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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   Dmitry Gerasimov 
 December 27, 2013
 
 
 recommends Amazing facility and an incredibly talented group.  Best gym in Minnesota.

Thanks for opening your doors to me.
  
 
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   Jamie Blake 
 May 19, 2024
 
 
  The Academy is a fantastic place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The facility is exceptionally clean, there are facilities not found in most gyms (showers, sauna, cold plunge, extra forgiving mats, ample training space, weights…). Hospitality here is top notch. Rolling with all levels both gi and nogi was a respectful but tough, technical, and safe. The crew was fun and generous about answering every question I had.
  
 
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   Daruma Martial Arts 
 January 23, 2015
 
 
  The Academy is a First Rate training facility with world class staff, and one of the most amazing martial artists that I have ever met at the helm (Greg Nelson) If you live in the twin cites area and are not training here then you are doing yourself a disservice. Get in and change your life for the better.
  
 
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   Ray Fristedt 
 February 18, 2014
 
 
 recommends Awesome!!!
  
 
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   '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!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 445 reviews