About the academy
The War Room began in March 2020 when Professor Jose Garcia converted his home into a dojo. What started as a 12x12 mat space became a place for people from all walks of life to fight back against whatever life put in front of them.
Coaching team
Real instructor stories build trust quickly: lineage, experience, teaching style, military service, psychology, competition, and recovery.
Founder - Black Belt - First Degree
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Professor Jose began Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 and earned his black belt in 2019. Known for intensity, technical detail, and an unorthodox style, he aims to make every class seminar quality and every student better than himself.
Big Kids - Adult Fundamentals
A Navy submarine-force veteran with a B.S. in psychology from UNM. Richard brings Muay Thai, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, discipline, encouragement, and efficient movement to the room.
Black Belt - Competitor - Veteran
A New England native, Army veteran, and the first black belt under Professor Jose Garcia. Chris is known for fundamental precision, competition experience, patience, and detail-oriented instruction.
Yoga for BJJ
A 200-hour certified yoga teacher with Yoga for BJJ Level 1 and 2 training. Muriel helps students recover, move better, and stay calm under pressure.
The War Room story
At The War Room, Jiu-Jitsu is not just a martial art. It is a method for people to unplug from the pressure of life, focus on the task at hand, and leave stronger than they arrived.
The name came from a student post after another great day of training. It stuck because it captured the spirit of the room: serious, personal, and built for the battles people carry with them.
Meet the team