Empowering Confidence, One Student at a Time

At the Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale — formerly Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale — we believe Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone — regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or ability. Our safe, supportive training environment is built to help kids, teens, and adults reach their full potential on and off the mat. Confident students make stronger, kinder humans — and that’s why we do what we do.

Our Team

Darin Mowery - Academy Owner and Head Instructor

darin Mowery

Coach Darin Mowery is a certified Jiu-Jitsu instructor with over 12 years of experience, training under Professor Regis Lebre. His teaching style emphasizes technical excellence, safety, and helping students build real-world confidence on and off the mat.

Full Bio

Academy Owner | Head Instructor | Brown Belt
Professor Jon Wagner - Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt - Instructor

Jon wagner

Jon Wagner is a U.S. Army veteran, father, and 3rd-degree black belt with extensive experience as a decorated competitor and self-defense expert. He’s a passionate believer in the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and is dedicated to helping students build confidence, discipline, and real-world skills.

Instructor | Black Belt
Brandon Lamb - Gracie Certified Instructor

Brandon brings over a decade of martial arts experience, including Muay Thai competition and Jiu-Jitsu instruction. He’s passionate about helping students build confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills in a safe, supportive environment. Brandon is a Gracie Certified Instructor.

Instructor | Purple Belt

brandon lamb

Sean Mowery - Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and Instructor

sean Mowery

Sean began training Jiu-Jitsu at age five and developed his competitive foundation through years of wrestling and grappling. A multiple-time IBJJF Open Champion, he continues to compete internationally and brings his technical precision and competitive experience to coaching kids and adults at the Academy.

Instructor | Purple Belt
Nathan Wirt - Jiu-Jitsu Instructor - Purple Belt 
Instructor | Purple Belt

Nathan Wirt

Z Houghtelin - Kids Program Assistant Instructor - Blue Belt
Chaela Mikhailov - Kids Program Assistant Instructor - White Belt 
Kids Program Assistant Instructor | Blue Belt

Z Houghtelin

Chaela mikhailov

Kids Program Assistant Instructor | White Belt

Our studio

Step into a training space designed for safety, focus, and growth. Our Scottsdale studio offers clean amenities, spacious mat areas, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

The AJJS studio
Interior of the Academy of Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale studio with black mats on the floor, a logo on the wall reading 'Academy of Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale,' benches at the back, and large windows at the front.

Fuji mats, cleaned multiple times per day

Modern bathroom with a walk-in shower featuring gray and white marble tiles, a black and white mosaic floor, a white sink with a towel, and white shelves with towels.

Large studio space

Inside the AJJS studio with wooden benches, a padded training area, and a large photo of two martial artists performing a throw on the wall.

Shower, towels and amenities provided

The AJJS studio seating area with benches and blue ottomans.

Spacious seating for families

Locker room with two wooden cubby storage units, a wooden bench, a potted plant, and a trash can.

Counter space for personal items

Nighttime exterior of the Academy of Jiu Jitsu Scottsdale with illuminated sign, glass doors, and bushes in front.

Men’s changing room

Locker room with a wooden shelf, a small table with a tray, a metal basket, a bench, a wall poster, a potted plant, and framed pictures on the wall.

Exterior view of AJJS

Women’s changing room

Schedule

sign up for a free 7-Day trial

When you train at Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale, you’re not just joining a school, you’re joining a family that lifts each other up. Start your journey today with our 7-Day Free Trial and experience the difference for yourself.