“If you’re ready to transform your fitness, confidence, and mindset, you’ve come to the right place. At Carlson Gracie Tucson, we believe everyone has the potential to succeed. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, and teach real, effective self-defense.
Whether your goal is fitness, discipline, competition, or personal growth, our academy will guide you every step of the way. Start your journey today and experience the difference.”
André Freire is a bonafide Brazilian with a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who has extensive teaching experience and who enjoys sharing his skills as he teaches both children and adult classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
André believes that respect is an important value in life and that you must give respect to get respect. To André fighting and competing teaches respect. He also believes that being a martial artist isn’t just about winning or losing, but rather, it’s about controlling your feelings and centering yourself, so much so that nothing can disturb your mind.
Naruepon Fairtex is a highly decorated traditional Muay Thai fighter from Bangkok, Thailand. He is passionate about his craft and sharing his skills through teaching youth and adult Muay Thai classes. Naruepon brings 30 years of experience in competition and instruction of traditional Muay Thai.
Naruepon started training Muay Thai when he was seven years old at Sakhomsin Gym in Bangkok, Thailand. As a young boy Naruepon had a small build and frame, frequently getting picked on by the other boys at his school.
Dr. Dan Modrzejewski is a native of Tucson, Arizona. His initial martial arts training began in middle school where he participated in Kenpo Karate earning his brown belt, then moved to wrestling in high school and college. Dan has been involved with Jiu Jitsu for over 10 years and has been with Carlson Gracie Tucson since their opening. He currently coaches the Fundamental and Executive classes.
Nathan Wright is a brown belt under Professor Andre Freire and has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over five years. For more than four of those years, he has specialized in coaching children, blending his passion for the art with a strong commitment to youth development. His teaching style emphasizes discipline, fun, and confidence-building-creating an environment where kids thrive both on and off the mats.
At Carlson Gracie Tucson, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Our school constantly strives to be the best, with hands-on instruction from highly-experienced instructors, a modern training space, and a commitment to the individual improvement of each and every student. We uphold an encouraging and uplifting environment, and above all else, want to see you succeed. If you join Carlson Gracie Tucson, you’ll not only grow as an athlete, but you’ll grow tremendously as a person.
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