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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   Jesse A Poolaw Sr. 
 January 15, 2015
 
 
 recommends Simply the best place to train in all aspects of martial arts in MN.  Five star coaching and staff.
  
 
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   Tom Pellegrino 
 January 29, 2023
 
 
  Little Dragons I
My 10 year old grandson attends the Little Dragons I classes at The Academy in Brooklyn Center.  I feel a need to write about the experience as I often take him to the classes and have found the four instructors for this class to be simply amazing.  The martial arts teachers are Charles Roberts (head), Ryan Deotis, Jason Gulden, & Matthew Scribner.  

The Little Dragon classes serve a diverse group of kids designed to develop discipline, respect, fitness, and teamwork – while learning self defense skills.  What really impresses me most about the instructors is how much they seem to care about the kids and their development.  They also understand how important it is at this age to make classes fun while encouraging the kids to achieve.   

It is simply inspiring for me to watch these martial arts professionals teach with patience and heart.  You will frequently see Head coach Charles Roberts embracing one of the students for working hard to achieve something.   It is so obvious that the work here is personal and, in my opinion, goes beyond the teaching of martial arts.  I am grateful that my grandson is having this experience.  Many thanks to these four amazing coaches!!!!

One grateful grandpa,
Tom Pellegrino
  
 
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   Ali Bile 
 August 7, 2018
 
 
  Friendly and professional gym.
  
 
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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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tanner Martinson 
 August 1, 2023
 
 
  Top of the line facility. Not only that but top of the line coaches and training partners as well. Great environment.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews