About Us
At High Street Jiu-Jitsu, our ethos is rooted in family, hard work, integrity, and delivering the highest standard of training through consistent dedication to technique, community, and personal growth.
Our community consists of committed practitioners who welcome students of all experience levels. We prioritize your progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, customized to your goals—whether improving self-defense, boosting physical conditioning, or chasing competitive success.
We achieve this with seasoned instructors who bring deep Jiu-Jitsu expertise, including wins in high-level competitions and military backgrounds that promote discipline and adaptability. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address diverse needs, allowing everyone to train effectively and improve step by step .We invite you to stop by and experience the unique approach that sets High Street Jiu-Jitsu apart in Arizona.
History
We opened our doors in Cave Creek as Cave Creek Millennia MMA, drawing on years of experience to build a dedicated community grounded in respect, hard work, and precise training in Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai/striking. From the start, our facility has served beginners, hobbyists, competitors, and families, connecting people through a shared commitment to martial arts.
A New Chapter in North Scottsdale
With an expanded team and clear vision, we’re transitioning to a larger, updated facility in North Scottsdale—serving Phoenix and the North Valley—and stepping into our next phase as High Street Jiu Jitsu.
Though the name has changed, our focus remains steady: high-level coaching, a professional high-class environment, and training that delivers real results. This evolution allows us to prioritize elite-level instruction in a refined, upscale setting tailored for serious practitioners.
What’s New (and What Stays the Same)
More classes and training options: fundamentals, all-levels, no-gi, kids, and specialized sessions to support steady growth for every student.
World-class instruction: seasoned coaches focused on clear techniques and safety to aid your individual progress.
Modern amenities: clean, spacious mats, improved equipment, and showers for convenience before or after sessions.
Same core values: community, consistency, and a commitment to improvement—both on the mats and in daily life.
Our Jiu Jitsu
Instructors
At High Street Jiu-Jitsu, our team is committed to enhancing your skills and well-being through mixed martial arts training. Our instructors draw from extensive experience, including victories in major tournaments like IBJJF Worlds, professional MMA bouts against elite competitors, successes in high-level grappling events, and strong wrestling backgrounds from high school to NCAA levels. With their diverse backgrounds—ranging from military service to coaching—we empower them to teach in their own style, leveraging unique strengths. Explore their bios to discover what makes each one an outstanding guide for your journey, no matter your level.
Jay Shellhammer
Josh Halstead
With over 25 years of training in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, judo, striking, and submission grappling, I’ve competed professionally in IKFB Muay Thai and MMA.
Teaching for 15 years, I’ve coached professional MMA and Muay Thai fighters from organizations like WEC, PRIDE, K-1, King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge, Bellator, UFC, and others. I’ve learned from and collaborated with legends including Romie Aram, Betiss Mansouri, Steven Martinez, William Sriyapai, Chad Davis, and more.
I advocate a traditional Muay Thai striking stance that adapts well to MMA. Earned my Checkmat black belt in 2023. As a self-defense instructor in law enforcement for most of my 20-year career, I’ve taught beginner to advanced classes, firmly believing Jiu-Jitsu and striking offer the ultimate real-world protection.
Karla Shellhammer
Black Belt | Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi) Instructor, High Street Jiujitsu & Striking
Karla Shellhammer is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and multi-time Master World and National Champion in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. With over a decade of experience and more than 230 matches competed, Karla brings a deep technical understanding and competitive edge to her instruction.
Her teaching philosophy centers on connection, creativity, and discipline. Karla believes Jiu-Jitsu is not only a martial art but a lifelong practice that cultivates both physical and mental strength. Known for her dynamic, detail-driven classes, she challenges students to stay focused, work hard, and approach training with curiosity and purpose.
At High Street Jiujitsu, she leads both adult and youth programs, fostering an environment rooted in respect, resilience, and continuous growth.
Makilla Jones Dauenhauer
Brendon Tierney
Brendan began his focus in martial arts with Charlie Kohler, at The San Diego Fight Club in late 2000. After moving to Arizona, he trained under respected coaches including Trevor and Todd Lally, Gustavo Dantas, André Maracaba, Tom and Arlene Vaughn, Thom Ortiz, and Roland Sillarup. He went on to compete professionally for a decade, fighting across the U.S., and a few in Canada, before an injury in 2016 paused his career.
Rediscovering his love for jiu-jitsu at Ares Arizona, Brendan earned his black belt under Professor Paul Nava in 2023. For the past three years, he has taught Gi and No-Gi, in kids and adult programs, bringing an energetic, technical, and a welcoming approach to every class. Now at High Street, he’s excited to share his Jiu Jitsu perspective and his unique striking system—designed specifically for MMA and managing grapplers—to help students build confidence, fluidity, and strength, on and off the mats.
Frank Ramsey
Frank hails from Montana and has called Arizona home for the past decade. He grew up wrestling and distinguished himself early, becoming an All-State finalist in high school.
His passion for combat sports eventually led him to expand into striking, where he went undefeated across smokers, boxing, and kickboxing before launching his MMA career. Over the years, Frank has competed in 20 amateur and professional bouts, earning an impressive combined record of 17–3. His journey has taken him to some of the top gyms in the country, where he trained under respected fighters and coaches who helped shape his well-rounded skill set. Along the way, he also earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline that remains one of his greatest passions.
Frank loves coaching and helping athletes reach their goals. He’s excited to bring his experience, energy, and dedication to the team at High Street Jiu Jitsu.
Roberto Vargas
Roberto Vargas was born and raised in Southern California. He started wrestling at the age of 7, continuing all the way through high school. He attended Cal State Bakersfield, where he wrestled under Head Coach TJ Kerr. There, he competed and won in the Pac-10 and qualified for Division I of the NCAA.
In 2008, he began a professional MMA career while training at Millennia MMA in Rancho Cucamonga, California, under Coach Romie Aram. He competed in many organizations such as ShoXC, King of the Cage, Shark Fights, and Bellator.
He ended his career with a 13-3 record in 2013.Currently, he’s an assistant wrestling coach at Ironwood High School in Peoria, coaching his son and 65 other high school wrestlers.
At High Street Jiu Jit Su Roberto Coaches the wrestling programs and continues to train in both GI and No GI BJJ.
Words from Our Community
High Street Jiu Jitsu is the best Phoenix Martial Arts academy to train at. Our high level of expertise and supportive community can propel you to become a great martial artist.
“If you’re looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym that makes you feel like part of the family from day one, this is the place to be!”
“Talk about a true jiu-jitsu family. My son and I both are taking classes here! Great family time! My son loves coming to class and so do I!”
“The owners are fantastic and the students are very welcoming. I dropped in for mixed levels class, felt very welcome, and had a great time.”
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We are proud to serve North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and surrounding communities with exceptional Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling training. Residents from Peoria, Fountain Hills, Anthem, Cave Creek, and beyond are always welcome—come join us and discover the difference!