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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   Erasmo Gutierrez 
 April 3, 2019
 
 
  I am in Minneapolis on business and I wanted to find a place where I can train BJJ and feel comfortable.  I travel quite a bit so I get to visit other gyms and let me just say, The Academy is one the best I’ve been able to train at. Everyone was extremely welcoming and nice to me. There was no “Who is this guy” or “ Let’s smash the new guy” attitude so any anxiety I had prior to walking in was long gone.  Professor Nelson welcomed me and showed great technique during his class.  I look forward to learning more from him  as I plan to attend as often as I can.  Again, You cannot go wrong with The Academy and I highly recommend training here.
  
 
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   Ryan George 
 September 18, 2014
 
 
 recommends I visited The Academy while in Minneapolis on business and couldn't have been happier with my experience. Nicest facility I've ever been too and top notch instruction. Even as a visitor I felt very welcome. The only thing I don't like is the fact that I can't train there on a regular basis!
  
 
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   Tim Leary 
 June 14, 2022
 
 
  I started going to the Academy a little over 5 years ago. The Academy has made me a better person, I only wish I started earlier. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Academy! Anyone that’s thinking about it, come in and check it out. See you on the mats.
  
 
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   Wil Thorn 
 January 13, 2018
 
 
  I started at the Academy in  2000. I was a punk kid from single parent family with no direction. The coaches at the Academy taught me that hardwork and discipline pay off. I became mentally stronger pushing myself during the grueling clinch classes or the intense Friday rounds class.  Two of my favorite classes :) I began to surpass what I believed to be limits. At that point, my mental strength manifests itself in a physical form. I told myself "nothing is harder then training Muay Thai".  Once I believed that statement in my soul, physically I could do anything because Muay Thai is more difficult. Mind and body wove together. As a kid, I used to be ashamed to admit that I didn't really know that people would put effort into you. That everyone looked out for their own. The coaches taught me otherwise. I can confidently say they saved me from drugs and drama. Im where I'm at today because of the Academy. Thanks, Greg Nelson, Nathaniel McIntyre, Andy Grahn, Adam Ahern, Rick Nose, Sarah Lawson, Karin Jacobson and all the other kru's over the years.  Sorry rambled a bit.
  
 
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   Hayden Buckner 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
  I’ve been training in martial arts my whole life and back in the fall of 2011 I literally moved from Duluth, MN down to the Twin Cities just so I could train at The Academy MN with all of the awesome coaches and training partners they have. The Academy has the best coaching and training for MMA, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for adults and kids starting at 4 years old.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews