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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   VISŪ Films 
 August 12, 2024
 
 
  Amazing enviroment, vibes and knowledge. Good sweat, smiles and learning experience. Got to learn from Greg Nelson himself. People where very kind and sharing. Hope to be there soon again and that they visit us in Playa Venao!
  
 
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   Andrew Thomas 
 May 8, 2024
 
 
  I've been going to The Academy for  almost 10 years now! I would still be there but I have opened a Muay Thai/kickboxing gym in another country.

This is by far the best Martial arts gym I've been too! I'm a bit biased because they have such a strong community that I was a part of.  Even today being a world away, the coaches still keep in contact with me.

It doesn't matter if you are going for fitness, Martial arts and/or to be a fighter. You will learn proper technique from world class coaches! They are very supportive in whatever path you choose.

The biggest reason I felt it was necessary to open my own martial arts gym, was to bring this community to other people. It's not easy to recreate what the academy has. They are definitely very special.

Thanks for the years of training and teachings I could not have done this without all I learned at The Academy. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
  
 
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   Celina Marie 
 February 21, 2022
 
 
  This is a great gym for beginners, competitors, families, and life long martial artists! The experience and diversity of training partners at The Academy is second to none. I highly recomend this gym if you are looking for high quality training!
  
 
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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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   Kelton Sneve 
 October 22, 2024
 
 
  Great team, great training partners and great Gym. If you are an MMA fighter in Minnesota this gym is definitely worth stopping in at
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews