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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   not anymore 
 August 6, 2016
 
 
  Best place to train in twin cities
  
 
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   Joseph N 
 September 13, 2025
 
 
  If you’re looking for the gym with the best coaches, best classes, best facility, best community, then The Academy MN is the right gym for you. I've trained at a variety of martial arts gyms in Minnesota and absolutely no gym will top The Academy MN. One thing that separates The Academy MN from other gyms is how qualified the coaches are and how the gym has a background of professional athletes which proves its reliability and credibility. Another thing that sets this place apart from other gyms is how the classes are scheduled. There’s many classes with different qualified instructors just about every convenient time of the day! In my experience, I’ve seen no other gym with this amount of effort to appease to their gym members’ needs when it comes to convenient class times throughout the day. Coaches and classes aside, the facility is top notch. There is plenty of mat space topped with a gym as well. The gym has everything you need to get stronger along with everything you need to get your cardio in! Finally, the community. The Academy MN is home to the best martial arts community in the state of Minnesota! Coaches and members are always willing to work with you and help out! You will definitely meet new people just about every single day that are all willing to train and have a good time! Best coaches, best classes, best facility, best community. 10/10.
  
 
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   Trevor Tomlanovich 
 June 10, 2018
 
 
  From experience, I’ve only been to gyms in northern WI and around twin cities. The Academy has by far the best setup and atmosphere. The coaching speaks for itself; champions all day. Anyone who says otherwise, either came in with something to prove or just wasn’t dedicated. If the price seems high, that’s because it’s not just a place to workout. It’s about changing yourself for the better. Learn skills, get in, and stay in shape, and build discipline.

1-2-3 DIVERSITEAM!!!!!!
  
 
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   Foxie Egxaviour 
 June 18, 2021
 
 
  I have had such a great experience here. The coaches allow for inability to do things like hip inflexibility and mistakes, and make the class fun. I have multiple health problems and my coach tells me to just do what I can the best I can.
  
 
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   Carlos Morales 
 January 30, 2019
 
 
  My son was diagnosed with ADHD in Mississippi at 2 years old,   prior moving to MN SEPT 2015. After intensive doctors visits and medication treatment here in MN at the age of 5, he enrolled at ACADEMY, & no meds or counseling needed now! Despite the challenges from where he started, 3 years now my son has improved and the coaches are like family, staff, coaches,  and trainers, athletes are very welcoming!!! You will also see Greg Nelson middleweight Champion! Very humble individual!!!! #discipline # fundamentals # respect
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews