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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   Keith Burnham 
 February 16, 2024
 
 
  Very good training for adults and children. Coaching is talented and robust. My 16 year old son's life has been transformed in just 4 weeks at this school. He is just a beginner, but his habits and life trajectory have been impacted in an unbelievable way. More than the trophies and belts on the wall..... this experience will last a lifetime.
  
 
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   Carl Archie 
 March 5, 2014
 
 
  FIRMLY THE GREATEST GYM IN MN!!!! Fair prices, Great Training, and Awesome Coaches! I have been training in boxing since I was 12 years old. I wrestled in in both high school and college...Now I am 41 and I absolutely love the Academy. The changes in my life for both me and family have been immense. I feel like a new man. I have to say I'm a little baffled that anyone whose legitimately been to this gym would say anything negative. Check out all the gyms in town, you will find one that is good for you, but the Academy, Greg Nelson & all his coaches are simply the best I have witnessed!.
  
 
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   Betty Chin-Wu 
 January 19, 2013
 
 
  For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with martial arts and have the deepest respect for its traditions. As a kid, I studied Wushu for a few years. The interest in martial arts alone, was also what led me to meeting my husband.

Prior to joining the Academy, I was not in the best form in terms of mental and physical health.

My husband knew how much I love martial arts. He got me to join him at The Academy. While hesitant at first due to my own insecurities, I decided to give it a shot anyway.

After taking my leap of faith, I was entranced by the art of Muay Thai, its practicality, and most of all, The Academy's moral values. I developed a great respect for the many coaches who work day in and out to mentor all students.

From day one in my foundations class til now, I look around and I see more than just people training Muay Thai/ BJJ. They are practicing to take leaps of faith. Everyone has a demon of their own. They are taking the chance to look fear in the eye, and conquer it, one training session at a time. Some of us are hope to enter the ring. However, my own fight is fighting for better health.

The reason why I want to share my review is not to brag about weight loss results in any way. I just hope to reach out to other people struggling like myself. Taking a leap of faith can't be done alone. Give this place a shot, and give yourself a chance to take your own leap of faith. To better health and happiness. Cheers!
  
 
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   Brandon Bergeron 
 January 22, 2015
 
 
  The Academy has been my home away from home for the last 7 years now. I started out training in several of the arts (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai) to pursue my MMA dreams. I had a successful run at MMA but realized after17 fights (14-3) that it wasn't for me. I wanted to just train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The great thing is that I could do both at the same place. The academy caters to all different types of people: people who want to find a fun hobby, people who want to stay in shape, people who want to learn how to defend themselves, and people who have the competitive drive and are looking for a way to fulfill that drive. If any of these sound like you, I would highly recommend checking it out (and come say hi to me! (Brandon)! I like meeting new people who are interested in the arts.
For me, The academy and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has given me something to be absolutely passionate about, It has kept me active after high school, and It's really given me the confidence that I had always wished I would have. Come on in, check it out, and I'll see you on the mats! :)
  
 
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 February 19, 2023
 
 
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   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews