Meet Gilbert Olivas of Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilbert Olivas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began training Jiu Jitsu in 2008. Training under a handful of various coaches and professors over the years. My initial idea was that Jiu Jitsu would be a great substitute for the brotherhood I had felt while in the Marine Corps from a few years prior to my start of training. It has since then been my passion and life’s work. I have been teaching and coaching Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling since 2010, while still young in my ranks. I currently hold a 1st Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as certifications and ranks in other disciplines. I am currently a student of Professor Nic Gregoriades and a member of the Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve encountered in the nearly four years of being the head coach of Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu Club is finding a location that can suit the needs of my growing team. Each year the club membership grew to such a degree that we were cramming as many people as we could fit into the small spaces we were leasing. After a few moves over the last couple of years we have finally found a comfortable location on 35th Ave & Northern Ave right here in Phoenix.

Other obstacles included the level of business competition in Phoenix. There are many talented Jiu Jitsu Professors with very successful academies in Metro Phoenix. We had to find our niche while still providing an affordable service to our neighborhood and community. We did so with very little outside help. Trial and error as a teacher/coach, business owner and competitor was a commonplace. I’ve made plenty of mistakes and learned from them. For the most part things run relatively smooth nowadays.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu Club – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Black Flag Jiu Jitsu Club is a martial arts facility that tents to do away with much of the “traditional” methods of day to day operations. We don’t do martial arts hierarchy or gym politics. We’re just a bunch of people who love to train!

We train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, and Taekwondo. Our biggest draw of course is the grappling arts, BJJ and Catch Wrestling. We specialize in a style of grappling known as NoGi BJJ. We do this by implementing Catch Wrestling into our regular training. Catch Wrestling is much like Jiu Jitsu in that they are both styles of submission grappling, applying joint locks, strangle holds, joint manipulations etc. Where they differ is at the philosophy behind each art.

Jiu Jitsu is a self defense art at its core, with the goal of being able to control and disable an attacker. Catch Wrestling is a sport with deep roots of showmanship, which is generally regarded as a more brutal form of submission grappling, with less rules than modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We train both styles of grappling in both the sport and self defense aspect. As far as I know, we are currently the only club in Phoenix with Catch Wrestling as part of our regular schedule. It definitely sets us apart from many other academies.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Phoenix. I’ve had the opportunity to do plenty of traveling while in the military. I’ve seen many amazing and beautiful places, both populated and isolated. Still, there’s no place like home! I love the mixed demographic, the blended cultures, the close proximity to nature being just a few hours drive in any direction. The thing I probably dislike is the traffic. Luckily, I live just a mile from my club.

Pricing:

• $100 per month for unlimited classes per month, no contract or sign up fees.
• $80 per month for military veterans, police, fire, and EMTs, and teachers.
• $60 per month for ages 5-17
• $60 for current Grand Canyon University students

Contact Info:

• Address: 3559 W. Northern Ave.
  Phoenix AZ 85051
• Website: www.blackflagjiujitsuclub.com
• Phone: 480 438 4389
• Email: blackflag.jjc@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackflagjiujitsuclub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackflagjiujitsuclub

Image Credits:
Octavio “OC” Lopez
Erica Navarro

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.