The Best Martial Arts in Yuma

Larios Karate Club is Yuma's best martial arts school, known for pressure-point techniques and transforming kids' confidence across nearly three decades.

By The Scoop Editorial Team · How we pick · Updated June 2026

Larios Karate Club

★★★★★ 4.8 · 45 reviews

Open 5 PM–9 PM, closed Sun & Fri & Sat

For nearly thirty years, Larios Karate Club has taught pressure-point techniques that don't depend on size or strength, offering classes for children and adults at every skill level. Students compete across the Southwest and into Mexico, with tournament travel to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Rosarito, Palm Springs, and Mexicali building both belt advancement and real-world composure. The discipline shows up at home and in school, which is why families bring younger siblings after watching one child transform. Private lessons customize the curriculum to individual goals and pace. Classes run weekdays only, leaving weekends open for competition travel and focused training camps.

"Environment is welcoming, structured, and motivating. Sensei pushes the kids to do their best while still making it fun…"Verified review

Best for: Families seeking long-term mentorship and discipline

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1292 S 5th Ave #4, Yuma

Larios Karate Club, Martial Arts in Yuma — Larios Karate ClubPhoto: Rosalina Rocha

1292 S 5th Ave #4, Yuma

2No. 2 in Yuma

Dune Sea Grappling Club

★★★★★ 5 · 18 reviews

Open 4 PM–8 PM most days

Dune Sea Grappling Club runs tight, focused sessions where kids leave having learned something tangible. The coaching stays patient but pushes growth, building confidence that carries into homework and chores. Competition teams train regularly, racking up medals across age groups. The gym also offers yoga and wrestling programs, broadening what families can access under one roof. ESA ClassWallet vendor status makes the academy accessible to more students, and free trials let prospective families test the fit before committing. Saturday and Sunday sessions give families weekend training options.

"Nothing at this gym is given, everything is earned."Verified review

Best for: Kids who thrive with clear structure and competition

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280 W 32nd St, Yuma

Dune Sea Grappling Club, Martial Arts in Yuma — Dune Sea Grappling ClubPhoto: Tiffany Castillo

280 W 32nd St, Yuma

3No. 3 in Yuma

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu

★★★★★ 5 · 16 reviews

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu builds discipline and confidence in kids through structured classes taught by a black belt instructor who meets students where they are. The academy welcomes beginners and experienced grapplers, with a family atmosphere that makes new members feel comfortable from day one. Affordable pricing and a competition team for those ready to test their skills complete the offering.

"…everyone was just one big family…"Verified review

Best for: Parents prioritizing affordability and personal connection

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1076 S 4th Ave, Yuma

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts in Yuma — Carlson Gracie Jiu JitsuPhoto: Eva Quezada

1076 S 4th Ave, Yuma

4No. 4 in Yuma

Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

★★★★★ 4.9 · 15 reviews

Open 4 PM–8 PM most days, closed Sun

Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu runs kids' classes starting at age four, with structure built for short attention spans and coaching that rewards patience. A dedicated women's program expands the roster. The training space is tight, so mat placements stay limited and gear access can feel competitive during busy sessions, but class sizes remain manageable.

"We're here to build outstanding human beings. Let's put our egos in our pocket, and focus on personal growth."Verified review

Best for: Families valuing personal growth over flashy facilities

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3780 S 4th Ave A2, Yuma

Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts in Yuma — Aztec Brazilian Jiu JitsuPhoto: Joshua Pruett

3780 S 4th Ave A2, Yuma

5No. 5 in Yuma

Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

★★★★★ 4.8 · 19 reviews

Open 5 PM–8:30 PM most days

Coaches by name and character set Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu apart. The instructors guide students with patience and expertise, building skill and confidence in equal measure. A homeschool class offers flexibility for families managing alternative schedules. Beginner-friendly instruction accommodates all skill levels, and the positive atmosphere keeps kids engaged session after session.

"Great BJJ class for kids, coaches are great and have done wonders for my son's growth, discipline/behavior & confidence."Verified review

Best for: Homeschool families needing midday training options

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280 W 32nd St, Yuma

Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts in Yuma — Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu JitsuPhoto: SD Vava

280 W 32nd St, Yuma

How Yuma's Top Martial Arts Compare

How Yuma's top Martial Arts compare across key factors
Business	Hours	Known for
Larios Karate Club Top Pick	5 PM–9 PM	Families seeking long-term mentorship and discipline

Dune Sea Grappling Club	4 PM–8 PM	Kids who thrive with clear structure and competition
Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu	Not listed	Parents prioritizing affordability and personal connection
Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu	4 PM–8 PM	Families valuing personal growth over flashy facilities
Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu	5 PM–8:30 PM	Homeschool families needing midday training options

What People Are Saying

25% of Larios Karate Club reviews mention the confidence.

