Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts School in Salt Lake City
Founded on the principles of practical self-defense and community empowerment, the Bernales Institute of Martial Arts (BIMA) has been dedicated to teaching effective combat skills since its inception. Our curriculum integrates multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, and Jeet Kune Do, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Under the leadership of Chief Instructor Will Bernales, a certified expert in five martial arts, we emphasize individualized instruction and real-world application. Our programs foster physical fitness, mental discipline, and personal safety while maintaining a supportive environment for growth. With affiliations to prestigious martial arts organizations and a focus on lineage-based instruction, BIMA combines traditional techniques with modern self-defense strategies.We serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas through structured classes that balance rigorous training with accessible learning. Our commitment to quality instruction has earned recognition as the 2022 Best Martial Arts School. Through competitive training opportunities and community-building initiatives, we empower individuals to develop confidence and resilience. Our facility accommodates both beginners and advanced practitioners, offering flexible scheduling to meet diverse needs. With over 25 years of combined instructional experience among our staff, we maintain a reputation for excellence in martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai
Kali
Jeet Kune Do
Silat
Combat Submission Wrestling
Youth Classes
Adult Classes
Self-Defense Training
Competition Preparation
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from certified experts in five martial arts disciplines
- Our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense applications over competition
- We provide individualized instruction adapted to each student's skill level
- Our facility offers multiple class formats for diverse training needs
- We maintain direct lineage connections to martial arts founders and masters
Associations and certifications
- World Thai Boxing Association
- Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association
What people say
Patient instructors
Knowledgeable staff
Supportive community
Confidence building
Effective self-defense
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This grappling martial art teaches effective self-defense techniques for both standing and ground situations. Our program follows the Gracie lineage through Pedro Sauer's system, emphasizing technique over strength. Students develop physical fitness, mental discipline, and practical combat skills through structured classes for all experience levels.
Muay Thai
This power-based martial art utilizes knees, elbows, fists, and shins for effective self-defense. As Utah's World Thai Boxing Association representative, we offer classes from beginner to expert levels. Training includes conditioning drills and practical applications of Thailand's national combat sport.
Kali
Filipino Martial Arts instruction focuses on weapon defense and empty-hand techniques. Certified through Tuhon Dan Inosanto's system, our classes teach disarming methods and combat strategies against multiple opponents. Students develop reflexes and situational awareness through progressive training drills.
Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee's martial art philosophy emphasizes adaptable combat techniques for real-world situations. Our certified instructors teach this evolving system that combines striking, grappling, and weapon defense. Classes focus on practical self-defense applications and personal development.
Combat Submission Wrestling
This hybrid system combines elements from multiple martial arts for effective grappling and striking. As Utah's CSW representative, we offer training in no-gi techniques and competitive strategies. Classes integrate fundamental skills with advanced combat applications developed by Erik Paulson.
People
Will Bernales
Founder and Chief Instructor
4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with certifications in five martial arts. Trained directly under martial arts pioneers since 1989. Recognized for developing practical self-defense programs that benefit students of all ages and abilities.
Ray Rosales
Kali and Silat Instructor
Certified in Filipino Martial Arts through Tuhon Dan Inosanto's system. Specializes in weapon defense techniques and traditional combat methodologies. Brings extensive experience in both instructional and practical applications of martial arts.
Luke Smith
Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Experienced martial artist with over a decade of training at BIMA. Certified to teach multiple disciplines, focusing on technique development and student progression. Recognized for effective instruction in both youth and adult classes.
Marty Wang
Kali and Jeet Kune Do Instructor
Specializes in Filipino martial arts and Bruce Lee's combat philosophy. Certified through direct lineage from martial arts masters. Emphasizes practical self-defense applications and traditional training methods in his instruction.
Sonny Nguyen
CSW and Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Multi-disciplined martial artist with expertise in grappling and submission techniques. Trains students in both competitive and self-defense applications. Known for patient instruction and technical precision in all class formats.
Questions
Where are you located?
We're at 2257 South State Street, Salt Lake City, one block north of the I-80 exit. Look for the giant bowling pin on the east side of State Street.
What should I bring to my first class?
We provide loaner gear for all martial arts. Bring comfortable workout clothes. Regular students receive a free BIMA shirt for class wear.
Do you offer sparring opportunities?
Yes, we include light sparring in most classes. Jiu-Jitsu and CSW classes have dedicated sparring time, with Friday evening sessions for more intense practice.
Are classes available for beginners?
Absolutely! Our instructors adapt to all skill levels. Larger classes are split into beginner and advanced groups to ensure proper technique development.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Silat, and Combat Submission Wrestling. Each program maintains direct lineage connections to founding masters.
Do you have youth programs?
Yes, we offer specialized classes for children aged 5-12 with age-appropriate instruction. Our youth programs focus on discipline, confidence building, and basic self-defense techniques.
