Instructors
Joe Solorio:
Academy Head Instructor
Joe Solorio is a 1st Degree Black belt under Gustavo Dantas and has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2003 and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2009. Joe still competes and represents Gustavo Dantas Jiu Jitsu Association and Nova Uniao USA. In his most recent international competitions, Joe won Silver at the 2021 IBJJF Masters World Championships, Silver at the 2018 IBJJF Masters World Championships, Silver at the 2018 IBJJF Masters Pan American Championships, Silver at the 2016 IBJJF Masters World Championships, Gold at the 2015 IBJJF Masters World Championships and Gold at the 2014 IBJJF Masters Pan American Championships. Joe stays in shape and on top of his craft by practicing jiu jitsu three times per week.
The foundational base of Joe's grappling, is wrestling. Joe wrestled in middle school, high school and college. He was an Arizona State Champion for Sunnyside High School (1976), an NJCAA All American for Phoenix College (1979) and a two time Pac-10 medalist and two time NCAA National Qualifier for Arizona State University (1980 & 1981). He was the Head Wrestling Coach at Pima Community College (1998-2007) and was the 2002 National Junior College Wrestling Coach of the Year. As a veteran division wrestler, Joe won Gold in his division at the 2002 USA Wrestling National Championships. In 2011 Joe was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Arizona Chapter for Lifetime Service Achievement in Wrestling.
Joe has been grappling and coaching a long time. He's coached at the kids, high school, junior college and adult levels. Several of his former students have gone on to become elite Grapplers and/or professional MMA fighters including; Anthony Birchak, Efrain Escudero, Drew Fickett, Jesse Forbes, Danny Martinez, Joe Montoya, Jacob Ortiz, James Terry, Jamie Varner and Mark Vujovic. Joe is passionate about helping people grow and develop through jiu jitsu. Joe is available for private lessons and group seminars
The foundational base of Joe's grappling, is wrestling. Joe wrestled in middle school, high school and college. He was an Arizona State Champion for Sunnyside High School (1976), an NJCAA All American for Phoenix College (1979) and a two time Pac-10 medalist and two time NCAA National Qualifier for Arizona State University (1980 & 1981). He was the Head Wrestling Coach at Pima Community College (1998-2007) and was the 2002 National Junior College Wrestling Coach of the Year. As a veteran division wrestler, Joe won Gold in his division at the 2002 USA Wrestling National Championships. In 2011 Joe was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Arizona Chapter for Lifetime Service Achievement in Wrestling.
Joe has been grappling and coaching a long time. He's coached at the kids, high school, junior college and adult levels. Several of his former students have gone on to become elite Grapplers and/or professional MMA fighters including; Anthony Birchak, Efrain Escudero, Drew Fickett, Jesse Forbes, Danny Martinez, Joe Montoya, Jacob Ortiz, James Terry, Jamie Varner and Mark Vujovic. Joe is passionate about helping people grow and develop through jiu jitsu. Joe is available for private lessons and group seminars
