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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   Wil Thorn 
 January 13, 2018
 
 
  I started at the Academy in  2000. I was a punk kid from single parent family with no direction. The coaches at the Academy taught me that hardwork and discipline pay off. I became mentally stronger pushing myself during the grueling clinch classes or the intense Friday rounds class.  Two of my favorite classes :) I began to surpass what I believed to be limits. At that point, my mental strength manifests itself in a physical form. I told myself "nothing is harder then training Muay Thai".  Once I believed that statement in my soul, physically I could do anything because Muay Thai is more difficult. Mind and body wove together. As a kid, I used to be ashamed to admit that I didn't really know that people would put effort into you. That everyone looked out for their own. The coaches taught me otherwise. I can confidently say they saved me from drugs and drama. Im where I'm at today because of the Academy. Thanks, Greg Nelson, Nathaniel McIntyre, Andy Grahn, Adam Ahern, Rick Nose, Sarah Lawson, Karin Jacobson and all the other kru's over the years.  Sorry rambled a bit.
  
 
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   Jeff Matsuki 
 July 26, 2017
 
 
 recommends I was visiting from Hawaii and dropped in for a Jiu Jitsu class last week.  The instructor Seth taught the class and it was very technical and easy to follow.  They were very welcoming of me visiting their gym and would recommend anyone in the area looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym to train check out Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.
  
 
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   Scott Marsh 
 July 13, 2018
 
 
 recommends My wife and I really enjoyed the BJJ training at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.  Top notch instruction by Sensei Greg Nelson.  We definitely will go back and would recommend this academy to anyone who wants to  in the Martial Arts.
  
 
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   Cole Hanson 
 October 2, 2025
 
 
  Great workout
  
 
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   NIck Puchtel 
 April 22, 2019
 
 
  Best damn coaches! Very respectful of martial arts but not to a weird extent! Gracy JJ, Muay Thai we're both life changing for me!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews