Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - BJJ

World Renowned Technique Leverage Control

Building True Confidence and Self Defense

Build the Necessary Skills To Protect The Ones You Love

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was developed on the principles of leverage, technique and control to allow for a smaller weaker person to control and submit attacker. Originally popularized by the Gracie Family during the 1990s, BJJ - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved into a global phenomenon.

At The Academy you will find people passionate about learning jiu jitsu and all grappling based martial arts. We practice both Gi & No-Gi grappling and have an extensive history of training complete beginners from white belt to black belt. Our coaches are well rounded and have experience in self-defense and competition. We keep a low level ego/ high level technique atmosphere. You will not be treated poorly on the first day or any day after - we want you to come back!

Our competitors have competed all over the world in IBJJF Tournaments, from Japan, Brazil, Europe, NYC, LA, Chicago and many more places. Our athletes have a proven track record of success. We don't force people to compete and in fact most students just practice for fun. If you want to learn at a high level from high level coaches the opportunity is there.

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What is Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or "BJJ" is a grappling centered self-defense system. There is an emphasis on skill acquisition via live training versus collecting and memorizing static techniques that may or may not work in a real life situation. BJJ focuses on using your body to control your opponents body long enough to make your opponent "tap out" or submit.

Do all fights go to the ground?

No not all fights go to the ground. But it is an area so important you cannot afford to ignore it, especially in an icy climate like MN. Imagine a larger attacker grabbling and clinching with you. If you are unskilled at grappling you are in for a difficult very situation. Jiu-jitsu is the best way for a smaller weaker person to survive a street fight and to control happens using leverage, gravity and momentum to their advantage.

What are the belts in BJJ?

Who are the instructors?

I work in Law Enforcement how can Jiu Jitsu be used safely?

We feel Jiu-Jitsu training is a must all LEO. The ability to control a passivly resisting suspect and defend on the ground against an actively fighting suspect is a necessary skill in modern times. We have a trained a variety of different local, state and federal officers to arrest and control subjects in a safe manner compliant with policy. We have law enforcement personnel who are use of force instructors and head coach Greg Nelson who both can offer workshops and seminars to law enforcement departments

I am a complete beginner can I do this?

YES! The mass majority of our students start from day one with no experience. It's totally normal when moving outside your comfort zone to feel nervous. Our instructors and your fellow classmates understand this well and are very welcoming to visitiors and new students. We love heping new beginners start their journey to Black Belt and beyond.

Is this safe?

Is this self defense or sport?

Gi or No Gi?

I am a wrestler (my child is a wrestler) does jiu jitsu teach putting yourself into a pin??

Kids and adults learn by doing and playing. It's possible that a child or a wrestler won't know how to switch between modes but unlikely. Some of today's best wrestlers grew up training Jiu-Jitsu and it has ENHANCED their creativity and movement problem solving on the mat. Some of MN's greatest wrestlers have trained with our instructors and found it helpful in discovering new ways to wrestle better.

    
 
 
      Posted on Facebook  
   
   Scott Marsh 
 July 13, 2018
 
 
 recommends My wife and I really enjoyed the BJJ training at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.  Top notch instruction by Sensei Greg Nelson.  We definitely will go back and would recommend this academy to anyone who wants to  in the Martial Arts.
  
 
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   Elaine Buckner 
 November 7, 2017
 
 
  Highly recommend this gym!  Spacious, clean, welcoming, dedicated, supportive, and professional staff/coaches. Go to facility for both Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. Awesome kids classes too!
  
 
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   A Haub 
 June 4, 2013
 
 
  It all started when I decided I wanted to have a better exercise regimen. I was unsatisfied with working out in a regular fitness gym, I worked in health care, and I understand that their primary culture was to live it. I was all for it, and it did spark me to get in gear. I was due for another weight loss, I gained too much from not enough exercise and I was tired of dragging around my spare tire.

I have been training at The Academy for the last 3 years in private lessons and classes. I remember being one of the three women in classes and you are treated very well. I'm happy to see that more women are joining classes and I think overall it's a fun experience and you're learning to defend yourself!

I have to say this was one of the better choices I have made for my physical fitness and having played high impact sports all my life, this was a great fit. I lost 40lbs in the first 6 months, and then another 20lbs in a year. I was very committed to coming because the curriculum is interesting, the coaches are positive, awesome, and push you to do the best you can. The members that are there are very kind, friendly, dedicated and supportive.

You will be challenged and pushed, this gym isn't for people that are not committed in making a real lifestyle change.  They offer you a potential to really see what you're made of.  It is hard for a reason, and the coaches and people that are there are willing to get you to your goals.

You will find some of the hardest working and passionate individuals at this gym.

I really have appreciated what I have been able to accomplish at The Academy, and I will continue to attend The Academy as long as I can.
  
 
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   Jeff Byles 
 November 3, 2026
 
 
  It would quite difficult to find a gym better equipped, with more experienced coaches or better amenities. I came for grappling, but the gym itself is huge (but not intimidating) and very clean. Coaches are kind and experienced. Its one of the longest running in the metro area after visiting its easy to see why. If your thinking of starting bjj, striking or any other martial arts, this is the place.
  
 
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   Corey Jurgenson 
 August 14, 2021
 
 
 recommends World class coaches. Training to fit your needs. Multiple class times to fit anyone’s schedule. Family atmosphere Highly recommended for anyone looking to get fit or learn a new skill
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 445 reviews