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'.

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.

Great experience so far! Our son loves the instructors who makes each session fun but focused. We…read morewill definitely recommend this place to whomever is looking for their child to gain strength and discipline.

This is a fantastic academy for anyone - kids to adult, just beginning to experienced professional…read more My 5 year old son and I both take classes here. I've never met a more competent and yet relaxed and fun team - and head instructor Justin Hall is fantastic. I really can't recommend him highly enough. BJJ, or any martial art, can be intimidating to start. Something a lot of us want to do, or dream about, but we're hesitant, maybe afraid to go in - remembering Cobra Kai from our youth in the Karate Kid. Well it's not like that at all. They're warm, welcoming, and fun. Justin exudes a confidence only born of competence, you see it in people who are great at what they do, whatever it is. Justin is the consummate teacher - patient, yet exacting. He knows his stuff, and he's not in this just for minting belts and making money. He in fact will limit the size of his school ultimately - so I'd get in now. There is no better place in NM. There may be other great facilities, but I can guarantee you that you will be happy you went here.

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!

Best gym to improve your muay thai or boxing in Albuquerque you wont find a better gym.read more

Went once for their first "free class" and they didn't let me train bcs it was a lvl 2 class and…read morethey didn't "know my experience level". I've been training for a while now (2 yrs) and they didn't even let me get on the mats to at least show where I'm at. Never been to a gym that rejects a new member

Staff and students there are welcoming great environment to train and just overall fun!!! I love…read moreit!!!