Business Details
29 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Tempe, AZ
At Fluid Martial Arts, we have dedicated ourselves to the art and science of combat sports since 1997. Our founder, John T. Burns, established this academy with a vision to create a welcoming environment where individuals of all ages and skill levels can explore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA. Our team of certified black belts and experienced instructors brings decades of combined expertise in both competition and practical self-defense applications. We emphasize technical precision, physical conditioning, and mental discipline while fostering a supportive community atmosphere. Our programs cater to families seeking quality time together, adults pursuing fitness and personal growth, and competitive athletes aiming to refine their skills.Through structured curricula and personalized attention, we ensure each student progresses at their own pace while mastering essential techniques. Our facility in Tempe, AZ, hosts regular community-building events and maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse lifestyles. With a proven track record of producing championship competitors and confident practitioners, we remain committed to advancing martial arts education through innovation and tradition.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Judo Instruction
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Mixed Martial Arts
Youth Programs
Adult Classes
Strength Training
Self-Defense
Competition Prep
Tiny Tigers Program
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer programs for all ages, from Tiny Tigers (ages 3-5) to adult classes
- Our instructors include multiple championship competitors and certified black belts
- We host regular community-building events and seasonal activities
- Flexible scheduling with morning, evening, and weekend class options
- We provide free trial week opportunities for new students
What people say
Amazing coaches
Loves the Tiny Tigers program
Super cool people
Affordable prices
Community building events
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program teaches ground fighting techniques emphasizing leverage over strength. Students learn submission holds, positional control, and strategic grappling through structured lessons and controlled sparring. This martial art develops physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and self-defense capabilities for practitioners of all sizes and experience levels.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai instruction focuses on stand-up striking using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes emphasize proper technique, conditioning, and clinch work. Students develop cardiovascular endurance, striking precision, and defensive reflexes while learning this traditional Thai martial art known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs.'
Youth Programs
Our youth programs cater to children aged 3-15 with age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Tiny Tigers (3-5 years) builds foundational skills while older children learn Kenpo Karate, Judo, and BJJ. These classes promote discipline, confidence, and physical coordination in a fun, structured environment.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA training combines striking and grappling techniques from multiple disciplines. Students develop comprehensive combat skills including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and submission grappling. This program prepares athletes for competitive fighting while improving overall fitness, reaction time, and tactical awareness in a safe, supervised setting.
Judo Instruction
Judo classes teach throws, takedowns, and ground control techniques using an opponent's momentum against them. Students learn both standing (nage-waza) and groundwork (ne-waza) techniques while developing balance, timing, and strategic thinking. This Olympic sport emphasizes efficient movement and practical self-defense applications.
People
John T. Burns
Head Instructor / Founder
1st Degree BJJ Black Belt with 25+ years martial arts experience. Arizona State University graduate specializing in youth development and technical instruction. Founder of Fluid Martial Arts in 1997.
Karen Burns
Youth and Adult Jiujitsu Instructor
IBJJF World Masters Champion with expertise in women's self-defense. 2nd Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo Karate. Specializes in youth instruction and competitive preparation.
Nicholas Burns
Youth and Adult Jiujitsu Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt with multiple state championship titles. Focuses on NoGi grappling techniques and practical self-defense applications for both youth and adult students.
Anthony Lopez
Muay Thai and MMA Instructor
Experienced Muay Thai coach and MMA competitor. Holds purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Specializes in sport-specific strength and conditioning programs for martial artists.
George Uema
Youth and Adult Judo Instructor
5th Degree Judo Black Belt with over 50 years martial arts experience. Focuses on traditional Judo techniques and character development through structured technical instruction.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts programs for all skill levels.
Do you have classes for children?
Yes! Our Tiny Tigers program serves ages 3-5, and youth programs for ages 6-15 include BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, we offer a free trial week for new students to experience our classes before committing.
What should I wear for my first class?
For BJJ/Judo wear comfortable athletic clothing. For Muay Thai wear shorts and a t-shirt. We provide loaner gear.
Do you offer competitive training opportunities?
Yes, we have competition preparation programs and regularly produce championship-level competitors in multiple disciplines.
What are your class schedules like?
We offer flexible scheduling with morning, evening, and weekend classes across all disciplines. View full schedule online.
