At Carlson Gracie Oro Valley, we pride ourselves on excellence, offering world-class instruction with a highly skilled, pedagogical, and professional team. Our structured programs are designed to help students of all levels develop discipline, confidence, and technical mastery in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Step onto the mats with zero risk and zero obligations. Discover why Oro Valley chooses us for self-defense, elite fitness, and a supportive community.
You don’t need to be in shape, and you don’t need any prior martial arts experience. Whether your goal is to learn real-world self-defense, drop a few pounds, or find a positive outlet for your kids, we want to prove that our academy is the perfect fit for you—completely free for a full week.
What You Get With Your Free Week:
Unlimited Access: Try our beginner-friendly BJJ, striking, or kids’ programs to see what fits your schedule best.
A Welcoming Environment: Learn from expert instructors who prioritize your safety, comfort, and step-by-step progress.
Zero Pressure Guarantee: Train with us for 7 days. If you don’t love the vibe, the workout, and the people, you walk away. No strings attached.
CARLSON GRACIE ORO VALLEY
Carlson Gracie Oro Valley has received extremely positive reviews from its students. The school has an average rating of 5.0 stars based on many reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction among practitioners.
CARLSON GRACIE ORO VALLEY
CARLSON GRACIE ORO VALLEY
Find the Perfect Time for Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey
We understand life can get busy, but with our flexible schedule, you can easily find a time that fits into your daily routine and your family’s as well. Whether you’re looking to embark on your own Jiu-Jitsu journey or introduce your child to the art, we offer a variety of class times that perfectly accommodate any schedule. Take the opportunity to schedule a class at Carlson Gracie Oro Valley, the ideal place to grow, learn, and develop in a safe and welcoming environment.
Without discipline, there is no mastery, neither in Jiu-Jitsu nor in life. Discipline equals freedom!
“I don’t have time to workout.” Familiar? This is a very common excuse that your brain makes up to keep you from accomplishing something difficult.
Do you have a hard time sticking to a routine? Our classes are fun and addictive and we’ll be there to support you along the way.
Don’t like to work out at a gym because you get bored? You’re not alone. Jiu-Jitsu is like a human game of chess, keeping your workouts exciting!
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Welcome to our world-class facilities at Carlson Gracie Oro Valley. Our space is equipped to support your training and growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here, you’ll find spacious training areas with high-quality mats, ensuring a safe and effective practice environment. Our community space provides a welcoming area to relax and connect with fellow practitioners. Experience the best in martial arts training at Carlson Gracie Oro Valley.
Professor Valentino Olguin is the head instructor and owner of Carlson Gracie Oro Valley, where he has built a thriving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy centered on community, personal growth, and authentic martial arts training.
Valentino’s journey into Jiu-Jitsu began as a kid when he watched Royce Gracie win the first UFC tournament. Seeing a smaller man defeat larger opponents using technique and intelligence left a lasting impression and sparked his curiosity about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Valentino’s journey into Jiu-Jitsu began as a kid when he watched Royce Gracie win the first UFC tournament. Seeing a smaller man defeat larger opponents using technique and intelligence left a lasting impression and sparked his curiosity about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Years later, Valentino walked into a local gym intending to learn Muay Thai for self-defense. There he met future world-class competitor Josh Hinger, who introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Valentino eventually joined the Gracie Barra team, where he trained and competed throughout every belt rank.
After years of dedication to the art, Valentino received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Master Carlos Gracie Jr., a historic figure in the sport and grandson of the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Valentino has now trained for over 18 years.
As a competitor, Valentino has tested his skills on the national stage. His accomplishments include:
IBJJF medalist
Arizona State Champion (Double Gold – weight class and open division)
NAGA champion
Fight To Win professional event winner
Despite his competitive success, Valentino’s greatest passion is teaching and building a strong academy culture.
Carlson Gracie Oro Valley was originally operating as another academy that was at risk of closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valentino stepped in and saved the academy, rebuilding the program from only four students into a growing community of families, professionals, and athletes.
Today the academy welcomes students from 3 years old to 68 years old, including families, professionals, college students, first responders, and law enforcement. The culture Valentino has built is simple: no ego, no stress, just people helping each other grow.
For kids, Jiu-Jitsu provides powerful life lessons. Valentino focuses on helping young students develop confidence, social skills, discipline, and the ability to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
Valentino was born and raised in South Tucson, attending Warren Elementary School, Flowing Wells High School, and Pueblo High School. His father served the community for decades as a paramedic for the City of Tucson, and his mother worked at Raytheon, where she also served as a union president.
Outside of the academy, Valentino considers being a father his greatest achievement. His mission as an instructor is to help students build confidence, live healthier lives, and become stronger people both on and off the mats.
At Carlson Gracie Oro Valley, Valentino believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport — it is a way to build better people and pass the art on to the next generation.
