Wagner Jiu Jitsu - Phoenix, Arizona

brian peters

Best place to train in the valley! Jon is amazing and if you have kids you need to bring them here to train. My 4yo started going right after they opened and loves every minute of training. Jon has an amazing ability to explain jiu-jitsu in a way that makes sense for all ages. He also teaches in a way that is practical in the real world.

Tom Zefi Gojcaj

Felt right from the begining. I grew up fighting in bars, parties, school, you name it but I lacked the technical skills. If you want a discipline and an instructor to best prepare you in a street fight, Jon Wagner Jui-Jitsu is it....believe me. I am 50 years old and my 13 yr old son and I have been at it for 3 weeks. Jon teaches that the best fight is no fight but if you have to, then defend and walk away and as a last resort, use the skills to put your opponent out of commission. Thank you for your service to this country. You and Lilly are good people and cheers to a long relationship with you.

Chaz Denney

I highly recommend Wagner Jiu-jitsu academy for all knowledge levels! I have known Jon for 4 years as one of his students and friends. His methodology of teaching, the culture he provides in his school and his knowledge of jiu-jitsu is second to none! The passion he brings to the mat is contagious. It is truly an ego-less experience!
If you want a place where you can feel safe and comfortable to learn self-defense, go see Jon!

Colin Rosander

I’m so lucky to have found Wagner Jiu Jitsu! Jon is an incredible coach and an even better person! The atmosphere of this gym is fantastic. Jon is so good at making Jiu Jitsu fun and safe!

Svilen Nikolov

Wagner Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one of the finest places to learn/train in Arizona, the US and quite frankly the world. Jon Wagner is not only a former world champion, but has a gym that is friendly, clean and a place where you won’t get hurt! His approach to Jiu-Jitsu of not just focusing on competitors, but rather empowering you to defend yourself and avoid/win a fight is truly unique in the world of Jiu-Jitsu schools. This is the best place to train for women, children, elderly, corporate events or hobbyist practitioners.

Jeff S

Jon, Lily and this community were a real answer to prayer. I knew it was time to learn this greatest self defense skill, but to find a place that was right for me (40+yo dad), son (techy 14 yo), daughter (11 yo, sweetheart), son (7 yo, wild-man) would be a challenge.

Jon was that answer, with his compassion, joy, patience, sound fundamental knowledge, he welcomed us all (in all classes) to guide all of us through the techniques of this great martial art. It has been transformative for each of us and a true blessing for us, and those we may need to serve and protect.

Thank you, Jon, Lily and all who were a part of your path to get you here.

David Enevoldsen OLD

This is a great school. Jon knows the material backward and forward. If you have questions about martial arts, he has valid answers. Additionally, the environment he's created at this school is accepting, understanding, and one of excitement about learning the art. Every skill level has something to work on without fear of judgment or criticism. He synthesizes well, so everyone can understand what to do and how to make the techniques work. Further, there's a heavy emphasis on safety to ensure everyone can continue practicing without risk of ending up in a hospital. Jon is really good with kids and adapts principles well to children's classes. There's also an emphasis on incorporating responsible and moral application of the art. No matter your skill level, age, size, or experience, if you have an interest in Jiu Jitsu, Wagner Jiu Jitsu Academy is the place to be.

Julie Tyma

My girls LOVE doing jiu jitsu with Jon! My younger daughter is 3 and has struggled to stay focused in other activities she’s participated in. Jon’s positive coaching style and incredibly fun teaching environment holds her attention the entire class and she wakes up daily asking if it’s a jiu jitsu day.