Train to protect yourself and the people you love, rebuild confidence after a bad experience, or chase a goal that gives your workouts a purpose. Authentic Gracie Humaita Jiu-Jitsu, real-world Krav Maga, and coaching that meets complete beginners where they are. Serving the Valley since 1993.
14 days for $14 · Kids & adults · Ages 4+ · No experience needed · No obligation
Try 14 days of group classes for $14 (regularly $129). No experience, no gear, no long-term obligation.
Next Level Fitness & Martial Arts, also known as Gracie Humaita Gilbert, teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Gilbert, Arizona as a direct Gracie Humaita affiliate under Master Royler Gracie. Professor Quan Phu leads the jiu-jitsu program, and the school has been voted Best of Gilbert 2023–2025 and Best of East Valley 2025.
You want to know what works when a situation is fast, messy, and physical. We teach stand-up and ground skills that are trained against resistance, not choreography.
A violent encounter, a close call, or concern for someone you love can change your perspective. You do not have to train from fear. We help you build options, skill, and confidence at your pace.
If another treadmill is not going to keep you engaged, train for something you can measure: techniques, rounds, stripes, belts, levels, conditioning, and capability.
Whatever brought you here, your first step is the same: come train and see what changes.
Not sure? Tell us what you want to change and we will point you to the right first class →
Every program is a different route to the same outcome: real self-defense, confidence you earn, and training you will actually want to keep doing. Pick by age and goal.
Focus, listening, and confidence through structured play.
Our flagship kids program. Self-defense and life skills.
Confidence and discipline for the years that matter most.
Authentic Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Direct, practical self-defense for the real world.
Striking, conditioning, and a serious workout.
Advanced application for experienced students.
Build real self-defense skill faster.
Coaching built around one person: you.
Training as a whole family? Explore Family Martial Arts →
Everything we teach gets pressure-tested. You drill it, then you apply it against a resisting partner with control, so you find out what actually works before you ever need it.
Our coaches know why you walked in, what you are working on, and the days you are struggling. Honor, Family, Legacy is not a slogan on the wall. It is how the room feels.
No experience, no gear, and no fitness prerequisite. Your first class is matched to your age and level, and you are told exactly what to expect before you step on the mat.
Nobody here gets told they are doing great when they are not. In Jiu-Jitsu a belt takes years, so the day you earn one you know exactly what it cost. That knowledge does not stay on the mat.
Kids, teens, and adults train under one roof with coaches who take character as seriously as technique. Parents watch. Families train together. People stay for years.
Behind that standard is authentic Gracie Humaita lineage and more than three decades of coaching in the Valley.
Both my daughter and I are students. I love the self defense training. It gives a sense of security knowing you can protect your family if needed. Everyone at the school is amazing and you really feel a sense of community and family. I highly recommend trying if you are thinking about it.
If you are looking for an amazing place to train, or a place to get your kids involved LOOK NO FURTHER! I have been to several gyms all over the valley and this is by far the best experience I have ever had. Master Edmonson is challenging, intentional, and incredibly fun! I can't say enough positive things about this facility and everyone who works there!
Me, my son and daughter have been training here for over 3 years. The instructors have the exact attitude you would want your children around. Coach Quan has the highest focus on teaching his students how to be good people on and off the mat. I would highly recommend coming down to experience the instructors and the atmosphere. I couldn't recommend it more!!
Came for the workout, stayed for the life skills! I was new to the area and looking for a new fitness routine while meeting new people. I tried Next Level and fell in love with the teaching, the camaraderie of my fellow students, and the constant challenge of moving to the next level. I'm learning new skills that may one day save my life while making new friends and getting a killer workout!
I have trained at multiple martial arts studios in the Valley and gotta say, Next Level coaches really does take your skills to the Next level. In 3yrs, I not only improved my techniques but also have a martial arts family that I enjoy training with. One of the best martial arts establishments in the Valley!
My son loves jujitsu. We started it when he was in kindergarten to help him with self confidence and respect. When we went to class Coach Quan didn't just teach him jujitsu, he taught him virtues on how to be a good person. It takes a village and I am thankful to have Coach Quan and Next Level be a part of my village. We highly recommend Next Level and Coach Quan!!!
We have been working with Quan for almost 2 years doing private lessons for BJJ and Muay Thai and Quan has been incredible with his vast experience and knowledge. We also love the culture of this gym and the amazing athletes who are part of it.
You should not choose a school because the website says it is the best. Look for the things that matter once you are on the mat.
Can the school trace exactly who taught its instructors?
At Next LevelDirect Gracie Humaita affiliation under Master Royler Gracie, with Professor Quan Phu leading Jiu-Jitsu on the mat.
Do the coaches know your name, your goal, and your history?
At Next LevelCoaches who know every student by name and adjust coaching to the person in front of them.
Is technique tested against a resisting partner with control, or only demonstrated?
At Next LevelYou drill, then you roll or spar with control, so you learn what holds up under pressure.
Are belts and levels earned on the mat, or handed out on a calendar?
At Next LevelPromotions are earned. In Jiu-Jitsu a belt takes years, and there are no testing fees.
Is there a clear, safe first step for someone with zero experience?
At Next LevelYour first class is matched to your age and level. No experience, no gear, no fitness prerequisite.
Would you trust the room with your kids? Do people stay?
