Mixed Martial Arts Classes

World Class MMA Training in MN

MMA Classes For Beginners through Pros

Dedication to the pursuit of excellence.

MMA is a combination of a large variety of martial arts. The training methods include both striking and grappling combined. Learning how to fight for sport or self defense must be tested in a safe and reality based environment.

The Academy MMA Team has a long history with the sport going back to its origins in the midwest. Coach Greg has helped create 4 UFC Champions and numerous other professional and amateur champions. Our athletes compete all over the world striving to perfect their craft.

MMA training is for everyone. Whether you want to get in shape or safely learn real self defense skills you can do that in our MMA program. The Academy MMA program is bar none the best MMA in MN.

Team Focused - Results Driven - Safe & Effective

All Skills, Fitness and Athletic Levels are welcome
You will find people of all backgrounds sweating, smiling and learning.
Train To Be Your Best
We will expect you to show up, work hard and have fun.
Join The Team Academy Community
The bedrock of our culture is based on shared purpose, trust/openess, and mastery of skill.
Improve Your Health and Energy with MMA
Connecting with like minded people and training together helps improve your fitness and emotional well being.
Mental Toughness The Academy Mindset
Success breeds success and our record speaks for itself. The passion and humility of all the athletes who have helped build our team is based in tenacity and persistence.

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One heck of a week learn so much from this man! 🤯 Thanks for everything @gregnelsonmma @theacademymn @reebok

A post shared by Rose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) on Aug 31, 2019 at 10:18am PDT

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What is MMA?

Mixed Martial Arts MMA is a combat sport that has its roots in Brazil, Japan and the USA. Challenge matches are probably as old as martial arts them selves. Modern MMA has gained in popularity due to the UFC being broadcast around the world. MMA is the combination of grappling and striking.

Is this class only for fighters?

I want to fight MMA can you guys train me?

Is it safe?

There is a paradox in martial arts training that you must train against a resisting opponent to develop the reflexes and motor skills that combat requires, yet if you are injured you cannont get enough practice time to learn those skills. Therefore, the training methods we use must solve this paradox. Being safe from injury is a requirement for getting good at combat sports our training methods allow for skills to emerge and a natural way without the head trauma, cuts, bruises or orthopedic injuries that the techniques are designed to cause.

Who are the coaches?

The main MMA Coaches are Greg Nelson, Andy Grahn, and Nat McIntyre. Sometimes we have visiting coaches like Pat Barry, Erik Paulson, Sean Sherk, Jacob Volkmann and others.

What are classes like?

Does this class help people with self defense?

How is the Academy different?

Greg Nelson has been part of the path to the UFC World Title for 4 Champions across weight classes and over time from Dave Menne(1st Middleweight chanmpion) and Sean Sherk(Lightweight Champion) to Brock Lesnar (Heavyweight Champion) to Rose Namajunas(Strawweight champion). The Academy's approach to MMA is rooted in the best of classical martial arts styles and modern/effective science of skill acquisition and motor learning. The results speak for themselves.

    
 
 
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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