Why TNT Is the Best BJJ Gym in Phoenix
TNT MMA is Phoenix’s premier No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Led by Professor Scott Tannenbaum — a 6th degree black belt with over 40 years in martial arts — we teach BJJ the way it was meant to be taught: built around real self-defense, not sport point-scoring.
A 6th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exceptionally rare — fewer than 1% of all BJJ practitioners ever reach black belt, and only a handful in the entire world hold a 6th degree or higher. It represents decades of dedication, mastery, and contribution to the art. Professor Scott earned this rank directly under Rigan Machado, an 8th degree coral belt and one of the most legendary figures in BJJ history. That direct lineage is what separates TNT from every other gym in Arizona.
Professor Scott also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido and a 1st degree in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. That depth of cross-disciplinary knowledge enriches every class at TNT.
Our students are promoted and recognized under four governing associations: the TNT BJJ Federation, WBJJO (World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Organization), Rigan Machado Association, and IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation). When you earn a rank at TNT, it’s recognized worldwide.
What You’ll Learn in Our No-Gi BJJ Classes
We don’t teach sport jiu-jitsu. We teach No-Gi BJJ built around real self-defense — the kind that works when someone is actually swinging at you. That means striking defense, parrying punches, takedowns, and clinch work from day one.
Our curriculum covers a complete self-defense system:
- Striking defense — how to close the distance safely when someone is throwing punches
- Takedowns and clinch work — control the fight before it hits the ground
- Ground control and submissions — finish from dominant positions
- Wrestling and Judo — standing grappling that works in real situations
- Standing escapes and weapon defense — practical skills for real-world encounters
No-Gi BJJ is more realistic than traditional Gi training because in real life, attackers aren’t wearing a heavy jacket you can grip. By training without the Gi, you develop skills that translate directly to self-defense and MMA.
Who Are Our BJJ Classes For?
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Phoenix welcome everyone — from complete beginners to experienced competitors. You don’t need any prior martial arts experience to start.
- Complete beginners — We’ll teach you the fundamentals from day one in a safe, supportive environment
- Fitness-minded adults — BJJ is one of the best full-body workouts you’ll ever do
- Self-defense seekers — Learn practical skills that work in real situations
- MMA fighters and competitors — Sharpen your ground game with world-class instruction
- Kids and teens — We offer youth BJJ programs that build confidence, discipline, and fitness (View our youth classes)
Whether you’re 15 or 55, athletic or just getting started — there’s a place for you on the mat at TNT.
About Professor Scott Tannenbaum
Professor Scott Tannenbaum is a 6th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a former professional fighter, and one of Arizona’s most experienced martial arts instructors. With over 40 years of training and teaching, he has built TNT MMA into one of the most respected academies in the state.
His lineage traces directly to Rigan Machado (8th degree coral belt), giving TNT students access to one of the purest BJJ lineages in the world. Professor Scott’s teaching style emphasizes practical application — every technique you learn at TNT has been tested in real fights and real self-defense situations.
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