VERDE VALLEY BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Our Mission here at Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the preservation and dissemination of the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense as developed and taught by Masters Helio and Rickson Gracie. Self Preservation in an unforeseen conflict is the goal. By building a solid foundation of Connection, Balance, Leverage, and Situational Awareness, we can give our students an advantage over an untrained opponent who may be larger and stronger.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, like Life in general, is a journey filled with obstacles worth navigating.It’s a journey of self discovery.VERDE VALLEY BJJ WAS ESTABLISHED TO SERVE AS A STARTING POINT towards each of those personal discoveries. You just need to take the first step.For Self Defense. For Sport. For Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Growth. For Life.

OUR TEAM

CHRIS BURNS: LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Chris Burns is a first degree black belt and specializes in Gracie Jiu Jitsu for self defense, based on Rickson Gracie's concept of connection and under the close guidance of his instructor Jason Roebig. Chris is a certified instructor in the Gracie Combatives, a member of the JJGF, and a representative for Axis Jiu Jitsu.

MJ KEENAN: VVBJJ CO-FOUNDER

MJ Keenan is a brown belt under Professor Luis Heredia, Maui Jiu Jitsu, and specializes in Gracie Jiu Jitsu for self defense, based on Rickson Gracie's concept of connection. MJ is member of the JJGF, and the Co-Founder of Verde Valley BJJ. World Class Multi Tasker, Merchant of Emotion, Winemaker, Curmudgeon, Armed Snowflake.

JOSEPH SALINAS: GRACIE FUNDAMENTALS, BJJ KIDS

Joseph Salinas is a brown belt under Rickson Gracie and specializes in Strength and Conditioning. He began his martial arts journey at the age of 15 with Taekwando and went on to train in Muay Thai, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Silat, and more. He began training at Renzo Gracie in 2012 and Kron Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 2014. Joseph is a member of the JJGF and continues to train with the intention to preserve the art.

JOHNNY MARTINEZ: MUAY THAI / KICKBOXING

I discovered my love of Muay Thai when I was 15 years old. Since
beginning my journey in martial arts and combat sports, I have trained
in boxing, kickboxing, Silat and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It has always been
my dream to be able to train and share my knowledge of Muay Thai with
others and help people along in their journeys. As a trainer, I love
motivating, teaching and even training along side those while I teach.
But I am not only a lover of the martial arts bit I am also a husband, a
father and a huge Godzilla fan!

ANDREW NOVAK : ADVANCED GI SPARRING

Andrew lives in Rimrock, AZ, and has trained Jiu Jitsu since 2014. He is an original member of Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and obtained his blue and purple belts under Stefan Dahlstet. He is currently training under our head instructor, Chris Burns.

SIGN UP

Our Classes:

Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of 8 limbs. This class we will be learning how to utilize your punches, kicks, knees, elbows and the clinch. We will be working on both techniques and conditioning to develop your skills and your physical fitness. All are welcome to this class including the beginner and the more advanced. Comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and exercise shorts are encouraged for this class. Muay Thai is a great way to stay in shape and learn great techniques that are seen in promotions like the UFC, One Championship and K-1 Kickboxing.

Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from different striking martial arts. Kickboxing is practiced for self-defence, general fitness, or as a contact sport. In this class we will practice techniques with kicking and punching. The class also utilizes different conditioning exercises as well. This class is great for both physical and mental fitness.

VERDE VALLEY BJJ

1045 N Main St

Old Town Cottonwood

Arizona 86326

Phone: 928.649.3297

email: coordinator@verdevalleybjj.com