I can’t say enough nice things about this club! They have the most talented and encouraging instructors (Gilbert, Rene, Nancy, and Carlos… to name a few), as well as extremely welcoming and helpful students at all levels. As a female who never tried martial arts before, I was nervous to get started, but this group immediately made me feel at home and taught me at my own speed. I’ve been attending Black Flag for a month and the lessons are challenging but sooo much FUN! It’s clear that everyone is passionate about sharing their love for the sport which creates an uplifting environment. I’ve recommended Black Flag to friends and family. If you’re considering starting any of their classes, then don’t hesitate any longer! Just one class at this club will keep you coming back for more!

My teenage son was in a true funk for a few years it seemed. He was stuck on the computer for hours a day gaming. Then in the middle of May 2021, he said I want to box or wrestle or something. Gabriel was 7 months old when I adopted him and his siblings as a single parent, We have no other family out here. No adult figure I know trained in these skills. He researched on line and found Black Flag. The happiness and change I see within my son since I signed him up makes my heart swell! He found a second family there. The instructors are all amazing and he is constantly sharing stories with me. He even talked his close friend into joining. I thank God everyday he found Black Flag I also learned that yummy cake pops made by Nancy are all the incentive he needs to clean mats!

Easy five stars! My teenage boys absolutely love training at Black Flag! Its really different from the other martial arts places theyve previously trained at...the coaches at BFJJC are authentic, more hands on and what they teach actually seems applicable to real life situations, not just tournaments/belt graduations. My kids leave class both satisfied and inspired to practice and improve their skills. We love it!

I honestly really like this place a lot ! my mom enrolled my brother and I here last month (06/21) and it’s a blast. Everyone here is super welcoming, amazing and extremely helpful ! I struggle a lot with opening up to new places and people, especially with close contact sports, however with the way that everyone treated us, it made the transition so much smoother and nicer. Gilbert and Nancy are also super incredible btw ! they help my brother and I out and that’s something i truly appreciate. 173948/10 would recommend 🥳☝🏽

As a 24 year old girl that watches a lot of true crime , I felt compelled in joining a self defense class for a while now .The way I found out about this place is because a coworker invited us to a fundamentals class he teaches on Saturday, oh btw did I mention that they offer a whole week as a free trial !! That’s nuts ! Of course I had to take advantage of that! I instantly fell in love with the sport. The environment in all the classes i attend are always upbeat and trust me you learn a lot ! I have never been so motivated in my life! I have seen so much growth in just a few weeks . The coaches are super helpful and will always show you ways to improve ! I 1000% recommend this establishment !

I have been attending Black Flag for about a month now. I have never done any martial arts in my life. The first thing I noticed was the fantastic culture of the staff and the other students. The majority of the higher belts or more experienced students take the time to teach and grow you but at the same time make you put in some work. The whole club encourages you to keep getting better and not giving up. All of the instructors are passionate about sharing this discipline and are patient with new students like me.I look forward to attending class every day. This is great if you are starting or have some experience. Give it a try!

I absolutely love this place! I enrolled my children 2 weeks ago and the individuals here have motivated them in every way possible including coming out of their comfort zone.

The best place to bring your kids to learn grappling!! Would recommend a million times over!

Ive been training at Black Flag for almost a year now and its by far and away the best jiujitsu gym Ive ever trained at. The coaches genuinely pour into their students and the team is super supportive and encouraging in growing your skills and techniques. Most importantly, is how family oriented the whole team is. It legitimately feels like my 2nd family.

This was my first experience with any kind of grappling art. I am so glad I came across Black Flag Jiu Jitsu Club. From the moment I walked in coach Nancy was very welcoming and made me feel at ease. It is not easy to start a martial art later in life. The coaches, specially Gilbert Olivas, is knowledgeable in several grappling arts and uses that knowledge to make everyone well rounded grapplers. This school works with all ages and skill level equally. Everyone is important. Every one is welcome. Love this place. I have found my tribe.

Friendly people working hard and encouraging...

Great place. Im from out of town and dropped in. I received a warm welcome and was offered a loaner gi. The instruction was great and had a good workout. Professor Michelle is knowledgeable and worked with me. Thank youProfessor Gilbert for having me at your club.

