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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   Peeny Casper 
 December 17, 2025
 
 
  Super welcoming. They let me pop in while I was visiting and I immediately felt good vibes. Coaches are awesome and Muay Thai classes are definitely Muay Thai classes. You get worked hard if you want to work hard. Matt is cool too
  
 
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   Daniel Fredell 
 October 2, 2016
 
 
 recommends This is a Great Academy! Very clean and welcoming! I had the pleasure of working with John, Katie, and Ryan. They are the best instructors I have ever worked with. If you are looking for a local gym with an amazing atmosphere for learning and having fun, you have found it at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.
  
 
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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.
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   'Nico Dutka 
 July 19, 2013
 
 
 recommends The Academy is a highly rated MMA studio where you will train with top notch athletes and award winning coaches.  They say, "You get what you pay for" but I say, at The Academy, "You get a LOT MORE than what you pay for!"  I would recommend this studio to EVERYONE of ANY skill level and I hope to see you there!
  
 
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   CJS M 
 November 15, 2013
 
 
  This place has become a second home and my teammates like family. I joined up on a whim knowing absolutely nothing about martial arts, not counting all the movies I'd watched as a kid...or UFC.  I'd been in dance all my life but was ready for a change and needed something I could really be a part of and learn something new.  On a leap of faith I went to the Academy just to try it out for a few months.  Two years later I'm still here and look forward to the end of each day where I get to go and train with some of the greatest coaches known to this sport and train with some of the greatest people I've ever known.  Muay Thai has changed my life physically and mentally, it brought me out of my shell and comfort zone, pushes me and is constantly teaching me new things.  I had no inclination that this would become a permanent part of my life but I'm glad I took that leap of faith and found this place, a passion for Muay Thai, and helping others reach their goals through martial arts. The instructors at The Academy are the best and the experience here is amazing.  They push you, they believe in you, they bring the best out in you and in turn you learn how to get the best out of yourself. We all have different reasons for being involved in martial arts, but no matter the goal, the end result is becoming a better you.  The Academy has great moral values, discipline, believes in each person who walks through that door and helps them reach their goals, no matter who that person is or what their goals may be.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews