Ares East Mesa
Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu

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Ares East Mesa BJJ

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be the catalyst that allows individuals to discover their innate abilities so they can transform their lives, and be good stewards of their community by transforming the world through the application of lessons learned through jiu jitsu in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Coaches

Alex Martinez

Ares Black Belt Instructor

Alex is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Paul Nava.  He has been training and competing across the country since the rank of white belt.  Alex has won and been the runner up in many International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) tournaments as well as professional “Super Fights”.  He has extensive experience as a kids coach, a fundamentals coach, and advanced techniques coach.  He received his Black Belt from Paul Nava and the Ares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association in September 2019.  As the head instructor of Ares East Mesa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, his goal is to make a positive change in the lives of his students and the community.

Chris Academia

Instructor

Chris Academia is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He started training in 2005 in Maui, HI. In 2007, he moved to Arizona where he continued to train. He won gold at the 2018 American Nationals in Las Vegas. In that same year, he debuted in a professional fight. He continues to train and pursue his dream of opening an academy in the hopes of changing other’s lives through BJJ, the way that it changed his.

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6-week
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If you’re interested in trying Jiu-Jitsu, this is the perfect way to dive in! Sign up for a full 6-WEEK CHALLENGE FOR FREE!

Men, women and children alike start training jiu jitsu for different reasons. Some reasons may include: learning the art of jiu jitsu, self-defense, weight loss, the camaraderie of a team, a healthy family activity, exercise and more. The reasons people start jiu jitsu are personal for everyone. So, whatever your reason is for visiting our website, we would love to learn more about you and your reason/goals. Click below to start your journey and to see if we are the right team for you.

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Testimonials

Rich Pudleiner

Ares Student

“A fantastic coach”

Alex has the heart of a leader, coach, and competitor and he brings that spirit out in anyone who trains with him. I have witnessed him work with all ages of youth and adults. He exhibits patience while expecting and teaching to improvement. I personally have benefited from Alex’s ability to coach broadly and with technical accuracy, and my children have excelled in BJJ through his coaching and feedback. I can attest that he is genuine and wants the best for those with which he coaches and trains. If you are looking for a fantastic coach to start or further your jiu-jitsu journey look no further than Alex Martinez.

Vin & Marlena Vallejo

Ares Students

“Jiu jitsu has been a lifesaver for our family”

Jiu jitsu has been a lifesaver for our family for many reasons. It has not only brought us all closer, but it been such a positive activity we can all do as a family. It’s been a form of therapy, and after each class we walk away feeling accomplished. I’ve never experienced that with any other sport or form of exercise. The practice of jiu jitsu teaches you discipline, responsibility and healthy lifestyle. One huge reason we have fallen in love with sport is because of the coaches we have trained under. Alex Martinez is exceptional. He is patient, hard working and makes everyone feel like they can do anything. He leads by example and believes in his students. Training jiu jitsu has been one of the biggest blessings to our family and we would highly recommend the sport to everyone.

David Blau

Ares First Degree Black Belt

“I highly recommend him as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner/instructor but more importantly as a person.”

During my almost 20 years in practicing and competing in Jiu Jitsu I have met countless amazing people. Few,if any, have impressed me more than Alex Martinez. Not only has he been able to positively transform his health and lifestyle, but himself as a person. Alex always leads by example. Not only does he outwork anyone in the gym, he is not afraid to put it on the line in world class competitions as well. Many instructors are afraid to compete as they might lose and look weak in front of their students. Not Alex!! What you see is what you get!…. This may be why the people that train with him and learn from him absolutely LOVE HIM!… he always gives 100% both on and off the mats. No matter if it’s in Jiu Jitsu, business, friends or his family, he is the man you want on your side. I highly recommend him as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner/instructor but more importantly as a person.

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