Bankens Combat Jiu-Jitsu

Messier Twenty 2 years ago

I’ve been to numerous martial arts studios in my travels over the years and Bankens Mountain Martial Arts Academy is a gem of a place! I live several states away, but I travel through the area often. I’ve had the pleasure of being a drop in student for their BJJ classes, but have observed the childrens, fitness, and kickboxing classes which occur before BJJ on various nights. Professor Bankens brings his unique blend of experience (studio, competition, and real world), humor, and infectious enthusiasm to those as well. The Jiu Jitsu taught at Bankens is classic Gracie style. The professor is a black belt under the one and only Royce Gracie! Lineage aside, I was impressed by how efficiently Professor Bankens is able to convey techniques. There’s a warm up every class and after that he steps the attendees through several self defense and ground techniques all in one hour. Often there’s a game at the end to safely pressure test one or more of the techniques taught. Safety is definitely of prime importance at Bankens. I found everyone I rolled with at open mats to be conscientious as well as skilled appropriate to their belt level. There are several purple belts as well as blues, whites, and a few browns that are in attendance every time I drop in. I think it’s a real testament to Professor Bankens himself and his teaching method that he has several dedicated students that have stuck with him for years. I highly recommend Bankens Mountain Martial Arts. Go try it out, you won’t regret it!

Jeffrey Brown 7 years ago

I love this place. My daughter has been student for a few months after training in CA, and I am now a student myself. The focus on self defense vice tournament/point grappling is what sets this school apart from most. Professor Bankens' extensive experience coupled with his natural teaching ability and ability to connect with kids is amazing. If you want quality, well rounding self defense instruction on the hill, you can't go wrong with Bankens' and his martial arts "family".

Barbara Kaldi Local Guide 9 years ago

I have been training here for the past 7 months. Within the first four months I have lost ~23lbs. I went from barely able to keep up with my kids to kick ass mom! Nothing is too hard now, I can do it all. I also feel more confident and know that if needed I would be better able to protect myself. Professor Bankens is a great motivator and humanitarian. He will bring out the best in you! The spirit of acceptance and respect percolates from Professor to the children that train there. All the kids look after one another and both my kids who train there, ages 5 and 3 thrive in this environment. Being able to try all the classes made me feel comfortable as I did not feel pressured to sign up. My son is looking forward to his next birthday as he wants to have a Jiu-Jitsu birthday party there too! Highly recommend trying this place out.

Doug Local Guide 10 years ago

The academy is very inviting and supportive. My entire family go to the academy and we all enjoy the classes. Professor Bankens is an amazing teacher for both the adult and kids. He also takes very good care of the academy; the mats are always clean.

Shelbie Knox 10 years ago

My kids (9 year old boy and 7 year old girl) have taken lessons from Professor Bankens for 7 months. We actually arrived in his class by accident - we were looking for the karate instructor in the same building, but after an introductory class, we were hooked. Professor Bankens is a remarkably talented teacher...so much so that we were happy to make the hour-long drive from Santa Fe to Los Alamos twice a week for practice. If you are looking for a fun and supportive yet challenging jiu jitsu class for your children in Los Alamos, you could not find any better.