Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.
Our Approach
Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent.
Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn.
In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.
The Rainbow Connection
Rising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of.
Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.
Our Classes
Tucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more!
We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.
Our Owner
The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA).
Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Reviews
Matt S.
“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training.
Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”
Kristina S.
“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions.
Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”
Jeremiah Thomas
“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.”
Company Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker Phone (s): (520) 838-1592 Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com Pricing: sliding scale Website:https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/ Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)
After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1992, Phaedra Wilson dove full-time into the mortgage industry and never looked back. Since then, she’s consistently ranked as a top producer in Tucson – earning the respect of customers and peers alike. To this day, she is passionate about going the extra mile to help families achieve their homeownership dreams.
A born and raised Tucsonan, Phaedra has spent almost 30 years working with more than 2,000 people to achieve their home loan goals. Customers choose to work with Phaedra for her excellent communication, ethics, experience, and expertise.
Phaedra and her team have created a stress-free experience by designing efficient systems that provide weeks updates and produce quick response times. Their ultimate goal is to have everything in place to fund loans on time, or even early when needed. Phaedra’s strong base of loyal repeat customers and lasting relationships with excellent local real estate agents is the cornerstone of her success in Tucson’s incredibly competitive mortgage environment.
Phaedra is an enthusiastic member of the community, volunteering on the board of Kids of Steele and serving with the hostesses of Silver and Sequitur, supporting the restoration efforts at Mission San Xavier del Bac. She enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and staying active with her husband, Gred, their two wonderful daughters, Addy and Avery, and their sweet Golden Retriever, Sunny.
Short Description Stillwater Catering is a boutique catering service offering personalized culinary experiences for a variety of events in Tucson. From weddings and corporate gatherings to intimate dinners, we craft custom menus that reflect diverse cuisines from around the world, all while prioritizing inclusivity and community.
Detailed Description Stillwater Catering is Tucson’s go-to boutique catering company, specializing in customized, full-service catering for all types of events. Founded by Chef Roxanne in 2015, Stillwater Catering provides a unique, personalized experience for every client. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate event, or an intimate dinner party, Chef Roxanne’s extensive experience in Napa and Sonoma’s culinary scene ensures that every dish is both exquisite and tailored to your tastes.
We offer a wide range of culinary styles, including American, Mediterranean, Italian, French, Indian, Thai, and Latin cuisines. Choose from plated dinners, buffet-style service, or even our exclusive “Party on Your Plate™” experience—a high-energy hors d’oeuvres event that’s perfect for lively gatherings. Our team serves homes, event centers, and remote locations across Tucson, ensuring that every meal is presented with the highest level of care and creativity.
Stillwater Catering prides itself on not just preparing meals, but creating memorable culinary experiences that celebrate togetherness. As advocates of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we welcome everyone with open arms, ensuring your event feels as inclusive as it is delicious.
Looking to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for your next event? Let Stillwater Catering turn your vision into reality with customized menus, exceptional service, and a commitment to bringing people together.
Hours of Operation By appointment only
Customer Reviews I hired Roxanne for a post funeral luncheon & she did not disappoint. She is very professional, has years of experience, asked me to tell her about the person who passed away, listened with true interest, & helped me choose a menu the dearly departed would smile upon with 100% approval. The menu was unique, presented beautifully, & tasted fabulous. Friends & family were thrilled & informed me it was exactly what our loved one would have wanted. Thank you, Roxanne, for a truly beautiful, delicious, & memorable experience. I would highly recommend her for your catering needs.
Annette J. Tucson, AZ
Experience Customized Catering Ready to elevate your next event? Contact Stillwater Catering today to schedule a consultation and begin planning your personalized menu. Whether you’re looking to host an elegant wedding or a casual family-style dinner, we provide the creativity and attention to detail that your event deserves.
My mission is to offer therapeutic massage services to the greater Tucson community. I place an emphasis on relaxation, stress management, and improved functionality in daily life. This includes working specifically with athletes to help improve range of motion, flexibility, mobility, and aiding in post-injury recovery. But massage therapy isn’t just for athletes, everyone can benefit.
I created Massage Tucson, LLC with a commitment to offering the gift of therapeutic healing touch to my local community. As a member of Tucson’s LGBTQIA+ community, I’m interested in giving back to that same community. I focus highly on ensuring that my massage practice is a safe space for all who value and appreciate the diversity of our community so that everyone benefits.
As a Tucson native, I’m excited to work with the local community I love.
We offer in-call and convenient out-call mobile massage services at an affordable rate. We also have a free loyalty rewards program and offer discounted package deals and discounts for referring a friend! As a result, many people can obtain care at a reasonable rate.
In your first session, we will go over your health history as well as what goals you have in regard to massage therapy. Are you looking for simple relaxation or are you looking to improve your mobility with a particular joint or limb? Whatever your reasons I can help aid you on your health and fitness journey. There are many reasons to pursue massage therapy but above all let’s get you comfortable in your own skin again. Everything will get better from there.
