Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu
Marana Jiu-Jitsu – Supportive, Authentic, Humble
Welcome To Our
Jiu-Jitsu School
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu is a community-focused Jiu-Jitsu school in Marana built on consistency, humility, and hard work.
We believe Jiu-Jitsu training is for everyday people, not just competitors, and not just those who already feel confident walking through the door. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or personal growth, our approach in Jiu-Jitsu classes meet you where you are while challenging you to grow.
At Ironwood, we focus on concept-based training that helps students adapt, problem-solve, and build resilience on and off the mats. Our gym is a place where people from all backgrounds train together, support one another, and improve through shared effort over time.
If you’re looking for a grounded, tight-knit Jiu-Jitsu community that values progress over ego, you’ll feel at home here.
Join us with a
FREE Jiu-Jitsu class!
You can try us out today with our special trial. Sign up and receive a FREE Jiu-Jitsu class where you can dive into training and discover a great community along the way!
Who We Are at
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu
Our School
Training at Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu is built on shared effort, respect, and consistency. From the first day on the mats, students become part of a community that values hard work, humility, and steady progress.
We’ve created an environment where people from different backgrounds and experience levels train together with mutual respect. Jiu-Jitsu classes are structured to challenge students while remaining accessible, and growth happens through thoughtful instruction, problem-solving, and repetition over time.
While training is serious, the atmosphere is welcoming. Students support one another, learn together, and build genuine connections through the process of showing up and improving side by side. Ironwood is a place for Jiu-Jitsu in Marana where people are encouraged to work, to learn, and to belong, without ego, without shortcuts, and without pretense.
Our History
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu began in January 2025 with a small group training in a public park in Marana. Classes took place in a gazebo, with mats rolled out and packed up several times a week. What started as a simple commitment to train consistently soon grew into a dedicated community.
By April 2025, Ironwood moved into its current facility, carrying forward the same spirit of effort and connection that defined those early days in the park. Since then, the school has continued to grow, not through spectacle, but through steady participation and shared purpose.
Ironwood was founded by Nathen Danforth, whose own journey in Jiu-Jitsu began as a personal challenge. Through training, discipline, and persistence, Jiu-Jitsu became a defining part of his life — not only as a sport, but as a practice in resilience and self-discovery. Today, that experience shapes the way Ironwood approaches teaching: with patience, honesty, and respect for the long path of learning.
Our School Schedule!
Make sure to check out the schedule for training. We have Jiu-Jitsu classes Monday-Friday with private lessons, special events, and open mats on the weekends!
Meet the
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu Team
Owner and Founder Nathen Danforth strives to have every student excited to attend class. Nothing brings him more joy than sharing Jiu-Jitsu with others. He has experienced what Jiu-Jitsu can do for you firsthand and wants everyone to reach their goals through training. This is also a family affair at Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu. Nathen’s wife Amber is a blue belt and their daughter Emma is a grey belt. Check out Nathen’s bio for more information on his journey through Jiu-Jitsu.
Nathen Danforth
Owner & Head Instructor
Join us with a
FREE Jiu-Jitsu class!
You can try us out today with our special trial. Sign up and receive a FREE Jiu-Jitsu class where you can dive into training and discover a great community along the way!
Explore the
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu Programs
Our programs are designed to teach students ‘why’ not ‘what.’ Whether it’s in kids or adult Jiu-Jitsu classes, students are taught through concept-driven lessons. They learn to adapt to whatever situation plays out in front of them. Check out the two programs below to see what else is available in our school.
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
(ages 5-12)
Our Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are focused heavily on game-based training. This helps children break down the intimidation factor of Jiu-Jitsu and have fun as that is how kids learn best. Simultaneously, they are gaining good structure and learning respect, discipline, and impulse control. Whether they are in beginner training, Judo classes (by invite), or competition classes, they become better martial artists and people.
Adult Jiu-Jitsu
(ages 13+)
Adult Jiu-Jitsu is welcome to all teens and adults looking for training. We make sure to find the balance between teaching self-defense and competition techniques, providing an all-around experience for students. They improve their Jiu-Jitsu game while getting in shape and improving their health. And don’t feel the need to have a certain level of knowledge or ability to start. You can get started in many different classes. We have Foundation of Jiu-Jitsu, a beginner-friendly course, competitive training, Jiu-Jitsu 201, or even Judo lessons. Whatever you need, we got it for you!
Words from Our Community
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu has become a home for many in the Marana community. Our school has an enthusiastic atmosphere where students work on personal, physical, and emotional goals. Our community allows everyone to feel comfortable to try to be their best on and off the mats. And don’t just listen to us. Be sure to check out some of our student testimonials to see what they have to say about their time at Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu!
“The classes are well-structured, the coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging, and the community is positive. Highly recommend”
“My son’s time at Ironwood Jiu Jitsu is the highlight of his week. I’m grateful he has a safe, welcoming place to learn and train.”
“I came for a new challenge, accountability in training, and a way to connect with my community. I found a family who support, choke, and joke with each other daily.”
Join us with a
FREE Jiu-Jitsu class!
You can try us out today with our special trial. Sign up and receive a FREE Jiu-Jitsu class where you can dive into training and discover a great community along the way!
Contact Us!
We are happy to be THE home for Jiu-Jitsu in Marana and welcome those in Tucson and Red Rock to join us. You can find us in northwest Marana on the edge of the Gladden Farms community!