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 Lamkin 
 September 21, 2016
 
 
 recommends Honestly when I joined the academy the first time I was home. The coaches, the fighters, the people are all so welcoming , helpful and insightful. My life took some unexpected turns and I had to stop after about 2 years, but now I've finally gotten to a point where I'm able to start training again and honestly it was the greatest decision i could have made. If you have a passion for martial arts, spirituality, and finding yourself through self discipline this is the place to be. Whether it's a casual interest or a serious passion you will not be disappointed with what you find here.
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   Salahudiyn Memnon 
 December 21, 2013
 
 
 recommends Very complete in hands and weapon  techniques
  
 
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   Katherine Bryan 
 August 12, 2013
 
 
  This gym is fantastic. I decided at the age of 25, having never done martial arts in my life, to try something new. Every single person there has been so supportive (even though I know I am a slow learner) and after only 7 months I already know I have improved immensely from where I started. The coaches are world class (I'm pretty sure all of them have won some major competitions) and the students are serious about training, but also easy to get along with. Whether you are just starting out, or have been doing this for years, there is no doubt that you will improve by coming to the Academy. Regarding the reviews related to pricing: yes, the Academy is kind of pricey-but you get what you pay for. These are seriously some of the very best trainers in the midwest. If you pay attention when discussing class and payment arrangements, you should have no surprises. You sign a contract and that means you can't just break it whenever you want. The terms are clearly laid out, and if you are truly not satisfied with the classes they aren't going to try and force you to stay there and take all your money. There has never been a time where I felt I was just another dollar sign here. Everybody wants you to get better, and if you need help just ask and everybody will give you an opinion :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Myers (Immasniper1998) 
 May 6, 2026
 
 
  Great gym and great trainers highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews