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!
Strong Heart Academy has been serving North Phoenix and Scottsdale since 2009 — making us the longest-running BJJ academy in the area and a proud member of the Caio Terra Association. Our coaches don't run a cookie-cutter program; they build a personal game around each student's body type, goals, and personality. Strong Heart is where North Phoenix and Scottsdale families grow stronger — in confidence, discipline, and resilience — on and off the mats.
We offer programs for every member of your family:
Adult Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu — Get fit, learn real self-defense, and find your people with flexible class times that fit your schedule.
Kids BJJ — Age-specific classes that build confidence, discipline, and resilience in a safe, fun environment.
Women's Self-Defense & BJJ — Empowering classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, in a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere.
No-Gi & MMA — Sharpen your technique, speed, and adaptability without the gi.
Ready to experience the difference? Try a FREE Trial Class and take the first step toward a lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We have three 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..
North Phoenix BJJ Free Trials & Specials – Start Your Martial Arts Journey Today
Take advantage of our BJJ Free Week 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 BJJ 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.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in North Phoenix
At Strong Heart Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and capable. Our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program has been serving North Phoenix and Scottsdale families since 2009, making us the longest-running BJJ academy in the area. Whether your child is four years old and full of energy or a teenager looking to build real-world skills, we have a class built specifically for them.
The Benefits of Age-Specific Kids Martial Arts in North Phoenix
This is one of the most important things we do at Strong Heart Academy — and one of the biggest reasons Phoenix families choose us over other martial arts schools.
We run three separate, age-specific kids classes. Here's why that matters for your child:
• Safety First. A 5-year-old and a 12-year-old have very different strength levels, coordination, and body awareness. Grouping them together creates unnecessary risk. Our age-specific classes ensure every child trains with peers their own size and developmental stage.
• Learn With Kids Their Own Age. Children develop faster when they train alongside peers at a similar stage. They relate to each other, motivate each other, and form lasting friendships — something you can't replicate in a mixed-age class.
• Work With Multiple Body Types. Within each age group, your child will still work with kids of different sizes and builds. This teaches them to adapt their technique — a core BJJ skill — while keeping the experience appropriate and safe.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum. Just as kids learn differently in kindergarten versus middle school, their BJJ curriculum should match where they are developmentally. We tailor our instruction, drills, and expectations to each group.
• Confidence Builds Faster. When a child succeeds in an environment designed for their age and ability, their confidence grows naturally. Small wins every class add up to big changes at home and in school.
CLASS NAME / AGES / WHAT TO EXPECT
Tiny Tigers (Ages 5–6)
Fun-focused movement, basic coordination, listening skills, and introductory mat games. The perfect first step for your littlest ones. Building body awareness, discipline, and early grappling concepts.
Kids BJJ (Ages 7–12)
Foundational BJJ techniques taught through engaging drills and partner activities. Core BJJ techniques, self-defense fundamentals, sparring basics, and character development. Kids are challenged and encouraged in equal measure.
Teen BJJ (Ages 13–17)
More technical training, live rolling, competition prep (optional), and leadership development. If your kid is an early teen we might elect to put them in a lower class, especially when first starting.
Kids Martial Arts in Phoenix: The Perfect Family Activity
Finding an activity that builds character, keeps kids active, and actually holds their attention isn't easy. Kids martial arts in Phoenix has become the top choice for local families — and Strong Heart Academy has been at the center of that since 2009.
It's more than a workout. Kids who train martial arts develop:
Confidence that shows up at school, at home, and on the playground
Discipline and respect for teammates, instructors, and themselves
Goal-setting habits through belt progressions and skill milestones
Real self-defense skills in a safe, controlled environment
Our Kids BJJ programs are built around age-specific classes — Tiny Tigers (5–6), Kids BJJ (7–12), and Teen BJJ (13–17) — so every child trains with peers their own size and skill level. No cookie-cutter programs. No mixed-age chaos.
Parents love it too. Many Strong Heart families have both kids and adults on the mats, turning martial arts into something they share together rather than just a drop-off activity.
Ready to see it for yourself? We offer a free trial week — gi included — so your family can experience it before committing to anything.
“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!”
Adult BJJ Classes in North Phoenix
Strong Heart Academy has been the home of adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in North Phoenix since 2009 — the longest-running BJJ academy in the area, conveniently located near Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, and Deer Valley. Our Caio Terra Association coaches don't hand you a generic program; they build a personal game around your body type, goals, and schedule — whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned grappler. Train with us and you'll build real strength, lose weight, learn practical self-defense, sharpen mental focus, and join a supportive community that shows up for each other on and off the mats. Come in for a free trial BJJ class and find out why hundreds of North Phoenix and Scottsdale adults have made Strong Heart Academy their martial arts home.
Women's BJJ Classes in North Phoenix
Strong Heart Academy offers Women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in North Phoenix designed to build real confidence, practical self-defense skills, and functional fitness — no experience necessary. Our instructors have a proven track record of guiding women from complete beginners all the way to elite levels, with both foundational and advanced classes available to match where you are in your journey. Our coed training environment is intentional — working with partners of different sizes and body types sharpens your technique faster and prepares you for real-world scenarios. You'll find nothing but supportive, ego-free training partners and a family-friendly community that celebrates every milestone on and off the mats. Come try a free class and discover why women across North Phoenix and Scottsdale are choosing BJJ as their go-to for fitness, empowerment, and self-defense.
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!
“Awesome gym with friendly and strong rolls. Mike couldn’t be nicer, I’ll be back next time I’m in Phoenix!”
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!”