about us

serving the Albuquerque area as your guide on the journey to a healthier, happier self

our STORY

We opened Impact Jiu Jitsu Albuquerque, because we wanted something different; something better. Like many Jiu Jitsu gyms we care deeply about Jiu Jitsu itself. Where we stand apart, however, is teaching. Teaching Jiu Jitsu to our students is our passion. While most gyms focus on “grinding” or “going hard” we work obsessively to teach Jiu Jitsu to our students in the most technical, most effective, and most comprehensive ways possible. We want our students to not only learn the small details of techniques that make the difference between success and failure at the highest levels, but also for them to understand the overall game of grappling better than their competitors. This means that they will be better equipped to both execute a given technique, and to choose the right technique for a given situation. When we look at what matters most for any student to receive from a teacher it is skill sets, knowledge, and proficiency. This is what we provide to every single student at our gym. At Impact we work tirelessly to ensure our students will become true experts in Jiu Jitsu, and we do this in an environment of camaraderie, integrity, and respect.

OUR GOAL:

TO PROVIDE

positive & challenging environments promoting health, fitness, well being & community

ORIGINS OF IMPACT JIU JITSU

Impact Jiu Jitsu’s beginnings stem from Japan where in 1991, founder Michael Chapman studied “Shooto” or Shoot Fighting. When Michael returned to Oregon in 1993, he brought with him a passion for ground fighting. At the time, there was little known locally about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Michael pulled together training partners and they began to learn what they could through books, videos, and seminars with Brazilian Black Belts such as Rickson Gracie and Rigan Machado.

In 1997, Michael joined the Machado family when Black Belt Chris Haueter presented him a purple belt—Michael’s first colored belt. In 1998, Impact Jiu Jitsu was opened (known as Beaverton Straight Blast Gym until 2006). Chris Haueter awarded Michael with his Black Belt in 2004. Since opening Impact Jiu Jitsu in Beaverton in 1998, Michael has been joined by many other amazing Jiu Jitsu athletes; some of whom followed a similar path to his as local pioneers in the sport. Dewey Nielsen (Black Belt) and Matt Leech (Black Belt) joined the Impact Jiu Jitsu family in 2003 when they opened Impact Jiu Jitsu in Newberg. Dewey and Matt began their pursuit of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu years before, training in smaller facilities—from Matt’s garage to mat space in a local health club.

Today, Impact Jiu Jitsu is the proud home to 46 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts: Michael Chapman (4th degree); Armand Debruge (3rd degree); Cameron Apple, Keisuke Andrew (2nd Degree); Todd Betters, Eric Jetton, Matt Leech, Tommy Leisman, Woody Little, Dewey Nielsen, Richard Rangel, K.C. Thompson, Hillary VanOrnum, Brian Walsh, and Andrew Wong (1st degree); Rodney Buswell, Tracy Chapman, Daryl Cutler, Daynin Dashefsky, Robert Follis, John Furukawa, Nick Gilardi, John Goforth, Tony Gracia, Sébastien Hily, George Huertas, Matt Koppelman, Chad Kyser, Keith Johnson, Josh Long, Chad Lyman, Eric Loar, Bryan Marugg, Zachary Minteer, David Niederman, Blake Nolan, Mark Pagaduan, Paul Park, Dan Robinson, Pavel Rott, David Rubin, Shaun Ryan, Ned Sands, Aaron Sparling, Adam Thomas, and Justin Tishendorf. Many of these athletes, as well as a great number of Impact’s students, hold local and world champion Jiu Jitsu titles. To learn more about Impact Jiu Jitsu and the people that make it great, come visit us in person.

OUR PEOPLE IS WHAT MAKES US GREAT

OUR TEAM

Benjamin Henning

OWNER + HEAD COACH

Robert Zamora

JIU JITSU COACH

Joshua Bratton

JIU JITSU COACH

Rafael Velasquez

jiu jitsu Coach

Kyle Tuttle

JIU JITSU COACH

ARE YOU READY TO LEVEL UP?

getting started is easy!

1. SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST VISIT

Talk with a coach about your goals and learn how we can get you to your best self.

2. START YOUR TRAINING

You have defined your goals and you are ready to begin your journey. We will start you strong by taking you through the fundamentals of training and sound habits putting you on the road to success!

3. HAVE FUN REACHING NEW LEVELS

Once you have the basics down you’ll book classes easily on our app, enjoy the workouts with awesome people and reach your goals in no time!

Impact Jiu Jitsu Albuquerque

CONTACT US

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

Benjamin Henning [Black Belt]

OWNER + HEAD COACH

Training since 2001 with Impact Jiu Jitsu under founder Michael Chapman in Portland, Oregon, Ben has developed a broad skill base in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Western Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, and more. He received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2020 from 4th Degree Impact JiuJitsu Black Belt, Michael Chapman. Teaching and coaching since 2003, Ben’s pragmatic approach to both Jiu Jitsu and all other self-defense arts is that “they should be honest above all else.” He emphasizes the famous words of original “Dirty Dozen” member and Rigan Machado Black Belt, Chris Haueter: “Think Street. Train Sport. Practice Art.”

