BJJ Near Desert Ridge & Norterra — Strong Heart Academy Guide
If you live or work near Desert Ridge Marketplace or the Norterra area and you've been looking for a quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, you may already be closer than you think. Strong Heart Academy is located right in the heart of North Phoenix at 3150 E Union Hills Dr #115 — just minutes from both Desert Ridge and Norterra — and has been one of Arizona's most respected BJJ schools since 2009.
Conveniently Located for Desert Ridge, Norterra, and 85050 Residents
Strong Heart Academy sits at the intersection of Union Hills Drive and 32nd Street, making it easily accessible for residents and commuters throughout the 85050 zip code, as well as nearby Scottsdale, Happy Valley, and the Deer Valley area. Whether you're dropping off kids after school or heading to an evening adult class, the location fits naturally into a North Phoenix routine.
Why North Phoenix Families Choose Strong Heart Academy
There are martial arts studios scattered throughout North Phoenix, but Strong Heart Academy stands apart in a few important ways:
16+ Years in the Community
Founded in 2009 by Professor Mike Martin, Strong Heart Academy is one of North Phoenix's longest-running BJJ gyms. Longevity in this industry means something — it reflects a consistently high-quality experience that keeps students coming back and referring their families and neighbors.
World-Class Lineage
Professor Mike Martin holds a 4th Degree Black Belt, with every stripe personally awarded by Caio Terra — a 12-time IBJJF World Champion and one of the most decorated competitors in BJJ history. The Caio Terra Association connection means the technical instruction at Strong Heart Academy is rooted in a world-championship-level lineage, not a watered-down franchise curriculum.
Nine Active Black Belt Instructors
Strong Heart Academy is home to over nine active black belt instructors, including specialists in No-Gi BJJ, leg attacks, competition prep, and kids coaching. Professors like Tod Gerrish (2nd Degree, Pan American Champion, Special Forces background), Casey Quist (2nd Degree, No-Gi specialist), and Shea Smith (1st Degree, internationally trained) bring genuine depth to every class.
Programs for the Whole Family
It's common to see an entire family training at Strong Heart Academy. We run programs for:
Tiny Tigers (ages 5–6): Playful introduction to movement and coordination
Kids BJJ (ages 7–12): Core technique, self-defense, and character development
Teen BJJ (ages 13–17): Advanced training with competition options and leadership focus
Adult Gi BJJ: Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the classic uniform
No-Gi BJJ & MMA: Fast-paced grappling with a focus on wrestling and leg locks
Morning and Evening Class Slots
Our schedule is built to fit real North Phoenix life — with early morning rolls and evening family sessions that accommodate everything from school pickups to work travel. See the full schedule at strongheartacademy.com/schedule.
What the North Phoenix Community Says
Strong Heart Academy holds a 4.9-star average across 135+ Google reviews. Our students describe the culture as welcoming, ego-free, and genuinely family-friendly — a place where coaches invest in people, not just technique. Whether you've trained BJJ before or never stepped on a mat, you'll find a community here that wants you to succeed.
Arizona ESA Scholarship Accepted
Arizona families may qualify for the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program, which can cover martial arts training. Strong Heart Academy accepts ESA debit cards for qualified students.
Located at 3150 E Union Hills Dr #115, North Phoenix, AZ 85050 — minutes from Desert Ridge and Norterra. Call (602) 487-9828 or visit strongheartacademy.com. Your first class is completely free.
