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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   John 
 August 22, 2013
 
 
  My experience with The Academy has been amazing, I've traveled and trained all over the U.S. and a few places abroad. I can honestly tell you that the coaches here understand the arts they are teaching from front to back. They've gone to the places where these arts are practiced daily and learned from the source (Brazil, Japan, Thailand, etc.) "Water is the purest at the top of the Mountain" these guys have made that trek and are bringing it to you! A major difference in the approach here is the quality of technique. Every individual from the newest to the most experienced is on quest for improvement. Coach Greg has said to me "The strength of the Pack is in the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is in the Pack" it truly is a group of individuals working together to improve one another. The Martial Arts have changed my life, I'm very thankful for The Academy, it's helped me continue to grow.
  
 
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   Capt Tim “SGT” Peterson 
 January 26, 2015
 
 
  A great place to learn from the best. Greg Nelson and his team is very professional, and are truly world class instructors. After my 15+ years in the US Military I received some of the best instruction money can buy. At the Academy, I would say they raised my level of expectations up a notch. Thank you, Team Academy.
  
 
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   josh buss 
 August 5, 2025
 
 
  Such amazing place to train. Great atmosphere and great professors.
  
 
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   Lucas Lundgren 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
  The best martial arts school in Minnesota. The Academy is the ocean, everywhere else is a duck pond. Great coaches and great training partners!
  
 
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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.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews