Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and kids martial arts in Cottonwood, AZ. Beginner-friendly classes for adults and children, six days a week. Your first class is free.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing and strength work for adults — plus a full youth program for kids 5 and up.
BJJ · Gi & No-Gi
Adult Jiu-Jitsu
All levels
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are structured to help students understand not just what to do, but why techniques work — control, pressure, escapes and submissions, taught safely.
Muay Thai · Striking
Adult Muay Thai
Ages 13+ · All levels
All-levels Muay Thai in the Verde Valley. Pad work, technical drills, and conditioning that build striking mechanics, coordination and mental toughness.
Kickboxing · Strength & Conditioning
Fitness Kickboxing & Conditioning
Ages 13+ · All fitness levels
Functional strength, mobility and injury prevention — training that supports martial artists and anyone who wants practical, sustainable fitness.
Kids BJJ · Gi & No-Gi
Youth Jiu-Jitsu
Ages 5+
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 5 and up — confidence, discipline and resilience in a positive, structured, age-appropriate environment.
About
Why train at Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai was founded with a clear purpose: to provide high-level martial arts instruction in a structured, welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds can train safely, intelligently, and with intention. Located in Cottonwood, Arizona, the academy brings together world-class experience, practical teaching methods, and a strong sense of community rooted in the Verde Valley.
Training here is treated as a lifelong practice rather than a short-term pursuit. Every class is designed to help students develop real skill, physical confidence, and mental resilience over time. Whether someone walks in as a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, they are met with thoughtful instruction, clear guidance, and an environment that prioritizes learning over ego.
The academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and related training under the guidance of instructors who bring decades of combined experience from across the martial arts world — from professional fighters to high-level instructors and qualified specialists.
Alaskan-born black belt under Professor Vellore Caballero, with an extreme focus on fundamentals and defensively responsible positioning.
James "Jimmy" Sharkey
Purple Belt · Muay Thai & Kickboxing Instructor
Jimmy, from South Dakota, is a purple belt under Clay Wimer with an MMA background. He has over 16 years of experience competing in boxing, Muay Thai, and no-gi tournaments.
Dig O'Neal
Blue Belt · Kids Class Instructor
Dig is a blue belt under Clay Wimer. As of mid-2026 he has been training jiu-jitsu for about 4 years, and coaching the kids' program for 2.
Akash
Yellow Belt · Kids Class Assistant Instructor
Akash began training jiu-jitsu when he was 8 and is currently a yellow belt under Clay Wimer. Now a teenager, he assists with the kids' jiu-jitsu classes and trains under Coach Clay in jiu-jitsu and Coach Jimmy in striking.
Schedule
Weekly class schedule
Pick the class you want to try — tap any session below and we'll hold your spot.
Little Grapplers Muay Thai Kickboxing MMA Open Mat No-Gi / All Levels
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Gallery
Life on the mats
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
What students say
Loved by our community
★★★★★4.9 from 93 Google reviews
“
A few months ago I decided to give this place a try. I was nervous about being a beginner, and almost talked myself out of it. How I would've missed out if I did! I walked in and was welcomed by EVERYONE. Coaches and members were SO helpful and supportive. If you're looking for a community that will lift you up, it's right here. Now I'm ADDICTED to this place. I even have my young daughter going now. She has an absolute blast! The coaches are great with children as well as adults. This place deserves 10 out of 5 stars. Just sayin.
ACAmanda CampbellGoogle review“
I highly recommend going to learn at Verde Valley BJJ. I visited while vacationing nearby, and was vey glad I did. Clay's instruction and methods are conducive to making it a positive learning environment where his “little hammer” analogy is perfectly used during positional drills. Superb instruction, great training partners, good rolls, and it's telling how good the gyms is by how many people stuck around to sweep, mop, pick up and just visit after class was over. Just go! You won't regret it!
JVJack ValentineGoogle review“
The facility is spacious and meticulously clean—perfect for training. Jimmy and Clay bring years of experience to the table, each highly skilled in their discipline. Whether you're aiming to compete or simply seeking something positive and empowering to be a part of, they'll help you reach your goals. The environment is incredibly welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. Come be a part of a great and growing community!
MMarcusGoogle review“
Our experience at Verde Valley BJJ has been great. They have classes for all ages and levels of experience. My son was a little nervous to start but the instructors taught at his level and he became confident very quickly. I highly recommend them.
AOAndrew OleskyGoogle review“
I went in to see if it was a good environment to sign my daughter up. She did one class and ran over and asked please sign me up. Then people there are great to work with. That goes from the instructors all the way to the people on the mat. I highly recommend this place for the whole family.
PDPreston DozierGoogle review“
Love the kind people, killer classes, wide open gym and space. If you ever wanted to try kickboxing, Muy Thai or Jiu Jitsu, this is the place to go. You will be welcomed.
SCSarah ChristensenGoogle review
FAQ
Questions, answered
New to training? Here's everything you need to know before your first class.
Do I need any experience to start?
No. You do not need prior experience, peak fitness, or a specific body type to start. Classes are structured so beginners feel welcomed and guided rather than overwhelmed, and instruction is focused on helping you understand concepts rather than memorizing movements.
Is the first class really free?
Yes — your first class is free. Call us at (928) 365-1222 or send a message and we'll get you booked into a class that fits your schedule.
How old does my child need to be?
Our youth programs are designed for children ages 5 and up. Classes are age-appropriate and carefully structured so children learn in a controlled, supervised setting.
What do you offer besides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Alongside gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we run Muay Thai and Kickboxing for ages 13+, Strength & Conditioning, an Introduction to MMA class, a Friday competition class, and a Saturday open mat.
Where are you located?
We're at 1491 E Cherry St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Students travel to train with us from Cottonwood, Verde Village, Cornville, Clarkdale and Jerome.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe to train?
Safety and longevity are a priority. Techniques are taught with control and respect for training partners, and instructors prioritize proper warm-ups, injury prevention, and communication so students can train consistently without unnecessary risk.
Contact
Come train with us
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
No experience, no peak fitness, and no special body type required. Come in, meet the coaches, and train a real class on us. Classes are structured so beginners feel welcomed and guided rather than overwhelmed.
★★★★★4.9 from 93 Google reviews
“A few months ago I decided to give this place a try. I was nervous about being a beginner, and almost talked myself out of it. How I would've missed out if I did! I walked in and was welcomed by EVERYONE. Coaches and members were SO helpful and supportive. If you're looking for a community that will lift you up, it's right here. Now I'm ADDICTED to this place. I even have my young daughter going now. She has an absolute blast! The coaches are great with children as well as adults. This place deserves 10 out of 5 stars. Just sayin.”
— Amanda Campbell
✓
You're in!
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.
