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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   Dan Moret 
 January 22, 2015
 
 
  The Academy has been a huge part of my success as a Mixed Martial Artist. Their influence was part of my training before I moved to the area to train there. My first coach had learned under Greg Nelson as many of the top coaches in the state have. Learning the values of the traditional martial arts has helped to mold me into the person I am today. The coaching staff has been dedicated to my success since the day I moved to specifically trained at the top gym in the state. The Academy is a first class facility, filled with first coaches, training first class athletes. The classes are fun and educational because of the people who train there. Not only has it giving me the training I need to compete at the highest level of MMA, but also a huge group of people that will be life long friends. Up rooting myself to pursue my goal of becoming a world champion mixed martial artist was a hard decision but because of the Academy it has been the best decision I have ever made. No place I would rather be.
  
 
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   Emma Hartmann 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
 recommends My husband has trained at The Academy for over 10 years & it is such a high-quality operation. Every opportunity I’ve had to meet someone associated with this place as been excellent, coaches & students alike. I’m thankful for & confident in my families health & safety because this academy exists.
  
 
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   Chris Pulling 
 November 21, 2017
 
 
  I've been in the MMA Foundations class for about four months.  I've lost weight, learned a lot, and have had a lot of fun.  I've met several instructors - all seem great.  Jack Wu runs the Foundations class, and does a fantastic job teaching a group with a wide range of sizes, skills and experience.  His private lessons offer a great workout while learning several practical skills.  I recommend his Foundations class highly for anybody looking for a great workout without realizing you are working out (it's that fun), anybody looking to learn self-defense tactics, and anybody thinking of eventually competing.
  
 
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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
  
 
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   Lucas Lundgren 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
  The best martial arts school in Minnesota. The Academy is the ocean, everywhere else is a duck pond. Great coaches and great training partners!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 441 reviews