Skip to main content

    ABOUT US

    Our Story

    More Than A Gym

    Madrid Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense is more than a gym, it's a purpose-driven academy built on the belief that real martial arts training changes lives. Founded in Scottsdale, AZ by Coach Daniel Madrid, the academy was created to offer structured, high-quality Jiu Jitsu instruction in an environment where every student matters.

    Unlike large commercial gyms where students get lost in the crowd, Madrid Jiu Jitsu keeps classes small and intentional. Every session is designed to develop real skill, not just repetition, but understanding. Students learn to think under pressure, control situations calmly, and carry themselves with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from disciplined training.

    The academy serves a diverse community, adults looking to get in shape and learn self-defense, women seeking a dedicated and supportive training space, and families who want their kids to develop discipline, respect, and resilience from a young age. Whether you're 5 or 50, a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, there's a place for you here.

    At Madrid Jiu Jitsu, the mat is where your story begins. Every class, every roll, every breakthrough, it all adds up. And the best part? You don't have to be great to start. You just have to start.

    Meet the Instructor Dedicated to Your Success

    MEET PROFESSOR DANIEL MADRID

    Take a minute to hear why Madrid Jiu Jitsu was built for you.

    Daniel Madrid, Head Coach & Owner
    Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

    Daniel Madrid

    Head Coach & Owner

    Daniel Madrid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accolades: 3rd degree black belt, IBJJF, JJWL and NAGA championDaniel Madrid MMA accolades: Bellator MMA veteran, LFA veteran, Rage in the Cage and King of the Cage middleweight champion

    MMA & BJJ Career Highlights

    Biography

    Mission: To help every student build confidence, discipline, resilience, and practical self-defense through authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a welcoming, family-focused environment.

    Professor Daniel Madrid is a former professional MMA fighter and a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Jay Pages with more than 20 years of martial arts experience. As a father, coach, and academy owner, Daniel believes every student deserves personal attention, a structured path for growth, and a place where they feel welcomed from day one.

    Madrid Jiu Jitsu was founded to provide world-class instruction while building a culture centered on respect, humility, accountability, and community. Every student has a unique journey, inspiring the academy's motto: Every Mat Has A Story. Write Yours Here.

    Credentials & Accomplishments

    • Confidence: Develop confidence that extends beyond the mats, giving students the courage to face challenges in everyday life.
    • Discipline: Build accountability, focus, and habits that create long-term success.
    • Practical Self-Defense: Learn realistic techniques that prepare you to protect yourself and your loved ones.
    • Family Community: Become part of a welcoming academy where friendships are formed and families grow together.
    • Professional Instruction: Train under Professor Daniel Madrid, a former professional MMA fighter and 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt.
    • Personal Growth: Every class develops stronger bodies, stronger minds, and stronger character.
    Visit Us

    FIND US

    Location
    8240 E Gelding Dr #115
    Scottsdale, AZ 85260
    Hours
    Mon/Wed/Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
    Tue/Thu: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Sat–Sun: By Appointment
    Common Questions

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    If you don't see your question here, feel free to reach out!

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Google Reviews
    5.0
    Vivian Marquardta week ago

    Great coach , great training, great atmosphere.

    Annamaria Gowlanda month ago

    Moving to the United States as a family brought many challenges and adjustments. Our son Connor faced more difficulties than most, particularly with bullying and being seen as “different.” As parents, we often felt unsure about how to support him without becoming overprotective. Finding Madrid Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense and meeting Professor Daniel was truly a blessing for our family. From day one, Professor Daniel welcomed us with warmth, patience, and genuine care. He embraced our family, quirks and all, and immediately created a sense of belonging. Under his guidance, Connor has grown from strength to strength. He has become more confident, disciplined, resilient, and secure in himself. Terrick has also gained valuable knowledge, skills, and a deeper understanding of discipline, perseverance, and self-defense. Professor Daniel has an incredible ability to connect with both children and adults, meeting each student where they are and helping them grow at their own pace. His wealth of knowledge is matched by his ability to teach in a way that is engaging, encouraging, and fun. He does not simply teach jiu jitsu and self-defense; he teaches confidence, respect, responsibility, and mental strength. Every time we walk through the doors of the training center, it feels like we are walking into the home of extended family. We are incredibly grateful to Professor Daniel for everything he has taught Connor and Terrick and for the positive influence he continues to have on our entire family. We could not recommend Madrid Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense highly enough.

    Tim Brousseau2 months ago

    What an amazing experience. I scheduled a private self-defense class for my wife and teenage daughters since they are my most valuable assets in life. Going into it I told the girls to 1. Have fun! and 2. Learn 1-2 moves that will allow to allude a potential attacker. Danny spent 60 mins getting to know my family, making the girls feel comfortable and then we learned defense, escape and submission tactics. It was IMMENSELY helpful. The girls agreed that they want to return for a refresher or additional training. I also asked Danny if he would do a group lesson for our daughters volleyball team as a team building and safety activity and he was thrilled to support. Thx Danny for helping me feel like my daughters are safer today than they were before taking the class.

    Brian Pankratz2 months ago

    Our daughter has really enjoyed her time at Madrid JJ&SD. Daniel has great leadership and direction with the class and it is easy to see how much more is being taught to our child in addition to JJ&SD. We can’t recommend a better location to come roll at!

    Brianna Green3 months ago

    My 11 year old daughter has been training at Daniel Madrid Jiu Jitsu twice a week for six months now and it’s been such a positive experience for her. She normally gets frustrated and quits activities but this has been different as she genuinely looks forward to going every week, and I’ve seen a huge difference in her confidence, discipline, and overall growth as a person since starting here. Daniel is an excellent professor and really takes the time to work with the kids individually. Because the gym is smaller, the students get a lot more personal attention instead of just getting lost in a huge class. Daniel Madrid offers an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and never intimidating, which made it easy for my daughter to feel comfortable right away. Another thing I really appreciated was how affordable the gym is, especially compared to a lot of other places, and they let you try classes for about a week before committing which says a lot about how confident they are in what they offer. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great jiu jitsu gym for kids.