My Son Gos here ever scence he started going He has been Diciplined and Learn alot Im glad we made the decision to Go with BFJJ

My Son Gilbert Olivas is the founder and owner of 🖤 Blackflag is MC martial arts Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts self-defens .. I am very proud of that and I am very proud of him as well.Youre doing an absolute amazing job Mijo. I love you so much!

Great owners , great training partners and great environment to learn Jiu jitsu / Wrestling / Striking / Judo & wrap your week up with some Yoga ! I love this place ! Kids classes are available too !

Definitely the best Jiu Jitsu gym Ive been to! The communication and explanation quality/detail is what sets them apart, with their acceptance of those new to the sport. There is a strong emphasis on safety and control. The instructors are top notch quality in knowledge and drive. Couldnt recommend it more to all skill and fitness levels! Give here a try if you are at all interested or just looking to get in shape!

Gilbert is a fantastic coach. He will be tough on you when needed, and know when youve hit a wall. He will go over technique 10-15 times if you ask. He is very versatile in how he delivers technique. He will show you the best way to do a specific submission/take down and can also modify it to make it friendly to the bigger person. Being a bigger guy (300+ lbs) it is very informative knowing what is the safe way to execute technique in a different manner. If you have ever wanted to try wrestling and/or Jiu Jitsu I would recommend taking advantage of Gilberts free week. Try it out, see if you like it or not. You may surprise yourself.

Black Flag is a great team!They’re very supportive and treat you like family. I’ve been in Arizona for a year and I’m glad I found them.If you’re into yoga or grappling check out Black Flag.

I did a catch wrestling class a while ago in this spot. (which catch wrestling is not easy to find anywhere) However this gem in old town Glendale offered that and a variety of different martial arts. I only had the chance to meet two of the instructors Nancy and the owner Gilbert. Both were very cool and welcoming. Any BJJ or MMA enthusiasts should give this place a shot. You won’t regret it.

Great place and great atmosphere! It doesnt feel like most gyms where everyone trys to gang up on the new people. Everyone is really nice and takes time to make sure you understand everything, i definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to start training! Great instructors!

Both my kids attend Black Flag and both love the classes as do we! If we had the ability to be there everyday...we would! The coaches have a passion for what they do and it is evident in their teaching styles. Look out for these two children in the near future! Go BLACK FLAG!!!

Love the atmosphere! Have two kids just beginning and they love the classes, they are always asking when they can go back! Coach Mickey is very good at teaching fundamentals and always keeps the kids attention. With the smaller one that is very hard to do Lol! Big shot out to Black Flag!

Great atmosphere. Coach Gilbert is the man and is genuinely invested in the progression of his students. Everyone there will help you get better. Highly recommended.

I’ve known coach Gilbert for years. He is a hard working individual who is very serious about his craft and takes pride and teaching others. He takes time with each student and helps create confidence and helps each student get better. If you’ve ever wanted to take a chance to learn Jiu-Jitsu this is the place to go! There’s room for everyone if it’s your first day or if your an established veteran. This is a perfect place to test and improve your skill!!

My 1st experience at a combat sport/bjj . Must say am glad I found this place. Its very beginner friendly and full of talented, inspiring teammates and coaches. Definitely worth trying out at least once in your life.

Date: Dec. 27, 2017 to PresentReview for: Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu ClubOwner / Manager: Gilbert OlivasService: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Catch-Can Wrestling / MMA GrapplingBlack Flag Jiu-Jitsu Club is Highly Recommended and Referred.Coach Gilbert and Staff have the utmost courtesy, hospitality, and professionalism. They are on time, attentive, and diligent w/ their teachings of the various Grappling Arts. Their experience and knowledge are unmatched both on and off the mats.Coach Gilbert is a great mentor and very technical in his BJJ skills and teachings. His passion and love for BJJ is not only reflected in his teachings but through his students as well. Great Academy and awesome camaraderie.Thank you for the great experience and professional service.Best regards,Sean B.

Great coaches! My son has learned alot in 7 months. Coach Gilbert and Michelle are excellent in teaching the kids. Great prices also!

