Head Instructor Darin Mowery has been training and teaching Jiu-Jitsu for more than 12 years. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010, drawn to Jiu-Jitsu for its practical self-defense approach and its real-world applicability to his career as a police officer.

Darin completed the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program in 2013, receiving comprehensive training in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to kids and adults of all levels. He also completed Gracie Survival Tactics 1 & 2, a program designed to train law enforcement in defensive tactics. The curriculum and methodology from that training continues to inform how he structures and teaches classes today.

Today, he continues to develop his skills and train under Professor Regis Lebre of Lebre Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, a black belt who trained under Master Royler Gracie and a decorated champion with titles from the Pan American Championships, Gracie Worlds, and multiple Master & Senior black belt divisions.

Darin served in law enforcement before retiring. In addition to his Jiu-Jitsu training, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University, served as an Arizona POST Defensive Tactics Instructor, and earned a Third Degree Black Belt in Ed Parker's American Kenpo.

Known for his approachable teaching style and deep technical knowledge, Coach Darin is passionate about helping students of all ages succeed — from kids tying their first belt to adults refining advanced techniques. His philosophy is simple: empower yourself or your child through skill, discipline, and confidence.

At Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale, Coach Darin focuses on safe, structured training that helps kids and adults build confidence, fitness, and real self-defense skills.