Book with Massage Tucson today! https://mymassagetucson.com/book-now101 S Players Club Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Phone Number: 520-344-4060
Website: https://gaymassagetucson.com/mens-massage-tucson
Arizona Folklórico Dance Company LogoArizona Folklórico Dance Company LLC was established in December of 2022 under the direction of Maestro Bruno A. Loya III in Tucson, Arizona.
Arizona Folk (AZ Folk) seeks to preserve and promote the Hispanic performing arts throughout the greater Arizona community by presenting traditional & innovative Mexican folkloric dance works infused with techniques from a variety of dance disciplines including jazz, ballet, modern, ethnic dance, salsa, merengue, hip hop, and more.
Arizona Folklórico Dance Company provides dance and performance opportunities to students beginning at 4 years old. We invite you to become a part of the AZ Folk family by enrolling today!
Pop Cycle is a retail gift shop that sells unique, green, fun things made from recycled items.
Fun, Campy and Gay Friendly, once you enter you’ll know why I love Pop Cycle. Find earrings and clothes and wall art and cards and all kinds of great gifts. Even some fun things with gay icons like wonder woman! There are so many cool things, I usually go through the store a few times to make sure I don’t miss anything.
I particularly love the letters made from recycled cans. I have the word “imagine” across the wall between my kitchen and great room. If you don’t see the letters you want, just ask, they can usually find you the letters to make your favorite word(s) or saying(s).
Also check Pop Cycle on 4th Ave for Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) stuff. I bought the awesome little green skeleton (see photo below) there.
Last time I was there they had some license plates that you could customize, I think. lol You’ll have to check and see.
Go in and play and have fun and remember to tell them you found them on GayTucson.com!
Pritchett, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CLC offers Psychotherapy and EMDR for individuals and couples. She has worked with a wide variety of clientele in residential facilities, inpatient hospitals, outpatient and private practice. Patricia now limits her private practice to working with gay, lesbian, Trans and Queer individuals and couples.
Patricia Pritchett: Loves Her Job!
Patricia Pritchett’s Calming and Elegant Office
You’ll Feel Comfortable in Patricia Pritchett’s Spacious and Calming Office
One of the first things that you will notice when you meet Patricia is that you feel welcomed and admired. She loves her job, loves people, and it shows. Her therapy style brings together acceptance, non-judgment, and empowerment.
“By utilizing a variety of techniques, we are able to identify the root cause of your symptoms and suffering that may be fueling your current predicament.” Once we know what starts the fire, (and the fuel that drives you to repeat the same bad choices over and over), we can develop a plan to reduce these flames so that you can lead the joyful and peaceful life you deserve, without repeatedly getting burned. I utilize inner child work and IMAGO for couples as a means of getting to the core issues and resolving them. I like to weave in art, writing, role reversals, family sculpts, and EMDR to help you see yourself and the people around you from a new perspective. Using a variety of techniques can be highly effective in motivating the change you desire.”
Patricia can be reached by email or text. Her office is located in the NorthWest side of town right off the freeway.
Patricia Pritchett: Contact Info
Office: 7229 North Thornydale Rd., Suite 109, Tucson AZ 85741
The extended-stay hotel in Tucson, Arizona is the perfect choice for traveling business professionals. They offer studio and home-office style suites that boast fully equipped kitchens with sleek appliances.
Barrio Books is the only bilingual woman-owned bookstore in Tucson, AZ. We specialize in carrying literature from Latinx authors as well as other BIPOC authors. We dedicate ourselves to serving the Tucson community by providing a space where our customers can find representation in the books they read. Barrio Books began as a pop-up vendor, going to different events throughout Tucson and the surrounding areas. In January, we were fortunate to have a partnership with Hotel McCoy who provided our first Brick and Mortar location rent-free. We are currently working on our bookmobile in order to have an easier and more efficient way of getting more literature into our neighborhoods.
Representation Matters
Selfie of Syrena at Barrio Books
I am a native Tucsonan and a graduate of the University of Arizona. Throughout the years, I have been involved in organizations throughout the community that focuses on Social Justice and Cultural enrichment.
Tucson is such a diverse city and so incredibly supportive. We saw that first opening at our Brick and Mortar location! There were so many people that came in rooting for Barrio Books to succeed. And so many others that were eager to learn and devour the literature that we sell. Even today, there are still so many people so excited to come in and take in the unique vibes of Barrio Books.
Representation for Latinx peoples is incredibly important in all mediums, especially literature. Barrio Books is a way to get books out to people in the community who have no idea where they can find books that reflect them and their unique journey through life. This is especially important for young readers. Books that have characters who look like them, eat the same foods, or go through the same obstacles can really lure them into wanting more books and in turn, create lifelong readers!
“Quickly has become one of my favorite bookstores in town. Syrena has been extremely kind and helpful when it comes to helping me find rare Latinx-focused books, and I am very grateful for all the wonderful finds!” -Luis Silva
COMPANY NAME: BARRIO BOOKS
OFFICE ADDRESS:
HOTEL MCCOY
720 W SILVERLAKE #302
TUCSON AZ, 85713
