Gustavo Dantas Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Gustavo Dantas Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in Arizona and has been a fixture of the Tempe martial arts scene for 25 years, located on East University Drive in the ASU corridor with easy access from Mill Avenue, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Professor Gustavo Dantas is a 4th-degree BJJ black belt under Andre Pederneiras (Nova Uniao), a multi-time World Class competitor with nearly 20 years of head-instructor experience, a published Mental & Life Coach, public speaker, and holder of a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Brazil's UFRJ. That blend of competition pedigree and academic preparation means the curriculum is structured, the technical instruction is at the world-class level, and the culture is intentional about character development as much as mat skill. The kids program splits cleanly by age: Lil & Jr Warriors run ages 5-7 with games-based introductions to ukemi, frame, posture, and the simplest positional ideas, and Youth Warriors run ages 8-13 with a fuller IBJJF-style syllabus - takedowns scaled to bodyweight, guard play, side control retention, mount escapes, and early submission chains drilled with strict safety. The academy is ESA-approved, which means Arizona Empowerment Scholarship families can use ESA funds for tuition. Adult, women-only, and family-friendly schedule blocks let parents train alongside their children. Free trial classes are available for new students; gi rentals are available for first visits.