If you’re ready to transform your fitness, confidence, and mindset, you’ve come to the right place. At Carlson Gracie North Tucson, we believe everyone has the potential to succeed. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, and teach real, effective self-defense.
Whether your goal is fitness, discipline, competition, or personal growth, our academy will guide you every step of the way. Start your journey today and experience the difference.
Posted on Kayla Van SoestTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son loves going to jiu jitsu each week! He learns so much, not only about the sport but also about himself and what he can accomplish. The whole team is fantastic and does a wonderful job working with the kids no matter their skill level.Posted on Kylee McDanielTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter recently turned 5 and has been training jiu jitsu for the last 8 months. It’s her favorite time of day going to practice! It has helped with her discipline, coordination and most importantly her confidence. Professor and the Coaches are amazing with the kids. They walk them through each technique and do technique specific training to ensure what they are learning actually sticks. We drive almost 40 mins one way because we love this academy so much. Highly recommend Carlson Gracie North Tucson!Posted on Kat T. BrunoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So glad this gym opened! We love Carlson Gracie and grateful for how engaged the coaches are. Coach engagement and team support is so important for kids developing in this sport. Location is perfect and the families are so welcoming. Kiddo has already learned a lot in her time here. If you’re interested in learning or competing in jiu jitsu, this is the place.Posted on Megan TiteraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had such a great experience with the Little Bulldog class for our 4 year old! She absolutely loves going to class and looks forward to seeing all of her coaches each week (Especially Panda). The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and amazing with the kids. It’s been such a positive environment for her to learn discipline, structure, and respect while also having fun. As a parent, I also love that it gives her a healthy way to burn off some of that endless energy! We’ve seen her confidence grow so much since starting, and it’s clear the coaches truly care about helping the kids learn and succeed. Highly recommend this program for any little ones interested in jiu jitsu!Posted on Matthew DavisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience for my kid. Dedicated coaches and a great team environment.Posted on Cleyton MoraesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Although the academy is new, it carries the solid experience of Professor André, a 3rd-degree black belt. He also leads the very successful Carlson Gracie Tucson academy, where he has been doing an excellent job developing both kids and adults, competitors and non-competitors. The environment is welcoming and family-oriented. An outstanding academy.Posted on Stephanie FecknerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professor Andre is the best!!! We wouldn't train with anyone else. All the coaches are amazing as well. The atmosphere that they create together is absolutely amazing. Very welcoming!!Posted on Lara MayoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having the opportunity to train with a Jiu Jitsu great, from Brazil, with a heart of gold like Andre is a gift. The fact that we even have him here in Tucson is incredible, why would you train with anyone else when you have the real deal. I started training with Andre in 2020 - over the course of some years I moved quite a bit (Marana, PNW, Midwest, LA) and every new gym I went to in other places is nowhere near the caliber of training and community at Carlson Gracie Tucson. When I moved back to Tucson last year and began to train with Professor Andre and CG team again, it has been a gift for me and my jiu jitsu. The community he has fostered is so amazing - kind generous people who train hard and are there for eachother on and off the mats. Genuine Jiu Jitsu Technique, patient learning, a community that is like family and dear friends. The people I know who've trained with Professor since the beginning are light years ahead of me - the consistent learning with the right technique shows. And now I get to learn from all of them! I'd been driving 40 min each way 3x a week to train at Carlson Gracie East, and I am elated that there is a new Carlson Gracie North just 10 minutes from me! I am so excited to watch this gym also grow and inspire people to be there best. Plus we have an amazing women's program! If you're considering training jiu jitsu, this is the place to be.
André Freire is a bonafide Brazilian with a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who has extensive teaching experience and who enjoys sharing his skills as he teaches both children and adult classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
André believes that respect is an important value in life and that you must give respect to get respect. To André fighting and competing teaches respect. He also believes that being a martial artist isn’t just about winning or losing, but rather, it’s about controlling your feelings and centering yourself, so much so that nothing can disturb your mind.
Nathan Wright is a brown belt under Professor Andre Freire and has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over five years. For more than four of those years, he has specialized in coaching children, blending his passion for the art with a strong commitment to youth development. His teaching style emphasizes discipline, fun, and confidence-building-creating an environment where kids thrive both on and off the mats.
Huda Amjad is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, active competitor, and self defense instructor dedicated to empowering others through confidence, discipline, and skill. She began her jiu jitsu journey under Professor Andre Freire, where she developed a deep respect for the art and a lasting passion for training, competition, and personal growth. Huda has competed in several high level tournaments, including World Championships, earning numerous medals throughout her journey.
Dr. Dan Modrzejewski is a native of Tucson, Arizona. His initial martial arts training began in middle school where he participated in Kenpo Karate earning his brown belt, then moved to wrestling in high school and college. Dan has been involved with Jiu Jitsu for over 10 years and has been with Carlson Gracie North Tucson since their opening. He currently coaches the Fundamental and Executive classes.
At Carlson Gracie North Tucson, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Our school constantly strives to be the best, with hands-on instruction from highly-experienced instructors, a modern training space, and a commitment to the individual improvement of each and every student. We uphold an encouraging and uplifting environment, and above all else, want to see you succeed. If you join Carlson Gracie North Tucson, you’ll not only grow as an athlete, but you’ll grow tremendously as a person.