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 3 Certification
 Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master in Kinesiology, USA Weightlifting, CrossFit Kids, Adaptive CrossFit, Precision Nutrition, Cenegenics Nutrition

Robert Zamora [Brown Belt]

JIU JITSU COACH

Robert first tried jiu jitsu during MMA training sessions while training Karate. These small training sessions, which later became Silverback Jiu Jitsu in Clovis, propelled him to becoming president and instructor of Greyhound MMA at Eastern New Mexico University as a Senior.

Now a brown belt under Ben Henning, Robert believes that jiu jitsu allows us to experience living in the present moment while simultaneously striving to become better, more capable citizens. As a coach, he strives to help others realize the depth of their potential as martial artists and as people.

Off the mats, Robert is an attorney and can be found walking New Mexico’s most adorable chihuahua Debra, of whom he will gladly show you pictures if asked.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Joshua Bratton [Purple Belt]

JIU JITSU COACH

Josh began training Jiu Jitsu in 2007 at CIA Paulista in Pasadena, CA. He was awarded a purple belt under Freddy Sabbatini in 2012. The time demanded by being a professional guitarist eventually led him to take an extended break from Jiu Jitsu. In 2021, Josh resumed training at Impact Jiu Jitsu Albuquerque. Always looking to share his love of the art with others, he never turns down an opportunity to talk darce chokes or leg locks.

Outside of the gym he still records and performs music regularly with his band Hooks and the Huckleberries as well as producing records for artists across the Southwest.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

Rafael Velasquez [Brown Belt]

JIU JITSU COACH

Rafael started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 43 years old! He became addicted immediately, likely because of his background in Wrestling. His journey has been a great one and there is no deadline! There have been injuries, relocations and life, but he persevered and kept going! He has competed many times along the way with success, and is now a coach at Impact Jiu Jitsu Albuquerque. Rafael said, “Being able to share my knowledge with others is priceless.”

Off the mats Rafael is a Loss Prevention consultant, an Actor (you may have seen him in The Cleaning Lady or Better Call Saul) and a business owner.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

Kyle Tuttle [Purple Belt]

JIU JITSU COACH

Kyle started training Jiu Jitsu in 2017 in Albuquerque New Mexico, and received his Purple Belt in 2023. He loves Triangle Chokes of all variety, and currently prefers the Gi, but will absolutely roll with you Nogi. Some of his favorite things about Jiu Jitsu are the community you can build, and the friends you can make within the Art.

“There are so many different aspects of our sport that enrich it, and make it a beautiful thing. How can you not call that choke art?

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 2 Certification

impact jiu jitsu
kids program!

Simply fill out the form below.

We are excited to meet you!

Scott Bell

KIDS COACH

Scott welcomed Jiu Jitsu in his life in 2017 and, since then, has strived to become a master at his craft. His technicality and perseverance make him a demanding partner but an even better coach. As an Assistant kids coach, he helps empower his students to take advantage of all their abilities and work towards being confident students on and off the mats. Scott is passionate about supporting local and small businesses, loves anything martial arts, will never turn down a good cup of coffee, and feels at peace when he’s with his family

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 2 Certification

Michelle Bell

KIDS COACH

Michelle started training Jiu Jitsu in late 2019 with her husband, Scott. Working as his Uke to try new submissions and run ideas off of, she soon became hooked. She enjoys the challenge and the continuous learning journey she hopes to do for the rest of her life. Michelle believes everyone deserves to step on the mats and learn; her integrity and welcoming personality make her someone you can reach out to for help anytime. When Michelle isn’t working hard on the mats, she can be found with her husband, two kids, fur babies, and developing her skincare line.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

HOLD POLICY

Month-to-Month Membership Agreements and Annual Membership Agreements: You may place your Membership on hold two (2) times per calendar year up to three (3) consecutive months each time. Advanced notice of at least two (2) business days is required. The hold must be 30 days in duration at a minimum and 30 days must elapse between holds. Upon expiration of the term of the hold, your account will automatically become active and payments will resume. Should you choose to return prior to the end of their hold period, the hold will be released and payments will resume.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All membership agreements require 30-days written notice to cancel your membership. This form will serve as your 30-days written cancellation notice. Note that if you have a scheduled renewal payment within 30-days of your invoice billing date, the payment will be processed as scheduled. Your membership will be canceled at the end of your final paid month. All payments are non-refundable. All grandfathered membership rates will also be forfeited and returning members will be subject to current rates.

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATION REQUEST

Please fill out the form below and one of our team members will review your request. Warning. The submission of this form does not cancel your membership. We will review your request, then reach out to confirm.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We Would Love To Meet You!

Simply fill out the form below
& one of our amazing
coaches will be in touch asap! We are excited to meet you!

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DROP-IN?

We Would Love To Meet You!
WARNING! Class Sizes Are Limited.

If you would like to reserve a spot… Simply fill out the form below letting us know what day you might come by & one of our amazing coaches will reach out to you to reserve your class.

OUR DROP-IN RATES

$35 Per Class

FIND US AT:

6509 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

(505) 672-7559

OUR PRICING IS SIMPLE

We Want To Offer You The PERFECT Membership For YouR NEEDS.

Simply fill out the form below and one of our amazing coaches will send you our current membership information.