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.

    
 
 
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   Betty Chin-Wu 
 January 19, 2013
 
 
  For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with martial arts and have the deepest respect for its traditions. As a kid, I studied Wushu for a few years. The interest in martial arts alone, was also what led me to meeting my husband. Prior to joining the Academy, I was not in the best form in terms of mental and physical health. My husband knew how much I love martial arts. He got me to join him at The Academy. While hesitant at first due to my own insecurities, I decided to give it a shot anyway. After taking my leap of faith, I was entranced by the art of Muay Thai, its practicality, and most of all, The Academy's moral values. I developed a great respect for the many coaches who work day in and out to mentor all students. From day one in my foundations class til now, I look around and I see more than just people training Muay Thai/ BJJ. They are practicing to take leaps of faith. Everyone has a demon of their own. They are taking the chance to look fear in the eye, and conquer it, one training session at a time. Some of us are hope to enter the ring. However, my own fight is fighting for better health. The reason why I want to share my review is not to brag about weight loss results in any way. I just hope to reach out to other people struggling like myself. Taking a leap of faith can't be done alone. Give this place a shot, and give yourself a chance to take your own leap of faith. To better health and happiness. Cheers!
  
 
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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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   Tim Leary 
 June 14, 2022
 
 
  I started going to the Academy a little over 5 years ago. The Academy has made me a better person, I only wish I started earlier. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Academy! Anyone that’s thinking about it, come in and check it out. See you on the mats.
  
 
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   Ashley Robarge 
 July 25, 2014
 
 
 recommends My 5 year old son just completed summer camp and became a white belt! We are looking forward to starting him in the "tiny ninja" classes. They have excellent programs for kids. I would and have recommended this to everyone with kids that want to get into martial arts. The staff and coaches are amazing! I am tempted to take some muay thai classes myself. Thank you for everything so far and see you soon!
  
 
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   Eric Katzenmeyer 
 July 3, 2024
 
 
  Did a drop in NoGi Jiujitsu class with open roll after. I learned great techniques from Greg to sharpen my game. If I lived in the area, this is definitely a great place to go. Also looks like a great place for striking. I hope I get to come back later I  the week.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews