πŸ“ 1660 S Alma School Rd, Suite 118, Mesa, AZ 85210 πŸ•’ Mon–Fri 6am–9pm Β· Sat 9am–1pm
About Ares Arizona

Forged in Mesa. Built for everyone.

We're a family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy run by world champion black belt Paul Nava and his wife Leslie. We exist to give Mesa a place where serious technique and real community live under the same roof.

Our Story

A gym built on the oldest idea in martial arts: respect.

Ares Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded with one mission β€” to create a world-class jiu-jitsu academy that doesn't sacrifice culture for ego. Coach Paul Nava has dedicated his life to the gentle art, earning his black belt under one of the most respected lineages in the sport and competing at the highest levels of the IBJJF circuit.

What you'll find on our mats isn't just technique. It's a family. Adults training next to teenagers. Parents rolling with their kids. White belts being coached by purple belts who remember exactly what their first month felt like. We are Ares β€” named after the Greek god of war β€” but we don't train for fights. We train for life.

We're a proud ESA Vendor approved by the Arizona Department of Education, and we offer dedicated discounts for military, first responders, and families. Because the people who serve and protect this community deserve a place to recover, decompress, and grow.

2010+ Years Coach Nava has been on the mats
5.0β˜… Average rating across 127+ Google reviews
All Ages, ranks, and walks of life welcome
Inside Our Academy

Where Mesa trains.

Ares Arizona BJJ Academy Mesa Training at Ares Arizona Ares Arizona gym interior Ares Arizona competition team
What We Stand For

Four pillars. Zero compromise.

01

World-Class Instruction

Every class is led or supervised by a qualified black belt. No "self-taught" coaches. No theory without proof on the mats.

02

Family-First Culture

Egos are checked at the door. We're a family-owned academy where students become teammates and teammates become family.

03

Beginner-Friendly

Most of our students walked in having never thrown a punch. The intimidation goes to zero in your first week. Promise.

04

Community Service

ESA Vendor approved by the AZ Department of Education. Dedicated discounts for military, first responders, and families.

Approved Partner

ESA Vendor Β· AZ Department of Education

Arizona families using the Empowerment Scholarship Account program can use ESA funds for tuition at Ares Arizona BJJ. We're proud to serve the educational and physical development of Arizona's homeschooled and microschool students.

ESA Approved Vendor Arizona Department of Education
βœ“ ESA
APPROVED
Find Us in Mesa

Come train with us.

Address 1660 S Alma School Rd, Suite 118
Mesa, AZ 85210
Hours
  • Mon–Fri 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday By appointment
Real Student Reviews

What Mesa is saying about us.

Don't take our word for it β€” here's what our students have to say about training at Ares Arizona.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 5.0 Β· based on 127+ verified reviews

Your first class is on us.
The rest is on you.

Walk in a beginner. Walk out hooked. Book your free trial class today β€” adults and kids welcome.