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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   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.
  
 
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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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   W D 
 December 17, 2014
 
 
  From the moment I stepped in the door of The Academy, I immediately felt at home. At that point in my life I was hanging out with the wrong people, partying, and going down a dark road until I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere of The Academy completely changed me in a positive way. I got goal oriented,  I changed my lifestyle, started eating healthier, exercising and even changed who I hung around. The coaches are awesome, they always make sure you're comfortable and they teach techniques very thoroughly and they're all down to Earth and awesome people! The Academy hands down is the cleanest martial arts facility in around. The Academy has helped me in so many aspects of my life. I've gained confidence, patience, and the courage to overcome anything in the way of keeping me from achieving my dreams. If you're interested in Martial Arts,  The Academy is the place to go!
  
 
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   Virginia Mae 
 May 5, 2018
 
 
  I dropped in for the Friday 7pm no-gi BJJ class while visiting from out of town.  The instructor Matt was extremely welcoming and introduced me to the class.  His class was challenging yet suitable for all ranges of experience and he provided great personal feedback to all students.  Great atmosphere and an incredible facility!
  
 
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   Adnan Omanovic 
 February 15, 2025
 
 
  The gym is amazing, the people are amazing Greg Nelson and his team know more than any of these reviews will say.  I spent a month there training and watching them. I was in awe and very eager to advance onto the next level, however I had life hit me hard at the worst time so I had to be selfless and stop training.  If I could afford to train now, I know at some point those guys would be in my corner watching me win and represent the academy to my best.  You won’t go wrong by signing up. The academy is where you need to be.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews