Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio Proudly empowering Coachella Valley families since 2019
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio has beginner to advanced jiu-jitsu classes in Indio for men, women, and children.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
At Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or ability. We are proud to say we are continuing the legacy of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie who believed jiu-jitsu should empower the weak to be able to defend against the strong. This is why we offer structured martial arts curriculums specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs created for beginner adults, women, and children.
We take pride in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning environment for all students and family members in the Coachella Valley. We are passionate about what we do because, simply put, we believe confident humans make kinder humans.
Welcome To The Family
Whether it’s teaching you how to tie your first jiu-jitsu belt, or guiding you through your first technique, our team’s priority is to make you feel at home from the moment you walk into Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio. Should you have any questions, call our number above to speak to one of our Student Experience representatives.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Cameron Burbank
Interested in an activity for self-improvement, fitness, and self-defense, Cameron began learning Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the Summer of 2015. He was interested in being able to defend himself without relying on strength or weapons, but the integration of character development with Gracie Jiu Jitsu is what turned training into a lifelong endeavor. At the personal encouragement of Rener Gracie, Cameron opened the only Certified Training Center in the Coachella Valley in his hometown of Indio. Cameron is proud to serve the community he grew up in with what he considers to be life changing skills!
Joseph Watford
After a coworker introduced JP to Jiu-Jitsu, he wanted to find a place to learn. He tried a few grappling classes at a local university, but JP found a home with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2018. The emphasis on using leverage instead of strength made Jiu-Jitsu accessible, making what seemed impossible at first attainable with time and practice. JP earned his instructor certification in July 2023, and continues to study and teach Jiu-Jitsu with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Indio.
Tonya Muehr
Encouraged by the transformative benefits that jiu-jitsu had on her two children, Tonya began her own jiu-jitsu journey in early 2015 and by October had earned her pink belt. Watching brave women walk through the doors for the first time and transition from seeing themselves as victims or weak into strong, courageous, and empowered survivors is what keeps her dedicated to the Women Empowered program. When the opportunity to become an instructor opened, Tonya jumped at the chance to help connect more women to jiu-jitsu through teaching. “I hope the privilege to be a part of this amazing program will continue for life.”
Nikki Royer
How do you know someone trains Jiu Jitsu? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. Nikki was victim to this truth for long enough that she decided to see what the fuss was all about, finally attending her first class taught by a friend. Nikki quickly fell in love with the ability to be able to successfully leverage technique against a stronger opponent, and continued to devour curriculum at an exceptional pace. Training in multiple programs, schools, garages, and eventually helping to manage operations at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio, Nikki was a natural fit for teaching as someone who has proven nothing will stand in the way of determination.
Makayla McDonald
After years of looking for a self-defense program that felt truly empowering, effective, and approachable, Makayla was thrilled to discover Women Empowered. She started with a Kick Off Seminar in January of 2024, and felt so compelled by the program and so welcomed by the community at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio that it became a cornerstone of her life. As an avid student of psychology and somatics, she loves how Jiu-Jitsu bridges the mind and body; shifting one’s self-concept, cultivating confidence, and promoting healing. Becoming a Women Empowered instructor in July 2025 reflects her passion for sharing this transformative practice with women in her community and beyond!