Two decades on the mats. A black belt earned the hard way. A coaching philosophy built on one idea: jiu-jitsu should make you better at being a human, not just at fighting other ones.
Paul Nava began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over two decades ago, back when finding a real BJJ academy in the United States meant driving for hours. He fell in love with the gentle art on day one — and has never looked back since.
After years of dedicated training, competition, and study under one of the most respected lineages in the sport, Coach Nava earned his black belt — a rank that on paper takes ten years and in practice takes a lifetime. He has competed and earned multiple world-level honors on the IBJJF circuit, but it's his coaching that defines him today.
Coach Nava founded Ares Arizona BJJ alongside his wife Leslie with one goal: build the academy he wished he'd had as a beginner. A place that takes technique seriously, takes culture even more seriously, and takes itself not too seriously.
Walked into a small jiu-jitsu academy as a beginner, expecting a workout. Walked out with a lifelong calling. Began training daily within the year.
Began competing locally, then regionally, then nationally — building the technical foundation that would eventually become a coaching philosophy.
Earned blue belt, purple belt, brown belt — each promotion reflecting years of consistent training and competition. Began assistant-coaching.
Promoted to black belt by his head instructor — a recognition of two decades of work. Began competing at the highest levels of the IBJJF circuit, earning multiple world-level honors.
Co-founded Ares Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his wife Leslie in Mesa. The academy now serves over 100 students across six programs, and is proudly recognized as an ESA Vendor by the Arizona Department of Education.
Don't take our word for it — here's what our students have to say about training at Ares Arizona.
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