Bernales Institute of Martial Arts — Attraction in South Salt Lake

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. I had no idea where to begin in my search, but I noticed a summer special for a youth program at Bernales Martial Arts. I didn’t know if this would help my son, and yes, the first class for him was a challenge and he seemed to have trouble getting the moves. We stuck with it that summer, and I must say the improvement was unbelievable. He grew into this confident and coordinated kid, and I finally felt he was matched with other kids his age. We have stayed with Bernales this entire time, and even through the pandemic. They moved classes outside to Liberty Park, and the moves that required close contact were no longer practiced, but they began doing other cool things like memorized movements with sticks and such as well as Muay Thai. He is now in 10th grade and will most definitely continue until he leaves for college. He has since moved from youth to adult classes, and it has been such a wonderful and close knit community throughout his entire time there. Will, Carla, and the other instructors are wonderful people that truly care about each individual. I just can’t stress what a great place it’s been for my son. As I mentioned, he was socially awkward and didn’t have many friends. He is now in debate, mock trial, swim team, and he is a very social and outgoing kid. We are so impressed with how far he has come, and I attribute much of this to the studio. I will probably cry when he has his last class because they have become a second...

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. One of the most unique and really cool thing about BIMA is the variety of martial arts offered, with top level instructors. Will Bernales has such a deep understanding and passion for so many arts, as do all of the instructors. It's a goldmine of info! Not only is the information top level, Will's friendly personality and experience teaching provides a comfortable space and a place where no matter your experience level everyone leaves class with their cups filled. Seminars from high level people in various arts are held at BIMA frequently which is always a plus. Having moved out of Utah I've had to find a new gym, if you're trying to find a place to start training or continue training, Bernales Institute of Martial Arts is where...

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’m so impressed by Master Will’s patience with the kids and his ability to instill discipline without being intimidating. He and the other teachers do a fantastic job coaching the kids, fostering their strength, and encouraging a sense of camaraderie among the students. Every “test day” gives the kids a chance to show off the skills they’ve learned during the month and progress a level on their belts. Master Will does a great job acknowledging each student on their growth. My daughter has gotten stronger, both physically and mentally, since starting this class and I can’t wait to see how much more she grows into herself as we continue to...