To keep our students safe, we are using the highest-rated air filters on the market and are using enhanced ventilation and cleaning protocols. Mask use is now optional for our adult classes, but masks continue to be required during all youth classes. Contact us today to try a class or schedule an orientation!
The Bernales Institute of Martial Arts (BIMA) offers classes for kids and adults that provide practical self-defense skills within an energetic, fun, and supportive community atmosphere. The martial arts taught at BIMA provide a "seatbelt for life, " giving you or your child the knowledge and skills needed for effective self-protection and self-empowerment.
The Bernales Institute of Martial Arts (BIMA) offers classes for kids and adults that provide practical self-defense skills within an energetic, fun, and supportive community atmosphere. The martial arts taught at BIMA provide a "seatbelt for life, " giving you or your child the knowledge and skills needed for effective self-protection and self-empowerment.
Services
People are drawn to martial arts for many different reasons. Many come to learn how to effectively defend and protect themselves and those around them. Some are seeking a higher level of fitness. Others come because they want to be part of a community. Regardless of the initial reason that brings you to the Bernales Institute, you will reap all of these benefits in the company of like-minded people who share your personal goals.
Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing, is the power-based martial art from Thailand. This rigorous form of fighting gained fast recognition due to its effectiveness on the streets and in the ring. Like any other martial art, anyone wishing to become proficient in Muay Thai must start with the basics.
The Total Defense program at BIMA is a mix of Jeet Kune Do, Kali, and Silat. The Total Defense program is all-encompassing: combining stand-up, ground, and weapons. Sifu/Guro Bernales and his fellow instructors provide a unique opportunity to learn some of the world's most effective martial arts in one program.
Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is an eclectic/hybrid system and philosophy of life founded by martial artist Bruce Lee with direct, non-classical, and straightforward movements. The Bernales Institute's founder and chief instructor, Will Bernales, received his training and certification from Guro Dan Inosanto, who worked and trained directly with Bruce Lee.
This highly sophisticated and comprehensive martial art from the Philippines forms an all-encompassing and combat-effective system. In this art, you will hone and heighten reflexes through sensitivity flow drills and progressions. Zoning, slashing, thrusting, and raking motions are used to develop and ingrain muscle memory in angles of attack.
Reviews (17)
Mary Beth Osoro
Nov 17, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
BIMA has been great for my 5 year old son. They do a wonderful job of requiring respect and discipline while also making it fun and learning a lot of skills. The instructors are professional, knowledgeable, and great with kids. I would recommend BIMA without any hesitation to any family.
BIMA has been great for my 5 year old son. They do a wonderful job of requiring respect and discipline while also making it fun and learning a lot of skills. The instructors are professional, knowledgeable, and great with kids. I would recommend BIMA without any hesitation to any family.
Derek Staffanson
Nov 12, 2021
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I have been so impressed with and grateful for Bernales. Will, Carla, and all the teachers seen so very concerned with the kids, paying attention to the kids and their mental state, trying to help with any issues that impact their ability to learn, giving appropriate attention to individual kids during class time, and being very encouraging. Our kids are learning quickly, as are we. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Kit Gonzales
Nov 05, 2021
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Gerald Hayden
Oct 13, 2021
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I have been training Muay Thai here for 3 months, and have loved every class. The staff and class are very friendly and make a great environment for learning at many skill levels.
I personally have not tried any of the other practices yet. But have heard nothing but good things.
I highly recommend Will and his staffs teachings.
I personally have not tried any of the other practices yet. But have heard nothing but good things.
I highly recommend Will and his staffs teachings.
Patrick Bostick
Mar 15, 2021
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Excellent staff, great with kids and adults alike. Very early on in the pandemic, they developed a number strong safety measures, including Zoom classes, as well as a high-quality filter system and rigorous cleaning in their studio, as well as excellent hygiene and masking protocols. They keep their people safe while maintaining continuity in teaching. They've had no community spread, yay BIMA!
Juan David Mendoza La Torre
Aug 03, 2020
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This is the best MMA gym in salt lake county. I've gone to literally all the good ones & none compare to Bernales Institute.
I've even gone to spar/roll with ppl at other MMA gyms & won. They were surprised how good I was in the amount of time I've been doing this & I believe it's because of this gym.
Besides the training aspect, the environment & love the trainers & students share is amazing. Its literally like we're all a bunch of friends training together.
Will the main instructor is the best in ANY gym in ANY martial arts. Front desk & other instructors are amazing as well
I've even gone to spar/roll with ppl at other MMA gyms & won. They were surprised how good I was in the amount of time I've been doing this & I believe it's because of this gym.
Besides the training aspect, the environment & love the trainers & students share is amazing. Its literally like we're all a bunch of friends training together.
Will the main instructor is the best in ANY gym in ANY martial arts. Front desk & other instructors are amazing as well
Joe Cosentino
Jan 28, 2020
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I moved to Utah from Pittsburgh about a year and a half ago. I have been in martial arts for 50 years this year (excluding the plague year) and have several levels of instructorship in various martial arts. I’ve trained and instructed all over America and Europe. I was extremely pleased to find such a solid core of high level martial arts being… instructed by a top tier instructor such as Master Will Bernales. I can honestly say that I have never trained with a better or more knowledgeable person. It is evident that he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of his arts and being a teacher
Aug 11, 2019
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I recommend this school for anyone seeking a strong, effective, well-rounded foundation in self-defense. 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. These factors are the signs of a truly good martial arts school. It's vital to train in conditions that grant real martial ability, yet equally vital to develop a calm frame of mind that remains centered. My experience at Bernales Institute of Martial Arts today showed me that this school is very much worth training in, even if you live a good distance
Mike Berry
Dec 30, 2018
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Jason Garza
May 16, 2018
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It's been a couple of years since my son has trained at BIMA but those 3 years have had such an impact on his life. We will forever be grateful to Will and his staff for instilling a strong sense of confidence and self reliance which has carried over into all aspects of his life! I highly recommend BIMA to any parent looking to bring the best out in their child!
Caleb Johnson
Apr 16, 2017
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Prestige Productions
Jan 22, 2017
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Bernales Institute is an awesome gym to learn martial arts. The instructors are extremely patient, friendly and talented. The other students offer helpful insights to help improve technique and the environment is very comfortable even for beginners. I feel no judgement from advanced students either which I was always worried about. Instead they show a sincere desire to help me improve. Would definitely recommend to anybody interested in learning martial arts.
Karl N. Lasa Wolfgramm
Jan 18, 2017
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Jesus Miramontes
Apr 13, 2016
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Maurena Grossman
Mar 12, 2016
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Bernales is a great place for the entire family. After watching my son train for over a year, my husband and I decided to join the BIMA family. The instructors are very calm, patient and provide a lot of room for personal growth. Our 4 yo daughter is excited to join the rest of the family on the mat.
Kris
Sep 10, 2014
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We love Will and all of the other instructors. They love what they do and genuinely care about each student in the class. BIMA has a great atmosphere - positive, encouraging, and respectful. 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. He looks forward to every class and we are so happy he has the chance to attend!
Phillip Thurston
Nov 12, 2012
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Beyond amazing! This is by far the best martial arts school in Utah. One of my fellow classmates literally drives 232 miles one way to attend this school. That is how above the rest this school is. There are no overly aggressive fighters here, and there is a sense of brotherhood and friendship. Everyone is extremely friendly and approachable. The learning atmosphere is also very safe. I am learning faster here than I have at any other school. Absolutely 100% worth it.