Great training facility with a very knowledgeable staff. Also, it’s a good family friendly atmosphere. Everyone at the gym is very welcoming. Also, the way Gilbert runs his classes are very laid back and easy to learn. I recommend this gym to any wanting to learn martial arts.

The coaching staff is very accepting to beginners and capable of training people of all skill levels including black belts of all degrees. Just added a weight room as well. Very clean.

It is a great place to learn to do self defense would recommend 👍👍

From day one at BlackFlag myself, wife, training partners, and entire team have been embraced by the head instructor and his entire coaching staff.For many years we searched for a grappling home here in the valley and found it in BFJJC which was luckily only 2 miles away in Downtown Glendale.BJJ, Submission Arts, and Catch Wrestling are all taught with expertise and at championship level for all ages! We could not be happier with our decision and time here! Do yourself a favor and take the same step! Veteran family owned and operated with a definite family atmosphere.

Gilbert is able to teach anybody, is patient and cares about the progress his students makes. He makes everyone feel welcome. The quality of instruction is world class and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Gilbert, Nancy, 2.0, Denise and the whole BF squad are amazing. Gilbert is pretty much a black belt in everything..dude is a BEAST! My 10 year old son trains here and loves this place. All the coaches and students are extremely friendly and helpful. There is a lot of Jiu-Jitsu gyms in the valley but this one is hands down the best one out here. 🤙🏼

Great location in downtown Glendale. Great instructors who team many forms of grappling.

I have been met with open arms and feel blessed to have found black flag !!! Amazing training and the atmosphere is awesome!

Great place for mma fighters and people that just want to learn self defense

Great team, Gilbert teaches his students excellent self-defense and discipline and respect towards his classmates. My children have little time practicing and I am pleased that they teach them and take care that they are not hurt in the learning process. Thank you Nancy for always answering my questions😊

What a great group of people!!! I came in from out of town, and they welcomed me like family. I cannot say enough nice things about this club. If you are in the area, I highly recommend training with them. Gilbert and his team are awesome, and I was lucky and am grateful they treated me so well. I only hope they travel to my town, so I can return the hospitality,!!!

This club has been very welcoming to me. I continue to learn more with every class and the community and makes everything better. Every student aims to learn more and more from each other and enhance each others skills, which makes for a great environment. Black flag combines this environment with a passion for excellence and a desire for knowledge. Everyone is always absorbing new skills, no matter how advanced the are. Try it out, you wont regret it.

In from out of state and stopped by for the Friday open mat. Got some rolls in and learned a lot. Dudes were very friendly and accommodating for my lack of expertise. Will definitely swing through again if I’m in their neck of the woods.

Dope people. Welcomed me right in. Highly recommend!

I have been training here for a couple months now, and I am happy I chose Blackflag to train. Gilbert and all the instructors have been awesome and helpful with learning what I am doing. They work with and encourage everyone to do well but to always stay in control and protect your health and your training partners health. If you are on the fence about training, do yourself a favor and check it out.EDIT:They just moved to the new facility in downtown Glendale. It is bigger and better then ever! Get down here, lets train.

This place is great! I had never done a martial art before and this place was an ideal location to start. As a woman this place is accepting and welcoming the second you walk in the door. There is always someone willing to talk to you and provide that little extra help we all need the first few months of training.The instructors are amazing as well we learn so much and our skills tend to advance quickly whether you are focusing on fundamentals or improving your skills to the next level. All the participants work well together and the team environment here is something I have not seen in many other places.

Very patient instructiors who genuinely what you to progress.

A great gym that enables beginners and seasoned members to train together but still help both to progress. It has a very comfortable environment no matter your ability level and the guidance in each class is always very well paced and comprehensible. I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone, whether it be for great knowledgeable womens self defense classes, or comprehensive martial arts training.

Its my first month here and Im so glad I cam to Black Flag. Im a complete newbie with no prior martial arts experience of any kind, so I was a little (read: very) nervous before my first class. Everyone here is super friendly and helped me feel at ease. Im learning a lot, having a lot of fun, and getting a really good workout in. Its a great place to learn BJJ whether youre just starting out or you have a lot of experience.

