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Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Muay thai 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 levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- 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
“The other students offer helpful insights to help improve technique and the environment is very comfortable even for beginners.”
“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.”
“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.”
Other martial arts here
“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.”
“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.”
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.”
“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.”
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 muay thai? 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 program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all 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 muay thai class at Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a muay thai 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 on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals 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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🥊 Free trial class — check their site