Legacy Grappling Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Legacy Grappling Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is led by Santos Rene Rivera, a Tucson native who began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 13. Santos shifted focus to wrestling in high school, becoming an Arizona State Champion, and later returned full-time to Jiu Jitsu in 2014 after competing in kickboxing and MMA. His competition resume includes two IBJJF No-Gi World Championships at purple and brown belt, multiple IBJJF Pan Championship medals at black belt, and an Abu Dhabi World Pro bronze medal. Santos’s approach emphasizes technical precision, enabling practitioners to execute effective techniques regardless of size or strength. The academy offers a blend of gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training alongside wrestling, MMA, and boxing classes. This combination supports students interested in both traditional BJJ and the broader grappling and combat sports landscape. While the gi curriculum focuses on grip and positional control, no-gi classes address speed and transitions, preparing grapplers for varied competition rulesets. Competition training is available but not mandatory, catering to those aiming to sharpen skills for tournaments and others focused on personal development. Classes run Monday through Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, with drop-in options available, welcoming both locals and visitors. The facility is wheelchair accessible and serves grapplers from Tucson and nearby Oro Valley. Legacy Grappling Academy’s multi-discipline program suits athletes who want to explore the technical depth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alongside wrestling and striking arts, all under one roof.

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