I am taking the Womens Self Defense class on Saturday mornings with Barb. She is a really good teacher and I am learning so much about self-defense. It is on-going to you can continue to practice the techniques until they become automatic response which is what you need. The club itself is a great space, well managed, and the people there are friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend the class for women of all ages.

We brought my 7 year old bonus son here about 2 months ago. He loves it! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The coaches are great!

My husband just started training here this week and Ive never seen him smile this much. He looks forward to coming as soon as he gets home from work! I bring a book and get some much needed enjoyment of reading and watching him have a great time. Hes also already seeing some results from the exercise.Love the large group sizes with abilities in all ranges. He fits right in as a beginner yet is learning a ton from his fellow students.My favorite part, besides his enthusiasm, is how approachable the trainers are. They are super competent and experienced, but cool enough to get to know.I highly suggest this to anyone considering picking up a new hobby, pastime, or exercise regime.

My son and daughter both been coming for 4 weeks now. For the past month I have notice the confidence build-up Their attitude has Gotten humbled Couldnt ask for betterCoaches. When you walk in they make you feel right at home...this is Definitely family friendly environment!!!! Thank you Black Flag jujitsu club for letting my kids have Opportunity to train here...

Amazing, amazing, amazing place. Everybody there is very friendly,kind,and helpful. If you live in Phoenix Or just visiting this is the place the owner/head instructor Gilbert is a fantastic teacher with kids class and the adult class. If I could give this place 10 stars I would but only 5 is max. I highly recommend this place for everybody.

My son has practiced here for 3 years and we cant say enough good about it. The instructors are amazing and its a true community. Feels like family. Ive seen my sons confidence grow by leaps and bounds. At Black Flag, he feels loved, supported and challenged. If youre looking for a great place to train, or interested in getting your child involved, this is the place.

What a great atmosphere! Gilbert, and all of his assistant coaches are amazing great people. Such a welcoming environment for people just looking to get into BJJ, as well as experienced practitioners. Affiliating my team with him was the best decision I ever made.

Awesome place! Got my bonus kids in there for classes and the instructors are amazing. Clean and such a good vibe. Boys are learning fast and look forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays for class.

Ive seen this gym grow and evolve from its humble beginnings, and im proud to have been a part of it. Black flag has build an environment and culture of family, inclusiveness, and a welcoming sense from the moment you step into the gym. You will not find the politics you see in other gyms here, so if youre looking for new gym to call home or just want to try it out for the first time, you wont find a better place.

After 4 years of driving up to different martial art schools and never going in. This place caught my eye and tried out the free week trial. Great place. Feel like I was actually able to learn something without getting destroyed.

Wonderful place to train. Humble teachings, all about respect and swiping your ego at the door. Gilbert has a novel full of experience in different aspects of hand to hand grappling. Reasonably priced and family oriented.

Great place I love the vide 🖤

We love Black Flag! A little over a year ago we walked in the door, having no idea what to expect and absolutely 0 knowledge of the sport. After 1 class, my 7 year old was hooked. He has transformed in front of my eyes into an incredibly fit and confident little boy and I cant wait to see what he ends up doing with this sport that he has fallen in love with. I had never heard of jiu jitsu when we walked in the door and Gilbert patiently answered all my questions when we joined. A little over a year later, this has become a family sport and myself and all my kids are involved. As a single mom, I find the community and support incredibly helpful. The kids coaches not only train and love on my kids but they will step in without hesitation if Im having a discipline issue at home and back me up. As for me, I am 32 years old and have never trained in any martial art, so the idea of getting on the mat was incredibly intimidating. Once I finally took the step, I found myself having an absolute blast and surrounded by people who are, not only, willing and ready to help, but also more than happy to do so! If you are looking for a place to train for yourself, or looking for an outlet for your kids, I couldnt recommend this place enough. I love Black Flag so much, and Im very thankful that we came across the gym at a time when my son very much needed some discipline and structure, and I was in need of a supportive community.

I had been trying to get my 6yr old into a martial art for months with no success. We visited other places and wasnt feeling it. I found Black Flag and we sat in on 3-4 classes before he finally decided to step on the mat. He has been so excited since that day and he says he wants to always do jiu jijuitsu. I would highly recommend this place..😁

My sons takes 4 different classes here and loves it. They treat everyone like family. Gabriel one of the wrestling coachs is awesome especially if you have a kid in school wrestling. Gilbert the guy who runs the gym makes safety a priority.

