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.

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.

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'.

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

So far...so good…read more I'm sure my scoring of this place will change as time goes on and I see the results with my kids. I asked...no hounded...my children's father to get them enrolled in Jiu Jitsu because my daughter was in it before and she loved it. This is the place he chose. First and foremost...Chaz is AWESOME. He helped me when I was struggling to learn the ropes from belt tying to what was up with the student cards. He's the best. Professor Wes, I think it is, is great as well. He's really good with the kids. He's firm but knows how to laugh with them as well when it's appropriate. He seems very kind and patient. He takes time with the parents as well which is important to me. The issues I have are that I've watched the kids sparring and although Professor Wes is in there, he can only watch so many at a time. It looks like there might be junior instructors in the classes as well so I think they help but I see these kids rolling without a lot of correction. I'm just wondering how they learn. I'm guessing that will come in time which is why I'm determined to get my kids there at least three times per week. I hate to sound like a skeptic because I'm not. I have watched this sport for years and love it. I hounded the children's father forever to do this so I am definitely a fan. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is world renowned so I'm expecting to see great results. I want to see my children grow, become more disciplined, more self aware but mostly, gain self esteem. Time will tell. The parking lot is weird. I feel like I'm going to get in an accident when I pull in but so far I haven't. I wish there wasn't a wall so I could see the kids better from the waiting area but whatever. We aren't supposed to interfere anyway. All in all, I have high hopes and I'm confident Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will deliver.

Great Dojo, Sensei Randy is not just a instructor is an inspiration for the kids and students, and…read morethe students are not just instructed they are loved! I have not seen the passion that Sensei Randy have for teaching Karate

I've trained in multiple states over the course of many years. This is hands down the best dojo…read moreI've ever trained in! New Mexico Shotokan will always be my home. Sensei Randy is such a great and versatile teacher. Whatever your goals are, New Mexico Shotokan is the place. This school trains traditional Shotokan, Meibukan Goju Ryu, Okinawan Kobudo and even Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iajitsu. Great family environment and excellent training facility. Thank you New Mexico Shotok

Absolutely love the community here at Blackmans Championship Martial Arts. My daughter loves it ,…read moreand looks forward to every class. Great schedule, great classes, and great instructors.

To build true confidence through knowledge in the mind,…read morehonesty in the heart, and strength in the body. To keep friendship with one another and to build a strong community. Never fight to achieve selfish goals, but develope, "Might for Right" this is our student creed...... believe me you want your kid here for more reasons than you can even begin to imagin! I absolutely love this place and all the black belt instructors are incredible.. it's not just for kids says this senior citizen;)

I studied with Sifu Chris for a period of several years a while back. He was a superb teacher, very…read moreknowledgeable, easy going, and able to transmit information very easily. I also like that his approach is very grounded and practical. My schedule got a little crazy and I wasn't able to take class from him. I recommend him very highly to anyone wanting to learn Tai Chi.

YES! Say "YES" to…read moreTai Chi with Chris Nelson! Not only is he steeped in knowledge of the physical, mental, spiritual, and metaphysical aspects of this wonderful martial art, he is such a skillful, graceful practitioner and an UTTERLY AMAZING TEACHER, with patience, intuition, and an abundance of enthusiasm and good humor. I came to his classes through a series of happy accidents and a quick Google search once I finally figured out what I needed: Tai Chi in Silver Lake, oh YES! Hidden Tai Chi?!? So cool! I started attending classes nearly two years ago as a step in the process of trying to fix my semi-broken body, psyche, and my whole historical self, wanting to change my self-image, my internal conversation about who I was and what I could and couldn't do...and there was this kind, joyful, and patient man in the park, sitting on a blanket, and ready to go to work with me and anyone/everyone else who showed up, I don't know how I could recommend Chris and his classes more: he listens to everyone and makes gentle, non-judgmental assessments of his students (who may change from week to week), and then provides the perfect class, on the fly, every time, giving us exactly what we need, always encouraging us to move beyond our comfort zone. I go to Chris's classes feeling excited and hopeful; I leave feeling fulfilled, enriched, and grounded. The lessons I've learned with Chris have seriously changed my perspective and given me skills that I value highly. I am so grateful to have this wonderful teacher in my life!

Takai Mine Taekwondo is a wonderful school and environment for young, middle age, and older…read morestudents. My personal experience has been nothing but full satisfaction and outstanding leadership and quality of teaching. I can only say, Grandmaster is such a kind hearted individual who loves and cares for her students. Her integrity and experience only speaks for itself. I have known and been a student of Takai Mine Taekwondo and have learned so much and given assistance with anything I every needed. I love this school and will always be part of their family and teachings. Ruby Red New Mexico Award Winning Artist and Student

There is a lack of adequate leadership. Disrespect from staff and students that's tolerated which…read moreperpetuates problems. Students don't learn motivation or respect and what could be a great school, is now lacking in integrity.