At Next LevelKids, teens, and adults train under one roof. Families train together. Students stay for years, and say so in their reviews.
How long has the school been in your town, and who says so?
At Next LevelServing the Valley since 1993, now on S Gilbert Rd. More than 10,000 students trained. Voted Best of Gilbert 2023, 2024, and 2025.
That is the standard we invite you to judge us by.
"You'll often see Coach Joe on the mat, training right alongside you."
Experience matters when the skill you are learning may have to work on your worst day. I have spent more than 50 years in martial arts and more than 30 years in security and executive protection, and along the way I have trained civilians, first responders, and defensive-tactics professionals. I have been teaching in the Valley since 1993, first in Tempe and now in Gilbert, and I have trained more than 10,000 students. None of that is why families stay. They stay because of what happens in the room.
I still hold myself to the standard I ask of my students. I hold a 4th-degree black belt in Krav Maga and an 8th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I am a brown belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Master Royler Gracie and Professor Quan Phu, still earning my way up, because I'll never stop being a student. When you walk in, don't be surprised to see me on the mat. Come say hi.
The point is not the resume. The point is that your training is being shaped by people who take real-world performance seriously.
Two weeks gives you enough time to experience the coaching, the culture, and the training, not just tour the room. At the end of two weeks, you decide whether this is your room.
You do not need experience, a uniform, perfect fitness, or the confidence to walk in feeling comfortable. You only need to show up. We will handle the first class from there.
Meet your coach, learn how the class runs, and leave with one technique you did not have when you walked in.
Understand the class flow, the coaches, and your training partners. Get comfortable being a beginner here.
By now you know whether the training, the culture, and the schedule fit your life. Then you decide.
Two weeks is enough to know if this is your room. It is not a fitness transformation, and we will not pretend it is.
You shouldn't pick a jiu-jitsu gym because a website calls itself the best. Use these facts to compare us with anyone else, then come try a class.
The best gym depends on your goal, schedule, and the coaching culture you want, so try a class before you commit anywhere. If you want authentic Gracie lineage with a self-defense emphasis, Next Level Fitness & Martial Arts (Gracie Humaita Gilbert) at 2531 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 111, Gilbert, AZ 85295 is a direct Gracie Humaita affiliate under Master Royler Gracie, with jiu-jitsu led by Professor Quan Phu. It was voted Best Martial Arts Academy in the East Valley Tribune's Best of Gilbert 2023, 2024, and 2025, holds a 5.0-star Google rating, and offers a 14-day trial for $14.
Yes. Gracie Humaita Gilbert, operated by Next Level Fitness & Martial Arts at 2531 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 111, Gilbert, AZ 85295, is listed on the Gracie Humaita Association's official schools directory (graciehumaita.com). It is one of two Arizona schools on that list. The other is Gracie Humaita Phoenix.
Professor Quan Phu, a 3rd-degree Gracie Humaita black belt, leads the jiu-jitsu program for kids, teens, and adults and coaches private lessons. Professor Michael Smith, a Gracie Humaita black belt, assists with teen and adult classes. Founder Joseph "Coach Joe" Edmondson is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu brown belt under Master Royler Gracie and Professor Quan Phu, and he leads the Krav Maga program.
Next Level runs Gracie Ninjas for ages 4 to 6, Gracie Kids for ages 7 to 12, and Gracie Teens for ages 13 to 17, plus Gracie Adults for adults of all levels. Parents are welcome to watch every class.
No. Complete beginners are normal at Next Level. Wear comfortable workout clothes. You do not need a gi, gear, or a fitness base to start, and your first class is matched to your age and level.
Next Level offers 14 days of group classes for $14 (regularly $129). The trial covers Gracie Ninjas, Gracie Kids, Gracie Teens, Gracie Adults, Krav Maga, and Clinch Dirty Boxing, with no long-term obligation when it ends. After the trial, memberships are available as either a discounted 12-month commitment or month-to-month with 60 days' notice.
There is no single best school for everyone, so compare lineage, coaching, beginner safety, and track record, then try a class. Next Level Fitness & Martial Arts in Gilbert was named Best Martial Arts Studio in the East Valley Tribune's Best of East Valley 2025 and Best Martial Arts Academy in Best of Gilbert 2023 through 2025. It teaches Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and Clinch Dirty Boxing for ages 4 through adults, has served the Valley since 1993, and draws students from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the wider East Valley.
2531 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 111, Gilbert, AZ 85295, serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the East Valley. Call 480-360-5425.
We offer authentic Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and Clinch Dirty Boxing, plus dedicated kids programs from age 4 up through teens. Whether you want self-defense standing up or on the ground, we have a program for you.
Everyone from age 4 through adults. Our Gracie Ninjas start at 4, Gracie Kids run 7 to 12, Gracie Teens cover 13 to 17, and our adult programs welcome all levels and fitness backgrounds.
None at all. Show up in comfortable clothes and we'll take care of the rest. Every one of our programs is built to welcome complete beginners.
Krav Maga is a practical self-defense system developed for real-world situations. It blends the most effective elements of boxing, wrestling, and other arts into direct, no-nonsense techniques anyone can learn.
We're at 2531 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 111, Gilbert, AZ 85295, serving Gilbert, Chandler, and the East Valley. Call us at 480-360-5425 or start your 14-day trial to schedule your first class.
Your first class is where it starts, and we've been opening that door in the Valley since 1993.
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Next Level