One of the few affordable gyms that offers world class training with one of the best atmospheres without judgement. They are one of the few that focuses on training new people while advancing those who train regularly. There are no easy paths just hard work and if your willing to put in the work you will get more out of this gym than most.

This is one of the top gyms in the state of Arizona! I have the pleasure of cross training here from time to time and the atmosphere, people and instruction is amazing! This team pushes everyone to get better every night! Gilbert Olivas is an amazing instructor!

I’m new to BJJ but the team and coaches at the Black Flag Jiu Jitsu Club are the best. They do great job explaining the techniques and going the appropriate speed for the class. Also my kids are in classes as well (4-7 y/o). They have made friends and are having a blast as well. If you have any interest in learning BJJ or getting your kids into a great sport with a great group take the time to stop by or give them a call.

I take the Brutal Barb classes here on Saturdays and just completed class #6. I love the fact that anyone, regardless of strength, can successfully defend themselves against an attacker. It is also really nice to have the opportunity to go to a safe place to practice the self-defense techniques that are learned in class. Barbara and Gilbert are great to work with, and I always look forward to my Saturday mornings!There is a welcoming atmosphere in this studio, and I would (and have) recommend this studio to anyone. The kids that come to class right after ours, look so excited and happy to be there! I can understand why.

I started going to the gym about a year ago and honestly it feels more like home then anything. Its a very close group of people that all get along well while learning some killer technique and having a great time. Its afforable and has A variety of classes to choose from to fit your schedule. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone looking whether its for adults or children.

There are great coaches

Great spot to train. Very disciplined. I would recommend to anyone who is beginning jiu jitsu or highly advanced. Great work here

I had a GREAT experience at Black Flag Jiu Jitsu! Gilbert is an excellent instructor whose technique is only exceeded by his humility. He creates a great environment for learning and competing. He and his students were very polite and welcoming. I felt right at home. I would recommend this gym to anyone who likes a laid back approach to working hard and getting better.

Loved the people, this gym gives out a great vibe and makes everyone feel welcome. Its set up more like a family than anything else. If youre looking to have fun, make friends, and get in shape this is the place to do it!!

Ive been here for a little over a year and it was the best decision I made. Not only are the instructors excellent teachers, they are also amazing people. This is my second home and i encourage anyone looking for a great training experience come here.

My experience at black flag was great! The instructor makes sure the newer students are getting the help they need. The sense of comradery is strong. The Instructor is funny. Overall, great place for BJJ. Would recommend.

Amazing gym! Coach Gilbert is a great instructor, very helpful and patient. I enjoy every minute I train. I’ve learned so much in the little time I’ve been here, I look forward to every class.

Great gym, great atmosphere, great team. Welcomed whether youre brand new or advanced.

Took a Self Defense class here and it was great! Gilbert and his team gave us great advice and showed some really practical defense techniques. Highly recommend this place and I will be back!

Great School, Coach Gilbert and the rest of the crew have been nothing but short of awesome and patient with me and honestly it’s like a family feel once you join. Would most Defentitly recommend to anyone who’s just starting out like me or someone advanced and the week trail is always a plus.

Black Flag is an excellent gym and I highly recommend it! I visited Phoenix from Puerto Rico for a month and they took me in like family. The instructors Gilbert, Gabriel, and Nestor are not only experts, they are great teachers. They take time to work with beginners (like myself) and meanwhile are training some beasts (awesome place to roll). All the members are super friendly and it has an awesome vibe. If I lived in Phoenix this would be my home.

The people here are super friendly and inviting. Ive only been training for a couple months but I already feel like Ive found a community Ill be with for a long time at Black Flag

This is an awesome gym for anyone from veteran fighters to beginners. I went in with absolutely no fighting training and love it. Its like a huge family and its truly great.

Gilbert is a great guy, ambassador veterans and the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. He’s a great person and has a very welcoming club. I attended a seminar at his school and it was awesome. He has a very clean school that’s inviting to all. I recommend you stop in and take a class or just meet him.

