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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   josh buss 
 August 5, 2025
 
 
  Such amazing place to train. Great atmosphere and great professors.
  
 
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   Darrick Mattox 
 August 31, 2023
 
 
  My daughter loves it and so do we
  
 
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   Roselyn Badowicz 
 July 30, 2015
 
 
 recommends This place rules! The folks at the Academy super rule! Rules!
In all honesty I trained Muay Thai there for 2 yrs and I loved every minute of it. The coaches are so professional, respectful, and kind. I met so many amazing athletes/people at the Academy. 

The training and classes were great no matter what your personal goals might be. Wether you wanted to be a fighter of just stay in shape you got something out of every class. There is never any pressure to do anything that made you uncomfortable, your encouraged to train at your own pace, and I thought that was awesome.
  
 
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   Jonathan Kelley 
 June 7, 2018
 
 
  Solid, guest-friendly, classy place.  I dropped in last night on business trip from Boulder, CO.  The staff immediately took care of me, showed me the ropes and sent me to the right mat.  Coach Greg led class, taught uchi mata throw and turtle attack.  He was awesome and so were the students.  Outstanding facility and people.  Easily five stars.  Thank you, Academy.
  
 
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   Andrew Ritter 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
  Clean and well run gym with high level training partners and very knowledgeable and experienced coaches
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 445 reviews