The War Room School of Jiu Jitsu

The War Room School of Jiu Jitsu began as a 12x12 mat in Professor Jose Garcia’s living room during March 2020, born from a desire to create a place where people from all walks of life could face challenges together. Professor Jose, a black belt under Gustavo Alencar (Gracie Barra Rio Rancho, direct from Master Carlos Gracie Jr.), leads the academy with a technical and detail-focused approach, aiming to ensure every class delivers seminar-level instruction. His coaching emphasizes intensity, accountability, and a commitment to making every student better than himself, both on the mats and off. Youth development is a central pillar at The War Room. The Littles program (ages 4–6) focuses on motor skills, coordination, and confidence with a high level of coach attention, while the Big Kids classes (ages 7–12) blend self-defense, fitness, and discipline to prepare young students for both sport and life. Kids also have access to gi and no-gi training, plus an every-other-Friday session covering MMA and self-defense fundamentals. The adult program offers a structured progression from fundamentals to advanced technique, with dedicated live training, competition classes, and both gi and no-gi formats available throughout the week. The coaching team brings a mix of deep local roots, competition experience, and diverse teaching backgrounds. Professor Jose is joined by instructors like Richard Dolan (Big Kids and Adult Fundamentals), Professor Chris Turner (the academy’s first homegrown black belt and a competition veteran), Aubrey Donahue (first IBJJF gold medalist from the academy), and Albert Apache (Army veteran and brown belt). Yoga for BJJ, taught by Muriel Palanca, supports recovery and longevity. The War Room is an IBJJF-registered academy, providing students with recognized affiliation for tournament pathways. With its origins in Albuquerque’s west side and a strong emphasis on discipline, resilience, and technical growth, The War Room offers serious training in a family-focused setting.

Amenities