★★★★★

I enrolled my daughter at the age of 7 because she was a very serious, shy, and quiet child, and for that reason, the other girls her age were bullying her…

Larios Karate Club

★★★★★

The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone grow.

Dune Sea Grappling Club

★★★★★

Kids always get the individual attention they need and are always challenged to do better…

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Martial Arts in Yuma

Martial arts enrollment in Yuma holds steady year-round, driven by military families stationed at MCAS Yuma and locals seeking structured after-school programs for kids. Jiu jitsu dominates the market, with four of five schools teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu and only one dedicated karate dojo. Class schedules cluster in late afternoon and evening windows, matching school dismissal times and work schedules. Weekend sessions at several academies give families flexibility during slower months. Competition travel reaches Las Vegas, Phoenix, and border cities like Mexicali and Rosarito, with tournament teams training across age groups and skill levels.

What to Know Before You Choose

Check whether the dojo offers trial classes or a free introductory session so you can assess the teaching style and environment before signing a contract.
Ask about the instructor's lineage, certifications, and competitive or teaching background in the specific discipline you're considering, whether that's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, or mixed martial arts.
Confirm the student-to-instructor ratio during typical classes, especially for beginners who need close attention to avoid injury and build proper technique.
Find out if the school emphasizes sport competition, traditional forms and philosophy, practical self-defense application, or fitness, and make sure that aligns with your goals.
Inquire about belt promotion timelines and testing fees, as some schools have clear milestone systems while others operate on vague schedules with surprise costs.
Look for clean mats, functional equipment, and a well-ventilated space, since martial arts training involves close contact and sweat.
Ask about contract terms, especially auto-renewal clauses, cancellation policies, and whether month-to-month options exist if you're unsure about long-term commitment.
Visit during a scheduled class to observe how instructors handle discipline, safety, and respect among students of different ages and skill levels.

Questions Yuma Locals Ask

What is the best martial arts school in Yuma?

Larios Karate Club is the best martial arts school in Yuma, known for pressure-point karate techniques and nearly thirty years of teaching experience. Sensei Larios builds confidence and discipline in students, with families reporting measurable changes in behavior and self-esteem. Classes serve children and adults, with tournament travel offering competition exposure across the Southwest.

Where can kids learn jiu jitsu in Yuma?

Dune Sea Grappling Club, Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu all offer youth jiu jitsu programs in Yuma. Dune Sea runs structured competition training with weekend sessions, while Carlson Gracie focuses on affordability and personal connection. Aztec serves students as young as four, and Rogue Wave offers homeschool classes for flexible scheduling.

Are there martial arts schools in Yuma that accept ESA ClassWallet?

Dune Sea Grappling Club is an ESA ClassWallet vendor in Yuma, making martial arts training accessible to families using education savings accounts. The academy offers youth jiu jitsu classes, competition teams, and additional programs like yoga and wrestling. Free trials let prospective students test the fit before enrolling.

What martial arts styles are taught in Yuma?

Yuma's martial arts schools teach karate and Brazilian jiu jitsu. Larios Karate Club specializes in pressure-point karate techniques that work without relying on strength. The other four academies focus on Brazilian jiu jitsu, with programs ranging from competition Gi training to beginner-friendly classes for kids and adults.

Do Yuma martial arts schools offer weekend classes?

Dune Sea Grappling Club and Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu both offer weekend sessions in Yuma. Dune Sea runs Saturday mornings and Sunday midday classes, while Rogue Wave holds Saturday and Sunday afternoon training. Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers Saturday morning sessions. Larios Karate Club operates weekdays only, closing Friday through Sunday.

Which Yuma martial arts school is best for homeschool families?

Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers a dedicated homeschool class in Yuma, providing flexible midday training that fits alternative schedules. The coaching staff accommodates all skill levels, and the positive environment helps kids build confidence and discipline. Families with multiple children appreciate the patient instruction and welcoming atmosphere.

Are there affordable martial arts options in Yuma?

Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu is known for affordable pricing in Yuma, removing cost barriers for families managing tight budgets or multiple children. The black belt instructor builds personal connections with students while maintaining high-quality instruction. The welcoming, family-like atmosphere makes new members feel at home from the first class.

What age can kids start martial arts in Yuma?

Aztec Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accepts students as young as four years old in Yuma, with coaching designed to handle short attention spans while maintaining discipline and structure. Larios Karate Club, Dune Sea Grappling Club, Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and Rogue Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu also serve youth programs, though specific age minimums vary by academy. Most schools offer free trials to help families determine readiness.

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