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 purple 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.MICHAEL HOET: KICKBOXING
With almost 15 years in competition, it felt natural to me to become a trainer and share my knowledge, skills, and experience with others. I transformed full contact and kick boxing into a softer discipline of flexibility and self defense training. As a trainer, I am motivated to give classes in the traditional way as well as in the transformed way to fit everyone's goals.
JACQUELYN PALMQUIST: BJJ
Jacquelyn Palmquist has been practicing martial arts since 1990. Jacquelyn is a 3rd-Degree black belt in American Tang Soo Do under Grandmaster Dennis Ichikawa at TO / Westlake Karate in Thousand Oaks, CA. It was there that she first learned about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when it was introduced for self-defense purposes. She started teaching and assisting with kids' classes in 2007.
"My top priority is to make sure our students are having fun and enjoying the learning process. Through my own journey with martial arts, I've seen how it improves confidence and problem-solving skills in all areas of life."
DANNY FRADENBURG: BJJ
Danny Fradenburg is a co-instructor for our Jiu-Jitsu kids' program as well as our Body Wiring and BJJ Fundamentals classes for adults. Danny has practiced martial arts in the Verde Valley for 21 years and holds a Black Belt in Lima Lama and in Lua. His wife and daughter also train in BJJ.
"My goal as an instructor is to provide a fun, safe environment for everyone and preserve the art form."
JOHNNY MARTINEZ: MUAY THAI
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!
VERDE VALLEY BJJ
1045 N Main St
Old Town Cottonwood
Arizona 86326
Phone: 928.963.6173