Opera non Verba
"Deeds Not Words" is our school motto. Winners are workers and we believe in the growth mindset. Challenges, obstacles, change, mistakes, effort, & feedback are necessary for learning to occur. Meeting each problem as a challenge that has a solution is core to our culture at the Academy. We don't just "talk the talk" we "walk the walk."FITNESS
Our MMA, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed to give you a total body work out. You will get cardio, flexibility and strength in one workout.SELF DEFENSE
We take the best elements of traditional martial arts and create a common sense based self defense approach that does not rely on size or strength.FUN
Are you tired of boring work outs? Our classes are designed to keep you engaged and interested. Drills are safe and game like. The team spirit and camaraderie helps us all stay focused.OUR STORY
Founded in 1992 by Greg Nelson our school has grown to be notable around the world. We have representatives as far away as Barcelona, Columbia, Portugal, Latvia and across the upper midwest. Our student form the heart of what we do. From small beginnings to the world stage we consistently focus on developing high quality martial artists who follow the path of self-discipline and love. Learn more about our history [HERE]
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Academy has been built by its students from the earliest days. Each student has contributed to the many successes, in the ring/cage/mat and outside of competition. There are many stories of people learning real life self defense, getting in great shape and having fun doing it. The Academy is a places that welcomes everyone and together we train like a huge martial arts family.TO MODERN SUCCESS
The family like atmosphere has built a team like no other. The collective experience of thousands of years of traditional knowledge combined with the real world experiences of out instructors, athletes, and students has developed one of the most successful programs in the Minneapolis St. Paul Area. The culture we strive for encourages students to be their best.DEDICATED TO THE HARDWORKING AND CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL
Instructors
Our coaching staff comes from a variety of martial arts and all are involved in continuing their education in various martial arts disciplines. We specialize in beginner students. We take people as far as they want to go and have the results to back it up. The instructors at the Academy all are certified and have experience working with a wide variety of students of all ages and abilities. From professional athletes looking for cross training to moms looking to get back in shape we can help you reach your goals.
Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the Academy's Head coach. Originally a wrestler, Coach Greg began formal martial arts training in 1984. He has been a coach to 4 UFC Champions and has been involved in MMA since its inception. He is a 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt Belt. [READ MORE]
Andy Grahn
Andy began training martial arts in 1991. He is a 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt and an Brown Belt in Judo [ikkyu]. He has traveled extensively to Thailand and was very involved with the early success of the Team Academy Muay Thai Team. [READ MORE]
Nat McIntyre
Nat has been involved with Martial arts since Childhood. He began with Karate and Kung-Fu but eventually fell in love with Muay Thai becoming the US Pro Muay Thai Champion. He is a 1st Degree Black Belt in BJJ and a Brown Belt in Judo. [READ MORE]
John Arends
Coach John began his martial arts journey in 2003, taking his training as far as Bangkok, Thailand and competing in both Muay Thai and MMA at the amateur level.[READ MORE]
JAMES COOK
Coach James Cook is one of America’s most decorated Muay Thai fighters, having competed all over the world in countries like Thailand, China, Japan, France, Turkey, Russia, and Ireland. [READ MORE]
DAVE DURENBERGER
Dave Durenberger began Tae Kwon Do at the age of 11, receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt 5 years later. He then expanded his martial arts horizons, coming to The Academy and becoming fully immersed in the training.[READ MORE]
RYAN DEOTIS
Coach Ryan began training in 2018 at the Academy. He is currently a purple armband in Muay Thai. Coach Ryan helps beginners build fundamental skills in our Foundations class.
Jon Geisinger
Coach Jon began training in 2014 at the Academy. He is a purple belt who loves helping new students become acclimated to Jiu Jitsu training. [READ MORE]
SETH GUIMONT
Coach Seth has been training and competing since 1999. He earned his BJJ Black Belt in 2015. He truly enjoys sharing his technical knowledge of grappling and BJJ with students of all levels. [READ MORE]
MATT HAFFNER
Matt began training and competing in 2011 . He is a BJJ Black Belt who loves learning and practicing with new Jiu-Jitsu students. [READ MORE]
TROY JONES JR
Troy Jones Jr. is a professional Muay Thai fighter considered one of the best American fighters ever. He began training after looking for a new sport after playing NCAA D2 Football in college.[READ MORE]
SHAWN KITZMANN
Coach Shawn has been interested in Marital Arts since he was a little boy. He grew up watching the Kung Fu TV show, Karate Kid and of course with Chuck Norris movies. [READ MORE]
Nick KLUCH
Nick Kluch began training in 2011. He has been a very dedicated and serious practitioner of martial arts. He has competed in BJJ tournaments and loves to coach kids. You will often finds him on the mat sweating, smiling and learning. [READ MORE]
DAVID LEWIS-FRAZIER
Coach David has been training since 2016. He successfully captured the men's novice TBA-Sacntioning Heavyweight Title in 2018. He has a true passion foe motivating and helping students reach their potential.
Celina Malabanan
Coach Celina is a purple belt in BJJ. She won adult IBJJF Pan-ams as a white belt and has been training since 2009. Her intuitive approach to Jiu-Jitsu helps students master the fundamentals whether it be for self-defense, fitness or competition.
RESHAL MALIK
Reshal started training in Texas with Saul Soliz. After moving to Minnesota in 2018 Reshal began helping the Team Academy MMA fighters prepare for competition. He earned his black belt in 2021 from Coach Greg Nelson.
ALYSSA MITCHELL
Coach Alyssa has been training since 2016. She is a black rank in Muay Thai. She regularly helps beginners and new members in our foundations program develop basic skills needed to progress at their own pace.
CHARLES ROBERTS
Coach Charles began training martial arts at 6 years old in Illinois. He moved to Minneapolis and started training at the Academy in 1993. Children love Coach Charles' classes. [READ MORE]
NICK ROBINSON
Nick Robinson has been training Muay Thai at the Academy since he was 17 years old. He has trained in Thailand and competed in Amateur Muay Thai winning the TBA-SA best form award at the National Tournament.
MATT SCRIBNER
Matt has been training in Muay Thai since he was 14 years old and is a coach in our Children's martial arts program. He has a strong passion for helping kids succeed and develop character through martial arts training.
CASSIE STABUS
Coach Cassie has been training since 2012. She has dedicated herself to training and has achieved a Black Armband in Muay Thai. Cassie helps coach Muay Thai and enjoys seeing the progress students make towards their goals.
KATIE VOGEL
Coach Katie began studying martial arts under Sifu Rick Faye and Diana Rathborne in December of 2001, practicing Muay Thai, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her martial arts training thereafter included traveling to Thailand. [READ MORE]
AMANDA THEIS
Coach Amanda has been training with the Academy since 2014. In 2024 she earned a black rank in Muay Thai. She has a close attention to detail and loves helping new members get orientated to the Academy Team.
