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.

    
 
 
      Posted on Facebook  
   
   Janelle Sn 
 August 30, 2015
 
 
 recommends I started my martial arts training here before moving out of state. I come train here sporadically when I'm in town, and I'm always happy that I attend; the instructors greet me by name, and the students in the class are focused and make great training partners. The professor/instructor attention to detail is wonderful. I enjoy learning a style different from my 'home' school. 

I'd recommend The Academy to anyone!  Thank you for your awesome hospitality!
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   David Ku 
 April 22, 2018
 
 
 recommends Thank for visiting us here in Taipei. It was nothing but pleasure, Jack and Betty.
-- David Ku, Peace Judo Institute, Taiwan.
  
 
     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 Facebook  
   
   Tarren Michael Hovorka 
 August 2, 2015
 
 
 recommends Actions speak louder than words. Go check it out for yourself.
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   Shanna Carl 
 April 4, 2018
 
 
 recommends We just recently started going here and it already feels like home.  It’s a very positive environment and people there greet you with a smile every time, whether you’re on day one or year 5.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews