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Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Salt Lake City, Utah
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bernalesinstitute.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (801) 463-1727
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–12 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has learned so much by attending for the past 2 1/2 years - in addition to martial arts techniques, he is learning character, discipline, confidence, and hard work.”
“The other students offer helpful insights to help improve technique and the environment is very comfortable even for beginners.”
“I medal at almost every tournament thanks to their teaching styles!”
“If you're looking to learn a smattering of different martial arts -- Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, or FMA, you really can't beat the Bernales Institute.”
“His ability to blend multiple disciplines (Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do, to name a few) is astounding and rare.”
Other martial arts here
“If you're looking to learn a smattering of different martial arts -- Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, or FMA, you really can't beat the Bernales Institute.”
“They offer a wide range of martial arts including bit not limeted to MMA, jujitsu, tai boxing, weapon training, and judo.”
“They offer a wide range of martial arts including bit not limeted to MMA, jujitsu, tai boxing, weapon training, and judo.”
“If you're looking to learn a smattering of different martial arts -- Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, or FMA, you really can't beat the Bernales Institute.”
“The instruction is of the highest level, and a big emphasis is put on technique and real world application, both for combat sports and self defense situations.”
What members say
“In addition to offering an array of martial arts styles that have each stood the test of time, this school has a safe, welcoming atmosphere.”
“Bernales himself is a highly credentialed instructor in a variety of martial arts, and he's surrounded himself with a very competent and friendly set of instructors to assist him.”
“My son has learned so much by attending for the past 2 1/2 years - in addition to martial arts techniques, he is learning character, discipline, confidence, and hard work.”
“Bernales himself is a highly credentialed instructor in a variety of martial arts, and he's surrounded himself with a very competent and friendly set of instructors to assist him.”
From the reviews
I absolutely love this martial arts school. We had just moved from Washington in 2016, and my son was having some trouble in school. He was in 3rd grade and just a little socially awkward and uncoordinated in comparison to kids his age.
About 13 years ago, I walked through the doors of BIMA not knowing what to expect and pretty nervous about taking any martial arts class. I fell in love with Muay Thai and a few moths later BJJ as well.
My daughter attended the dragons level jiu jitsu class here and LOVED IT! I was not a very athletic kid growing up so I didn’t know the value of learning such a disciplined sport as this until signing my kid up here.
I've been attending the Bernales Institute of Martial Arts for a while, and I've been extremely impressed. Mr. Bernales himself is a highly credentialed instructor in a variety of martial arts, and he's surrounded himself with a very competent and friendly set of instructors to assist him.
New to kickboxing? Start at Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
Bernales Institute of Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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