From someone who has been a part of the kickboxing and Muay-Thai community in Albuquerque since the…read morelate 80's, Invictus has been by far one of the of my favorite places to train. Coach Rick and Edgar are very knowledgeable and technical and you are welcomed into a ego free environment as soon as you step through the door. Everyone who I have come in contact with has been kind, friendly and willing to learn and share knowledge, rather it be jiu-jitsu practitioners or veterans of stand up, all are phenomenal people. I can't thank Rick enough for always welcoming me into his facility. I recommend Invictus to absolutely anyone thinking about learning martial arts.

I do not have enough room to describe how grateful I am for Invictus BJJ. These guys have been…read moreincredibly hospitable and have done a tremendous job creating an atmosphere/culture that anyone would want to be a part of. Equally important: the training and instruction are excellent. I spent a week in town for work and reached out to them before I came down. They welcomed me into the academy and insisted on no drop-in fees for me because I was a visitor. ZERO. No one treated me any differently than regular members despite being a visitor. The instructors took time to answer my questions and even helped me catch up on the things I wasn't around for the week prior. Everyone in the gym was approachable, regardless of belt-color, achievements, etc. Rick, presumably one of the owners, even invited another visitor and I out for the gym's regular weekly social hour after training one evening. The instruction and class structure are great. They say drillers make killers. We had plenty of time to drill the techniques we worked on during class. The professor was present and available for questions/clarification. I especially appreciated the common thread that ran through the training each night of the week. There is clearly some sort of common curriculum. This is different from some gyms I've trained at where classes may be put together haphazardly without rhyme or reason. Everything I had the opportunity to train on at Invictus was complimentary. There was plenty of time to free roll after drilling as well. This is a great place for all levels, including new white belts like me.

After retiring, I wanted to return to martial arts, building on my initial foundation in Aikido…read more Albuquerque Aikikai offers great benefits: classes that help maintain mobility without impact, traditional etiquette, and a low‑ego culture that attracts mature practitioners. Plus, the weapons training perfectly complements my previous experience in Karate.

I have been attending this Aikido dojo for over four years now. As someone with no previous martial…read morearts experience, I hadn't originally known what to expect when I signed up for my first basics class. What I found was a welcoming environment and friendly people. This school focuses on traditional Japanese Aikido and doesn't lose sight of the martial aspects of the art. The dojo itself is a calm and well-kept space, ideal for focusing on training. Okuyama Sensei is a constant source of inspiration, the kind of person you want to work hard for. There are a wide range of ages present (as well as quite a few families), but the common thread is that it's a group of caring and respectful people. I never enjoyed gym environments (which I find boring), so this dojo has been the perfect blend of mental and physical exercise.

A traditional Japanese jujutsu. This is NOT Brazilian jujitsu, so don't come thinking it is. This…read moreis the unarmed martial art of the samurai, for use on the battlefield when their sword was unavailable or inappropriate. It has been modernized, of course, but the roots are clear. Extremely effect strikes, joint locks, chokes, throws and ground fighting. Both offensive and defensive techniques. This is not a class for kids. The class is held as part of the UNM Activities Program, and thus is open to anyone registered at UNM as a 2 credit class. Not a UNM student? No problem. The class is also held Monday, Wednesday and every other Saturday at Sandia Budokan on Yale and Silver, which is open to non-students.

If you want to learn how to fight, defend yourself or are looking for a great workout, this is the…read moreplace to go. The coaches make a patient effort to bring new people up to a competitive level. (Regardless of if you plan to compete or not.) Its worth coming by to check it out.

Unassuming, replete with character and proudly gritty, this stout lair of sweat and stamina is…read morebound to be the birthplace of the next great fighter in ABQ. The locale is entirely alien: just another storefront in the midst of another boring strip mall, walking in the door delivers something akin to a modern-day Rocky training complex, the kind of arena where Adrian isn't just sitting in the corner cheering her honey on, she's laced up in the ring, sparring and whipping the bastards to pieces. Combat sports have entered a new era, folks. The ladies are seriously into this competition, and we're not boxing, we're throwing elbows and push-kicks and choke holds. ABQ Kickboxing provides all the ammunition necessary to be a Bad Ass. A truly local resource, the facility and staff are the small dog in the franchise fight; they simply don't have the monetary resources to supply the shine and sheen of the box gyms. Here, the walls are plastered with sponsors who support 'em, much of the equipment is well worn or in need of repair, there aren't any fancy machines, just a few dumbbells and kettlebells and medicine balls, it's a hodgepodge and the instructors do what they can to utilize 'em into the workouts. Workouts run 45 minutes, a big plus in my book, just about perfect for the overworked professional. The floor matting is thick semi-absorbent foam, akin to the stuff a baby could crawl on, great for your feet, which is important because you'll be kicking the bags barefoot. The bags are full-size, they drag the foam, something I generally prefer to UFC Gym (but the benefits are debatable). Workouts run the gamut, but the average routine involves a mix of bag work, stations, ab routines and virtually no stretching. Best you arrive early and get yo'self limber before the lesson. And dig it: participants are asked to clean up after their own mess after the punishment is dealt, just a squirt bottle and a towel. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a sweaty bastard, I give a new definition to someone who can make it rain. Here, I also clean up my dollahs. Aside from the classes, there's a boxing ring (ground level) and a grappling arena, there's plenty of instruction for those who want to take the plunge. They offer two free classes for the newbies so you have no excuse, go check it out. One bathroom, something of a downer, and a lot of the square footage is occupied by a front desk area that probably should be half the size to accommodate more equipment. Overall, I return to the opening paragraph theme: this is the place where ABQ's next big thing will train, compete and ultimately find fame. The gym absolutely bleeds Eye of the Tiger. Go check it out, and don't get discouraged if your first workout doesn't do the trick. Try another. I did and I'm hurtin'.

The best, they are fun to learn. It started as a small area now ots a big one at the downtown. I…read moreleft 2 years ago because its far away

Nicest people. Cool atmosphere. My nephew used to train there…read more I think I have purchased every T-shirt and other items with the JW logo in the place!

I started taking my 7 year old son here to help boost his self esteem and focus. I couldn't have…read moreasked for a better place. All the Sensei are great with kids, focusing on fun and safety. The kids seem to have a great time while learning Aikido and respect. The kid classes are offered five times a week and kids are welcome to come to as many classes as they like a week. The classes coincide with yoga classes at grassroots next door so parents can do yoga while the kiddos practice, although I haven't taken advantage because it's so fun to watch my son I don't want to leave! They also offer adult Aikido, karate and tai chi in a clean and welcoming dojo.

From the owner: We offer marshalarts for kids and adultread more

If you plan to cancel your gym membership they won't let you cancel the same month and will still…read morecharge you for an additional month even if you don't go so if you have money to waste this place is great

I started to go to this gym a couple of weeks ago and wow! The staff are very friendly and there's…read morea variety of classes. I joined this gym because they have classes early in the morning and that go until 7PM which is great for people who work a normal 8-5 and can hit the gym either before or after work. The class instructors are amazing at explaining how the class runs and helps you out with what equipment you'll need prior to the class starting. Highly recommend going here!