Ive been training here for about 10 months and its been great. From the moment I started they have been very welcoming. They offer a wide range of classes with knowledgable instructors. I would suggest checking out their schedule and taking advantage of their free trail to get a feel for the culture and environment.

I absolutely love this gym!! Gilbert is amazing! They’re super positive, and don’t make you feel awkward at all, which was my main stressor. They made it a blast. I highly recommend! Go kick some arse!

A great place filled with great people. A very hands on approach and a very personal feeling program. Each instructor very clearly cares for each and every student and strives to make them a better fighter and person.

Checked this place out after moving to Phoenix. Really liked it, highly recommend it, but it was a bit of a drive for me.Super friendly and awesome coaches.

Great people and good atmosphere. Gilbert is a great dude and will do you right. Very well ran.

Absouletly amazing gym. Very knowledgeable and family friendly. Coach Gilbert and his team of coaches, along with the upper belts are always willing to go the extra mile and share their wisdom.

My son hasn’t been doing Jiu Jitsu for very long but I already see a change in his attitude. He’s been involved in various sports in the past but has never demonstrated the improvement in self esteem, concentration, and confidence that he has since going to Black Flag. He’s always had a pretty tough time in school and is finally developing a sense of determination and pride in himself thanks to Gilbert and the other instructors. I’m beyond grateful for the Black Flag community of instructors and families.

Amazing classes for both kids and adults. Family oriented and friendly environment. Love the atmosphere and the people.

Welcoming, knowledgeable, clean, friendly. This gym has a strong sense of community and excellent instruction. The instructors are great at helping a newbie fit in and the other pexpletive who practice there are personable. They focus more on competitive grappling but do so with supior understanding.

The best atmosphere Ive ever been a part of. This place is my home away from home.

Black flag has been one of the best schools Ive been to in a while. Very down to earth and welcoming.

Ego free and welcome to every BJJ team and all levels. Feels like family. Highly recommend for everyone.

Im from Pittsburgh, Pa and Ive cross trained at many gyms and this place is by far one of the best gyms Ive been to. Gilbert is the main instructor, he makes you feel right at home. The Environment is extremely friendly and everyone there works with you, weather your a white belt or a black belt this is where you want to be. They also offer Nogi classes and I really rarely leave reviews but this place really deserves this review. Most places charge an arm and a leg for training but not this place. The prices here are totally reasonable and the classes are pretty big so you wont have a problem finding someone to roll with. Gilbert is an awesome instructor he really explains in detail what your doing wrong and proper form from A-Z and why you do what you do. In all honesty Ive learned more out of this gym than any of the other gyms Ive rolled at. Anyone can teach but not everyone can teach it correctly or has the patience like this guy does. If your looking for a place to train hands down this place is where you should go. I hope this review was helpful for anyone looking for a place to start training at.

Fun family environment, great group of instructors and classmates. Definitely suggest you come out and give one of their classes a try if not all till you figure which you like best :-)

Been looking for a Jiu Jitsu for my son to start and let me say, this place make you feel welcome right in!! From the staff to the parents are very welcome and friendly also. My son been with Black Flag seens April of 2018 and he loves it. I recommend this place to any adult and youth that are looking to start Jiu Jitsu this year!!

Awesome gym! Great family environment, once it is financially applicable my whole family will train here. My son is super excited to start training next month. Excellent no pressure none judmental training environment with open minded people willing to exchnage ideas and teach.

Great Place, very friendly. Lots of room. all at a great price.

Great gym with excellent coaches. Coach Gilbert is very knowledgeable in both Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu as well as an amazing instructor who is willing to break techniques down step by step for those who may not understand. While coach Sean is humble and educated in his teachings of MMA. Definitely recommend for anybody trying to get started in the right environment

3 weeks in and I am loving this place!!!!So far Ive only participated in the MMA classes but definetly interested in participating in the other classes they offer as well!!! Why limit yourself??!! GREAT ATMOSPHERE!! GREAT INSTRUCTORS!! Thank You for your patience!!😊

I have experience training in other big gyms but i found my home here. I ben training and developing my BJJ here for a couple years, i would not trade it for any other. What makes this work is the leadership, very caring and supportive therefor this gym is full of friendly faces of all types and sizes from any background or skill level.