Premier Martial Arts, Self-Defense, and Fitness Coaching for Kids, Adults, and Competitors in the Verde Valley.

Lead Instructor & Owner

Clay Wimer

Head Instructor & Academy Owner | BJJ Black Belt

Clay Wimer lives by a simple philosophy: test your limits, leave your ego at the door, and share everything you learn. A lifelong martial artist with over a decade of professional combat sports experience, Clay built an impressive 8-4 record as a professional featherweight MMA fighter known for his technical grittiness and high-level skill.

As an elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt competitor, Clay regularly tests himself against world-class talent on major platforms including the IBJJF, ADCC, Fight 2 Win, NAGA, and the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF).

Today, Clay owns and leads Verde Valley BJJ & Muay Thai in Cottonwood, Arizona—an academy legacy passed down from Maynard James Keenan (lead vocalist of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer). Dedicated to high-standard martial arts instruction in the Verde Valley, Clay remains a hands-on head coach who rolls, trains, and grows alongside his students every day.

Visiting Master Instructors

Sven Pfeiffer

Guest Seminar Instructor | Renzo Gracie Black Belt Lineage

A high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt coming from the renowned Renzo Gracie Academy lineage, Sven Pfeiffer brings elite technical knowledge to Verde Valley BJJ. Specializing in modern leg lock systems, positional control, and advanced breaking mechanics, Sven delivers accessible, high-yield coaching tailored for every skill level in Cottonwood, from white belt beginners to advanced competitors.

Coaching Staff & Team

Jimmy

Head Striking & Muay Thai Coach

Jimmy brings extensive real-world MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to the striking program at Verde Valley BJJ in Cottonwood. Driven by a growth mindset, Jimmy focuses on technical precision, continuous martial arts evolution, and pushing students to reach their full athletic potential in a safe, structured environment.

Katherine

BJJ Coach & Kids Assistant Instructor

Katherine is an experienced competitor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach dedicated to helping students expand their technical game. With a strong background on the competition mats, she provides a safe, dynamic space for Verde Valley BJJ practitioners to experiment with new techniques, build confidence, and elevate their grappling performance.

Dig

Head Kids Coach & Self-Defense Instructor

As the head youth coach at Verde Valley BJJ, Dig specializes in practical self-defense, character development, and youth martial arts progression. Backed by real-world competition experience, Dig serves as a dedicated role model for young athletes while leading a family-focused culture within the Cottonwood academy.

John

Assistant Kids Coach

John plays a vital role in the Verde Valley BJJ youth program, guiding young practitioners through foundational Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mechanics. As a parent of active youth students, John brings practical leadership, patience, and a strong community mindset to the mats.

Bailey

Strength, Conditioning & Yoga Coach

Bailey leads the athletic development and wellness initiatives at Verde Valley BJJ. A certified yoga instructor with an extensive background in weightlifting and functional movement, Bailey helps Cottonwood practitioners improve mobility, build functional core strength, and optimize recovery to support long-term martial arts training.

The History & Legacy of Verde Valley BJJ

Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded by world-renowned musician and martial artist Maynard James Keenan (lead vocalist of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer). Established with a mission to bring high-level, ego-free martial arts instruction to northern Arizona, the academy started its journey in Cottonwood as a close-knit hub for technical grappling, self-defense, and functional fitness.

As the academy grew and the training community expanded, Verde Valley BJJ moved to its location on Cherry Street, building a strong foundation of dedicated practitioners, youth programs, and striking classes.

Continuing that legacy of technical excellence, leadership of the academy was passed to Clay Wimer, an elite BJJ black belt competitor and professional MMA veteran. Under Clay’s ownership, Verde Valley BJJ continues to operate as Cottonwood’s premier academy for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai striking, youth development, and athletic conditioning.