This post was written in part by LFA Member, Rising Phoenix

“Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness and Defense is a local business on a mission. We believe in empowering people to overcome their fear in order to become the best versions of themselves and we do this through Martial Arts and fitness. The primary focus of our facility is to provide authentic Israeli Krav Maga training to those who wish to improve their fitness, confidence, and ability to defend themselves and their loved ones. We also teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai kickboxing, weapon tactics, group fitness, and Yoga. Our mission is to cater to the growth and development of the whole person, not just their physical skills. Our classes teach people to be mentally tough, to overcome self-doubt, and become a confident go-getter on and off the mats. We take pride in the community that our members have built, which is a safe space for people to step outside of their comfort zones and know that they will be supported by the other members without judgment.

Tucson has helped us rise from a small, one instructor institution operating out of Himmel Park to the large, multifaceted gym that we have become. As we have grown, Tucson’s Rising Phoenix has had several locations, each one better than the last. We recently left a large warehouse tucked away at 22nd and Euclid and have moved into a beautiful location near Speedway and Swan.

Our growth has been steady and we are grateful to our fellow Tucsonans who have supported us along the way. As a way of showing our gratitude and giving back to our community, we offer two donation-based self-defense classes each week. Every Friday from 5:30-6:30pm we offer a women’s self-defense class. Every Saturday from 12:00-1:00pm we offer our Rainbow Connection class which caters directly to the LGBTQA+ community and its allies.

As a local business, we know how difficult it can be for small businesses to get off the ground. We decided to partner with the Tucson team at Local First Arizona because we believe in supporting other local businesses and we have seen what a valuable resource they provide for the community. We wanted to help extend this resource to other smaller business, and in partnering with LFA, we have begun a scholarship fund to help small businesses join the organization! “

In 2019, the Rising Phoenix Scholarship gave 10 small businesses, organizations, and artists access to Local First Arizona Membership. These community members are making significant contributions in Tucson and we are delighted to watch them grow and prosper in the Local First Arizona community and beyond.

On behalf of Local First Arizona, we want to thank Rising Phoenix Fitness and Defense for their generous contribution and welcome the following businesses to Local First Arizona.