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.

View this post on Instagram

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

-FREE Classes-
-FREE Tour-
-FREE Intro Lesson-
Enter Your Info In The Box Below

We hate spam too, we promise to keep your info secure.

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.

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Russell Martinez 
 February 12, 2023
 
 
  he coaches are very knowledgeable and staff is helpful! I like how it’s a month to month membership and not long contract!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sophia Anderson 
 February 5, 2016
 
 
  Training at the Academy is one of the best decisions I have made. I LOVE IT! I checked out all the local gyms and found the Academy the best fit in terms of pricing, schedule, cleanliness, and awesome trainers/classes. I have also trained in France and The Academy is by far one of the friendliest and skilled martial arts programs in the Twin Cities area.  There are no hidden fees like belt tests or mandatory pro shop purchases. The women's locker room is clean and has it's own shower.  The trainers are all very nice and work well with people of all different skill levels. I take the Foundations Thai Kickboxing classes and it's really fun and I'm staying in great shape. Can't wait to continue my journey! :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charles 
 September 1, 2017
 
 
  Very welcoming community and these guys really know their stuff check out this place you will not  regret it + 30 day free trial
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nate Sit 
 December 4, 2025
 
 
  I went to one of their beginner-oriented BJJ classes, and the experience was outstanding: great teaching, great practical drills, and it was fun to learn with the other students. Highly recommend for anyone looking to start their BJJ journey
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jen Robinson 
 July 30, 2016
 
 
  I first visited The Academy four years ago, while on a trip from England. After moving to the area I took Muay Thai classes at the gym, up until having a baby recently. I have only positive things to say about the well kept facility and knowledgeable instructors. Over recent months I have very much missed training there!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews