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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   Steve Henry 
 May 12, 2024
 
 
  The Academy is an extremely impressive training facility. As a 37 year old construction worker I deal will general soreness on a regular basis. After working out here for less than two months I have lost 20 pounds, eliminated what I thought was chronic hip pain, and discovered the will power to break a decade long smoking habit. The heath benefits of training martial arts are undeniable and The Academy allows you to learn from extremely legit martial artists NO MATTER YOUR SKILL OR FITNESS LEVEL.  I can’t thank head coach Greg Nelson and his team enough, 10/10 would recommend.
  
 
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   Loveza Ahmed 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
  I love training at The Academy! The Muay Thai kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes are taught by really friendly and experienced coaches. My favorite classes are Coach Andy’s!
  
 
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   Albert Turing 
 June 10, 2014
 
 
  My Top 5 Things I Love about The Academy 1) The camaraderie - I haven't felt a better sense of community. 2) The coaches - I've trained in both NYC and LA, Academy Coaching staff is top notch 3) The facility - This is simply the cleanest, largest, & nicest facility of any martial arts gym I've ever seen. 4) The work-out - I always leave feeling refreshed and energized. 5) The learning - constantly improving myself with martial arts has helped me immeasurably at work & at home. If you're reading this and you're on the fence - jump off! - I recommend visiting the Academy in person to make a buying decision.
  
 
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   Carl Archie 
 March 5, 2014
 
 
  FIRMLY THE GREATEST GYM IN MN!!!! Fair prices, Great Training, and Awesome Coaches! I have been training in boxing since I was 12 years old. I wrestled in in both high school and college...Now I am 41 and I absolutely love the Academy. The changes in my life for both me and family have been immense. I feel like a new man. I have to say I'm a little baffled that anyone whose legitimately been to this gym would say anything negative. Check out all the gyms in town, you will find one that is good for you, but the Academy, Greg Nelson & all his coaches are simply the best I have witnessed!.
  
 
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   N C 
 August 9, 2016
 
 
  Excellent facility and second to none Instruction.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews