WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY
#1 MaRTIAL ARTS CLASSES IN MN

At the Academy we provide you with the tools, experience, and knowledge you need to achieve your goals.

Modern and Traditional

SAFE & FUN training for All! No matter your age, skill or fitness level we have a program that is right for you. Reach your potential with our martial arts classes.

Our Martial Arts Programs

Kickboxing

Fitness, Fun and Self-Defense. Use Your Entire Body As A Weapon!

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Grappling

Gain Strength, Cardio and Self Defense. Using Technique Leverage and Control

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MMA

Combine Wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing And More To Be Fight Ready

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The Academy Advantage

We are the #1 Martial Arts gym in MN! We offer classes in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, JKD & Filipino Kali. Since 1992, we have been helping people of all walks of life improve their lives through practicing martial arts.

GOT QUESTIONS?

What is the difference between Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA?

Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling based art that focus on joint locks, strangles, and controlling positions. Muay Thai is a striking focused art that uses the entire body to create effective strikes. MMA is the combination of striking and grappling. It allows flowing seamlessly between combat ranges with striking and grappling.

What if I have no experience, what is right for me?

The majority of our students start with no experience. It's understandable to feel anxious/nervous. We have a friendly community spirit that is the bedrock of our culture. It's OK to try a few classes and see what resonates with you. If our school isn't the right one for you we will talk you out of joining. A lot of beginners have started their marital arts journey with us. We look forward to meeting you!

What happens in a typical class?

Who will coach me?

Who will I be practicing with?

Classmates come from all backgrounds, sizes, abilities, genders and experiences. Much of the work we do requires practicing with classmate, because combat is always with another individual. We pride ourselves on the friendly community and team spirit we have built over the years.

Do I have To Spar?

Will I get hurt?

There is risk with any physical activity and minor injuries do happen sometimes. Because of the inherent dangers of combative martial arts, the heightened awareness of safety keeps most people from any sort of catastrophic injury. The goal of our practice is developing real combat skills in a safe manner. Continued practice requires being un injured and therefore we use methods of learning that are safe and effective.

Is this stuff for fighters only?

How does Martial Arts enhance happiness and well being?

HEAR IT FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Greg Nelson is one of the best trainers in the game
Joe Rogan

Working with Greg Nelson has had a profound impact on my stunt and action directing career
David Leitch

I like the encouraging atmosphere and that nobody acts surprised or pats me on the back for being a girl and training hard.
karin Jacobson

My wife claims I have been a changed person at home since beginning training at The Academy…
Kelly Johnson

    
 
 
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   W D 
 December 17, 2014
 
 
  From the moment I stepped in the door of The Academy, I immediately felt at home. At that point in my life I was hanging out with the wrong people, partying, and going down a dark road until I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere of The Academy completely changed me in a positive way. I got goal oriented,  I changed my lifestyle, started eating healthier, exercising and even changed who I hung around. The coaches are awesome, they always make sure you're comfortable and they teach techniques very thoroughly and they're all down to Earth and awesome people! The Academy hands down is the cleanest martial arts facility in around. The Academy has helped me in so many aspects of my life. I've gained confidence, patience, and the courage to overcome anything in the way of keeping me from achieving my dreams. If you're interested in Martial Arts,  The Academy is the place to go!
  
 
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   Carlos Rios 
 March 28, 2017
 
 
 recommends If you are serious about improving your physical, psychological, and mental health, I doubt there is a business in Minnesota that can help you more than the professional instructors and highly ranked students at The Academy. They promote and maintain an atmosphere that encourages growth and improvement for anyone. Weather you are 250 pounds overweight and haven't exercised for 5 years, or you're a Golden Gloves boxer looking to add other martial arts to your arsenal, The Academy is full of people who genuinely want to meet you and help you along your journey. I have trained there for a little over a year and today I feel like a new man. Whatever struggles you are facing in life, this gym will help give you clarity and an outlet to positively channel stress. Stop in there and see for yourself!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ali Bile 
 August 7, 2018
 
 
  Friendly and professional gym.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Blayne McGuire 
 March 2, 2017
 
 
  I have been coming here for 5 years now and it has become my second home and family. Not only are there some great coaching and knowledge but also a great group of people. I have made friends and family from here and am lucky to be apart of this place! If you are searching for a place to learn martial arts and grow there is no better place than here!
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   Danny Ives 
 October 30, 2016
 
 
 recommends Best martial arts school in Minnesota, heck one of the best in the whole world really. I've traveled from Maryland a few times over the years to train with the coaches at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy because the training is just the best, end of story. I highly recommend checking this place out, trust me you won't be disappointed.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews