Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
Muay Thai & MMA
in Monte Vista
Most people who walk through our door have never trained before. You do not need to be fit, flexible, or brave — you need to turn up once. Your first week is free.
The only gym in the San Luis Valley with a full MMA cage and a pit wall
- ✔ Beginners every week
- ✔ No contract to try
- ✔ Gear provided for your trial
Imperial South is part of Imperial BJJ of Lakewood, and an affiliate of Demian Maia Jiu Jitsu Brasileiro (DMJJB). Demian Maia is an ADCC and IBJJF World Champion and one of the most respected grapplers in the sport.
What we train
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fundamentals and advanced strategy in the same room. Whether you have never stepped on a mat or you have been training for years, you train with people at your level and leave knowing something you did not know when you arrived.
More about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu →
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Discipline, respect and confidence taught through training children actually enjoy. Strong fundamentals, better coordination, and the ability to handle themselves — without teaching them to start anything.
More about Kids Jiu-Jitsu →
Muay Thai & Kickboxing
High-energy striking for fitness, technique and self-defense. Build real conditioning while learning to punch, kick, knee and clinch properly — taught by a coach with an amateur fight record behind him.
More about Muay Thai & Kickboxing →
MMA
Where the striking and the grappling meet. Learn to move between stand-up, the clinch and the ground as one skill set rather than three separate hobbies.
More about MMA →When we train
Classes run Monday to Friday evenings. Kids at 5:30, adults at 6:30, Open Mat on Fridays.
| Program | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Jiu-JitsuAges 5–15 | 5:30 – 6:30 PMGi | 5:30 – 6:30 PMGi | 5:30 – 6:30 PMNo-Gi | 5:30 – 6:30 PMGi | — |
| Adult BJJAges 16+ | 6:30 – 7:30 PMGi | 6:30 – 7:30 PMGi | 6:30 – 7:30 PMNo-Gi | 6:30 – 7:30 PMGi | 6:30 – 8:30 PMOpen Mat |
| Muay ThaiAges 14+ | — | 6:30 – 7:45 PM | — | 6:30 – 7:45 PM | 6:30 – 8:30 PMOpen Mat |
A cage and a pit wall
Equipment most gyms this size do not have — and the reason people drive in from across the valley to train here.
- Professional MMA cage
- Train and spar in a real cage rather than imagining the walls. It changes how you work the clinch, the takedown and the get-up.
- Pit wall
- A dedicated wall for wrestling and clinch work — the part of a fight that decides most of them, and the part most gyms have nowhere to practise.
- Full striking area
- A long row of heavy bags with room to move, so a striking class never queues for equipment.
What members say
- 5 out of 5 stars
“The only martial arts gym in the area with both a professional MMA cage and a pit wall for training. The facility is one of a kind in the San Luis Valley, offering students a real fight-team atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.”
- 5 out of 5 stars
“I took my very first Muay Thai class tonight and had such a great experience. Gabe was an incredible instructor — welcoming, patient, and super approachable. From the moment I walked in, he made me feel comfortable and confident, even as a total beginner.”
- 5 out of 5 stars
“Our entire family trains at Imperial, we wouldn’t want to train anywhere else. As a female training in a combat sport it can be intimidating and overwhelming. I am grateful for this gym and all its people.”
- 5 out of 5 stars
“Great gym, amazing kid programs!! The coaches are extremely wonderful with the kids.”
- 5 out of 5 stars
“I’ve trained jiu-jitsu and judo for years and have been to many gyms — I can honestly say Imperial Jiu-jitsu South is one of the top gyms I’ve been to. Pricing is very reasonable given the quality of instruction.”
- 5 out of 5 stars
“Best gym in the area. Excellent and professional coaches with well rounded knowledge.”
Inside Imperial South
Real classes, real students, real results — including students on the podium at NAGA.
Competition team
NAGA podium
Medals brought home
After class
All ages, one mat- Kids drilling
- Pad work
Muay Thai sparring- In the cage
- Rolling
Striking area
Find us on 1st Ave
Who you learn from
Sam Beach
BJJ Black Belt
Professor · Lead Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Trevor Spiars
BJJ Brown Belt
Owner & Founder
Gabriel Miranda
15 years striking · 2-0 Muay Thai, 1-0 boxing
Muay Thai & Boxing Coach
Sam Navarro
BJJ Purple Belt
Instructor
Monte Vista Academy
835 1st Ave
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Classes Mon–Fri evenings · Office Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
On 1st Avenue in downtown Monte Vista, serving the whole San Luis Valley — Alamosa, Del Norte, Center and South Fork are all a short drive.
Students travel in from across the San Luis Valley.
- Monte Vista
- Alamosa
- Del Norte
- Center
- South Fork
- La Jara
- Saguache
Before you start
I have never trained before. Can I still start?+
Yes — most people who walk in have never done it. Beginners are normal here, not an exception. You will be paired with people who know what they are doing and nobody expects you to know anything on day one.
What should I bring to my first class?+
Comfortable athletic clothing without zips or pockets, a water bottle, and nothing else. We will get you sorted with what you need. Come a few minutes early so you are not walking in mid-warm-up.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi?+
Gi classes train in the traditional uniform, where you can grip the jacket and trousers. No-Gi is shorts and a rash guard, with no fabric to hold. We run both every week — most students do both, and each one makes the other better.
How old does my child need to be?+
Kids Jiu-Jitsu is for ages 5 to 15, Monday through Thursday at 5:30 PM. Muay Thai is open from 14, and adult BJJ from 16.
Do I need to be fit before I start?+
No. You get in shape by training, not before it. Work at your own pace — tapping out early, sitting a round out, or asking a coach to slow something down are all completely normal.
Is there a free trial?+
Yes. Your first week is free, with no obligation. Come to as many classes in that week as you like and see whether it is for you before committing to anything.
Where are you located?+
We are at 835 1st Ave in Monte Vista, Colorado 81144, serving the San Luis Valley including Alamosa, Del Norte, Center and South Fork.
Your first week is free
Come to as many classes as you like for a week and find out whether it is for you. No card, no contract, no obligation to come back.
New students only. One free trial week per person.