Welcome to Gracie Barra North Phoenix
Gracie Barra North Phoenix was founded in August 2017 and has since become a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the local community.
Our school was built through the combined efforts of Professor Flavio Almeida—a 6th Degree Black Belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. alongside Professor Dave Weber a 3rd Degree, one of his first black belts, and Professor Johnathan Rodrigues, a 1st Degree Black Belt with over 18 years of training and more than a decade of teaching experience. Together, they bring to life Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s vision of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.”
We offer world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for individuals, families, and law enforcement personnel in the North Phoenix area. Whether you’re seeking physical fitness, character development, self-defense, or martial arts training, our programs provide a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds and skill levels. We proudly serve communities including Deer Valley, Norterra, Anthem, and Desert Ridge.
Our classes follow the official Gracie Barra Program Structure, carefully developed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. to address the unique learning needs of students of all ages, genders, and experience levels.
At Gracie Barra North Phoenix, you’ll find a clean, friendly, and progress-oriented environment where students are inspired, challenged, and supported. From your first class, you’ll feel at home and you’ll want to keep coming back.
Gracie Barra is for everyone who values discipline, wellness, respect, and the martial arts lifestyle.
Whether you’re new to training and looking to get in shape, a professional seeking stress relief, a parent wanting a positive and empowering activity for your child, or an experienced martial artist looking to refine your skills—you’ll find your place here.
We invite you to visit Gracie Barra North Phoenix and discover a vibrant community dedicated to helping you reach your goals on and off the mats.
Our Weekly Schedule
Our Instructors
Coach Jess
ICP6, ICP6_Revisited
Jess Soto is a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding the rank of Blue Belt. She embarked on her jiujitsu journey in 2021, and it quickly became a important part of her life, demonstrating progression in her skills and a strong commitment to the art. With a passion for learning and a determined spirit, Jess …
Prof. Daniel/ Program Director
ICP6, ICP6_Revisited, CPR
Daniel Amorim Junior was born on August 17, 1998, in São Gonçalo a large municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. A sporty young man from his early childhood, Daniel practiced a few different sports before his dad – a jiu-jitsu athlete himself – signed Amorim to a local grappling academy. Daniel’s …
Prof. Flavio Almeida
ICP6_Revisited
Flavio Almeida is on a mission to bring the amazing positive impact of Jiu-Jitsu and Gracie Barra to as many communities as possible. As Head Instructor and co-founder of nine Gracie Barra schools in Southern California and the Phoenix metropolitan area, Flavio has taught thousands of students from all around the world and graduated more …
Prof. Johnathan Rodrigues “Jow Jow”
ICP4, ICP5, ICP6, ICP6_Revisited, CPR
Prof. Jow Jow’s mission is to be able to impact and change people’s lives through Jiu-Jitsu, because he believes it. As Head Instructor at Gracie Barra North Phoenix, he wants to use the best tools he has, like the passion, love and experience he has, to unite and grow people through this art. Prof. Jow …
Prof. Renzo
ICP4, ICP5, ICP6, ICP6_Revisited, CPR
Renzo Gomez-Barrios has been a Jiu-Jitsu student since 2010, and a Gracie Barra team member since 2016. Jiu-Jitsu quickly became an important part of his life, helping him develop and sharpen not only his skills on the mat, but also his discipline, drive, and mindset. By 2019, Renzo had developed a strong desire to help spread the joy …
Prof. Russell Wong
Growing up in Layton, UT, I began my martial arts journey in taekwondo. After years of traditional martial arts I made the life changing decision to begin Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’m a passionate Black Belt who embarked on my journey in 2017. From white belt to brown, my dedication to mastering and sharing this martial art …
