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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   Cole Hanson 
 October 2, 2025
 
 
  Great workout
  
 
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   Yamah Sadozai 
 July 21, 2016
 
 
 recommends Life changing! Hands down the best school for mixed martial arts. Love all the instructors and plenty of students to train with.
  
 
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   Sophia Anderson 
 February 5, 2016
 
 
  Training at the Academy is one of the best decisions I have made. I LOVE IT! I checked out all the local gyms and found the Academy the best fit in terms of pricing, schedule, cleanliness, and awesome trainers/classes. I have also trained in France and The Academy is by far one of the friendliest and skilled martial arts programs in the Twin Cities area.  There are no hidden fees like belt tests or mandatory pro shop purchases. The women's locker room is clean and has it's own shower.  The trainers are all very nice and work well with people of all different skill levels. I take the Foundations Thai Kickboxing classes and it's really fun and I'm staying in great shape. Can't wait to continue my journey! :)
  
 
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   Celina Marie 
 February 21, 2022
 
 
  This is a great gym for beginners, competitors, families, and life long martial artists! The experience and diversity of training partners at The Academy is second to none. I highly recomend this gym if you are looking for high quality training!
  
 
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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
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews