Meet Our Instructors
At Refuge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Phoenix, AZ, we’re proud to have a team of experienced, passionate, and highly skilled instructors dedicated to helping every student succeed. Our coaches bring years of training, competition, and teaching experience to create a positive, family-friendly environment where students of all ages can learn and grow.
Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe great Jiu-Jitsu instruction goes beyond learning techniques. At Refuge BJJ, our instructors lead by example; emphasizing discipline, respect, confidence, and community both on and off the mats. Whether you’re a beginner, competitor, or lifelong martial artist, our team is committed to helping you reach your goals through high-quality instruction and personal guidance.
Josh Guerra
Owner | Head Instructor | Black Belt
Refuge BJJAbout Josh Guerra
Coach Josh Guerra, head instructor at Refuge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, began training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at 11 years old. What started as a way to lose weight and build self-esteem quickly became a lifelong passion. After his first tournament, Josh set his sights on becoming a competitive athlete.
After four and a half years of training, Josh earned his blue belt and joined the GD Jiu-Jitsu Association under Professor Gustavo Dantas. This transition accelerated his development in competition. He went on to compete across the United States and earned major titles against high-level opponents.
In June 2019, Josh was promoted to black belt by Gustavo Dantas. That same year, he was ranked #21 in the world by the IBJJF in the adult black belt division.
While Josh continues to compete, his greatest passion is teaching. Through his work at Refuge BJJ, he shares the art that transformed his life and aims to inspire students to build confidence, discipline, and purpose through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Fight to win Black belt record of 7-1
Black
2020- IBJJF portland open gold
2021 IBJJF Houston Open gold
2022 IBJJF Dallas Open gold
2023 IBJJF Jiu Jitsu con Gold
2025 IBJJF Austin Open Gold Gi and Nogi
2025 Masters Worlds Bronze 🥉
In 2025, Josh received his 2nd degree on his black belt from Professor Jair Lourenco, the leader and Founder of Team Kimura.
Josh is currently an active competitor in the black belt division while also focusing coaching other champions.
Top Competition Accomplishments
- Gold – 2019 IBJJF Phoenix Open (Black Belt)
- Gold – 2019 Fight2Win Phoenix SuperFight (Black Belt)
- Bronze – 2019 IBJJF Las Vegas Open (Black Belt)
- Gold – 2017 IBJJF Seattle Open (Absolute, Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2017 IBJJF Seattle Open (Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2017 Abu Dhabi Pro Trials LA (Brown Belt)
- Silver – 2017 IBJJF American Nationals (Brown Belt)
- Bronze – 2017 IBJJF Pan American Championships (Brown Belt)
- Silver – 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam LA (Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2016 IBJJF Asian International Open (Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2016 IBJJF New York Pro (Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2016 American Grappling Federation Gi (Brown Belt)
- Gold – 2015 IBJJF Vegas Summer International Open (Purple Belt)
- Gold – 2015 Arizona State Championships (Absolute, Purple Belt)
- Gold – 2015 Arizona International Open (Purple Belt)
Coach Corey
BJJ Instructor | Black Belt
Coach Corey has been training BJJ since 2011. He has competed at all ranks and also enjoys coaching his son’s football team.
Coach Ryan
BJJ Instructor | Black Belt
Coach Ryan loves to share his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. Ryan dedicates his time to mentorship programs where he comes alongside young men to provide them with leadership and guidance.
Coach Swee‘Pea
BJJ Instructor | Black Belt
Coach Swee‘Pea is a United States Army Veteran and black belt under Professor Josh Guerra. He is an active competitor and was the #1 ranked purple belt in Arizona before being promoted to brown belt. Coach Swee’Pea has a passion for helping others become better versions of themselves through Jiu-Jitsu!
Join the Refuge Family
Our instructors are here to support you every step of the way; whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for competition. Come train with our team, experience our community, and discover what makes Refuge BJJ one of the top Jiu-Jitsu academies in Phoenix.
