The East Valley central hub for adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Dark Matter serves Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and beyond with Ares BJJ Black Belt instruction six days a week. First class is free.
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It's not just a workout. It's not just self-defense. East Valley members tell us jiu-jitsu changed how they move through every part of their life. Here's what to expect.
At 1525 E Apache Blvd in Tempe, we are accessible from every East Valley city within 20 minutes. The 101 and 202 freeways put us at the crossroads of the region.
While other gyms treat jiu-jitsu as one offering among many, Dark Matter is built around BJJ as our core discipline. That singular focus means deeper instruction and faster development.
5.0 stars on Google with 63 reviews. Members from 8+ East Valley cities. Regular competitors at regional and national tournaments. The numbers confirm this is the real deal.
East Valley members consistently drop gym memberships after starting BJJ. One activity gives you cardio, strength, flexibility, stress relief, and community. Nothing at a commercial gym competes.
Coach Korey teaches you to understand WHY techniques work — not just how to copy movements. You develop problem-solving ability, not just a collection of memorized moves.
Members come from Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and beyond. The mat is where the East Valley comes together.
The East Valley has scattered martial arts options across multiple cities. But for adults seeking quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — technique-focused, Black Belt-led, with a serious training culture — the options thin quickly. Dark Matter has become the regional destination.
What draws members from across the valley is coaching depth. Coach Korey teaches a progressive curriculum where each class builds on previous concepts. Every session fits into a larger development path.
Our location at 1525 E Apache Blvd sits at the hub of the East Valley freeway system. From Mesa: 7-12 min. Chandler: 10-15. Gilbert: 15-20. Scottsdale: 15-20. Ahwatukee: 15-18. Every city has a clean freeway route.
Six training days per week with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend options. Members from farther cities batch their training — coming 2-3 times per week and making each session count.
Being on Apache Blvd means we're part of the ASU community. Current students, grad students, faculty, and staff are all welcome. If you've been wanting to try a martial art but didn't know where to start, we're literally in your neighborhood. Several of our members walked in as ASU students with zero experience and are now some of our most dedicated practitioners.
We run both Gi (traditional uniform) and No-Gi classes. Gi training develops precise grips, patience, and technical detail. No-Gi is faster, more athletic, and translates directly to real-world self-defense scenarios. Most Tempe members end up training both and finding value in the contrast. You'll figure out what you prefer — or realize you love both.
Our curriculum is structured for progression. Beginners learn fundamentals — survival, escapes, basic submissions — without getting thrown into the deep end. Experienced practitioners get quality training partners and coaching that continues to sharpen their game. Everyone trains together with respect, and the culture ensures new members are welcomed and supported from day one.
Morning, evening, and weekend training — six days a week.
No contracts. No pressure. Walk in, train, and see if the mats are where you belong.
Fill this out — we'll call or text to schedule your free class.
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