thai and Boxing. You will not have to rely on stand-up skills. We have kids’ classes starting at eight years old and Adult Classes.
Contact us to learn more about our MMA 101 class!
Empowerment Scholarship for Kids
Children in Arizona can now get paid to take classes!
Strong Heart now accepts ESA debt cards
To learn more, visit here to see if your child qualifies.
Sponsored by Paradise Valley School District
We are proud to be sponsored by Paradise Valley Unified School District. Click on the logo to follow the organization. We reward our students for their hard work in the class! We also have Book reading challenges!
4.9 Average Rating on Google after 165+ Reviews
My son enjoys being at Strong Hearts. He is a beginner and a teen and they offer classes that pertain to him. He really likes the fundamental and teen classes they offer. Everyone there from teachers to other BJJ students are welcoming and supportive in gaining skills and improving the art and sport of BJJ. When you are there you feel like one big family. I highly recommend Strong Hearts.
This place is Awesome!! Mike (Owner) has gone above and beyond! Strong heart really instills not only Jiu-Jitsu lessons but also life lessons outside of the academy for kids and adults, if you are considering putting your kiddo in this class or even taking courses yourself, do it you will not regret it!!
I love this place!! I don’t live near here, but whenever I am in town I love stopping by for open mat. The door says a Happy Place, it really is. Everyone is always very welcoming and friendly. Good rolls and helpful people. Academy is always very clean and Michael Martin is top notch!!
Love this program! Age 7-12 and Teen classes are packed with instruction and awesome instructors that are obviously experienced working with children. Facility is clean, kids all take direction. I see my son learning so much, we're very excited to be getting started!!!
I started coming here roughly 1 month ago. The environment is great and both the coaches and your fellow students want you to grow and be successful. This is one of the few gyms where the vibes are always good and egos are left at the door. If you have never tried and are interested, or looking for a new gym this is a great spot.
“I highly recommend Strong Heart Academy. I was traveling for work and looking for a place to train while on the road. I was very impressed with the quality instruction, the welcoming students and the well maintained facility. I’ll definitely be back any time I am traveling to Phoenix. Thanks Mike, I really appreciated the chance to train at Strong Heart!”
“I was recommended to Strong Heart by a friend that is deep into the Local MMA community. I wanted a good workout and to learn a new discipline. Mike, his other instructors, and the other students were immediately helpful and welcoming. Having no experience with BJJ or wrestling, they helped me learn and get up to speed so I could immediately start having fun with training.”
“First off I want to say Mike is very helpful and encouraging. My daughter started last week and she is really enjoying the classes and all new techniques he is teaching her. She was very timid at first but Mike and the instructors made it very comfortable for her to be herself. As a parent there is no price tag for that. This place is very clean and family owned. I would definitely recommend this academy for anyone who wants to learn jiu jitsu.”
“Loved it. I was in for business. Clean facility. Great technique taught. Amazing rolls and atmosphere. If you are in town...CHECK IT OUT!”