Whether you want to lose weight, tone your muscles, or increase your child's self discipline. Whether you want improve confidence & learn real self-defense. Whether you want with modern, safe training methods. We are the martial arts school for you. Become part of a winning team today!
Well, we want to relieve your anxiety - we assure you that when you walk into our academy, you'll be greeted by someone with a smile that not only trains at the school, but is dedicated to helping people like you find the program that best suits your needs.There is a very positive, friendly - even family-like - atmosphere at our academy and I want you to feel welcome.
Well, we want to relieve your anxiety - we assure you that when you walk into our academy, you'll be greeted by someone with a smile that not only trains at the school, but is dedicated to helping people like you find the program that best suits your needs.There is a very positive, friendly - even family-like - atmosphere at our academy and I want you to feel welcome.
Services
Our Kid's Karate [Little Dragons] Program is designed to enrich your child's confidence. Your child will also learn self-discipline, modesty, perseverance, and respect. Our instructors are experts in positive reinforcement. Students develop these vital characteristics through effective, unique martial arts and fitness training.
Thai kickboxing is a martial art that utilizes the body's natural weapons. Using all eight limbs to create an effective and devastating fighting style. It is as competitive in the ring as it is effective for self-defense. This art differs from Karate and Kung Fu in several respects. In Muay Thai, "forms" do not exist, nor does the practice of pulling your techniques before they make impact.
Our program, headed by Greg Nelson, is passed down by Professor Pedro Sauer. Professor Sauer is an 8th degree Red and Black Belt under Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie. He is considered to be one of the most technical Black Belt professors in the world. He was voted the ADCC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor of the year in 2000.
Many of the folks arriving at our website are interested in MMA training and classes in the Minneapolis - St. Paul area. At The Academy, we train mixed martial arts as a blended system of striking and grappling in a SAFE & WELCOMING family/team type atmosphere. We have created a system and class environment proven to suit students of all backgrounds.
Students learn stance, footwork, striking techniques, defense, grappling, counter grappling techniques, and a variety of other training methods designed to enhance speed, power, timing, flexibility, coordination, strength, etc. In addition, our program stresses weaponry and empty-hand techniques taken from Filipino Kali (Double Stick, Single Stick, Knife, Stick and Knife), creating a program geared towards maximum self-defense and fitness.
Reviews (21)
Coach Rudberg
Jan 12, 2022
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Jae Betts
Oct 24, 2021
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Appt w/ Sean for my son and myself. Nice tour and gym. When we sat down, he verbally fumbled over pricing as if he was making it up. So I asked for a pricing sheet, for reference. He stated that they don’t have their prices in writing. I asked "How do you prove you’re business is giving everyone fair pricing?” Sean replied "Well, people usually just trust us" in a negative tone as if he was offended. This company requires consumers to sign a contract, legally binding/obligating them to pay monthly regardless of circumstance. What happen to trust? He wrote prices on the back of an old ripped
Youssef A.
Oct 17, 2021
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Schwartz
Oct 14, 2021
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Read the fine print on their contract before signing.
Good gym, but really shady subscription handling.
I signed up for ONE MONTH, and was told "okay thats fine" by the instructor. I had seen the reviews about them being not forthcoming about payment, so I emailed them to be sure. They THEN told me I'd be paying for a 6 month subscription, and that the only way I'd be able to cancel WITH a 100$ moving suspension fee would be to sign a form online and send them "3 forms of documentation proving that I moved." Well I just found out i've been charged for 2 extra months for 400$ I never made use
Good gym, but really shady subscription handling.
I signed up for ONE MONTH, and was told "okay thats fine" by the instructor. I had seen the reviews about them being not forthcoming about payment, so I emailed them to be sure. They THEN told me I'd be paying for a 6 month subscription, and that the only way I'd be able to cancel WITH a 100$ moving suspension fee would be to sign a form online and send them "3 forms of documentation proving that I moved." Well I just found out i've been charged for 2 extra months for 400$ I never made use
Saul Mitchell
Sep 22, 2021
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Daniel Hedges
Sep 01, 2021
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Linda Manges
Jul 30, 2021
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Foxie Scheller
Jun 21, 2021
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D. W.
May 06, 2021
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Signing a 6 month contract with this place has been the worst decision I've made since moving to Minnesota.
I started going here in May of 2019 and was attending regularly until October of 2019. I had just moved from Michigan and was trying to find a new gym so figured I'd give them a shot.
I paid every single month on time and thought I had a good relationship with the staff. Upon the last month of my contract the payment did not process correctly so rather than contacting me to update my payment information, they took the liberty of charging me hundreds of dollars in fees and went
I started going here in May of 2019 and was attending regularly until October of 2019. I had just moved from Michigan and was trying to find a new gym so figured I'd give them a shot.
I paid every single month on time and thought I had a good relationship with the staff. Upon the last month of my contract the payment did not process correctly so rather than contacting me to update my payment information, they took the liberty of charging me hundreds of dollars in fees and went
Gertrude Naomi
May 01, 2021
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The foundations introduction class is great for anyone that doesn’t know anything about martial arts & isn’t sure where to begin or even if it’s something they’re physical capable of. I had the wonderful opportunity to do a free intro class with one of the instructors, Shawn. He is welcoming, and creates a wonderful environment of trust & encouragement. A thank you to Matt, as well, for the welcome package and helping make the signup process easy. Highly recommend this program and location.
Ryan Bowen
Jun 29, 2018
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Fred Welch
Nov 27, 2017
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Sarah S.
Feb 14, 2017
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I never received the 30 day trial that I am hearing about. Only went to a few classes. Contacted business to cancel my membership which I was informed was cancelled and a year later received a bill for over $1,300... I had no prior information that they were still trying to charge me. I'm not very happy, ouch. Stay away if you don't want to end up with crazy fees!
Adrian R.
Aug 10, 2016
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While I've been training with the Academy for only a month, it's my impression that this school has a highly skilled faculty well versed in various martial arts. Additionally, the workout room offers a full variety of CrossFit/free weight equipments as well as a small bouldering wall and some cardio machines that make it convenient for additional training before or after classes. I would (and have) recommended this school to friends.
J. O.
Sep 23, 2015
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My BJJ MMA home away from home. Greg Nelson and his crew are absolutely the best. Worth the time and effort to get here and train on a regular basis or as a visitor. Great for your kids too! I'm the mom of a 6.5 year old girl - she is happy and at home at the Academy - good for all levels of training from beginner to pro - the vibe is awesome and welcoming and everyone knows their chops. Go and change your life for the better - enjoy.
Chris J.
Jul 11, 2014
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Horrible business!! Make sure they don't lie to you when signing the contract!!
They do not honor the 30-day money back guarantee, or they have loop holes,
So watch out!! Read everything. Even with a magnifying glass!!
I went to 1 class and didn't like the program so I asked to cancel, but the academy said I had to pay the full year even though it was within the same week I signed up.
Lol.. Come on.. This is not a good business or service!!
They do not honor the 30-day money back guarantee, or they have loop holes,
So watch out!! Read everything. Even with a magnifying glass!!
I went to 1 class and didn't like the program so I asked to cancel, but the academy said I had to pay the full year even though it was within the same week I signed up.
Lol.. Come on.. This is not a good business or service!!
Luke F.
May 30, 2014
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I have been going to The Academy for just over a year now. I started with Muay Thai and moved to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which I absolutely fell in love with. I truly enjoy everyday I get to spend at The Academy, the instructors are helpful and knowledgeable and the students are great, I have made many friends through both Muay Thai and BJJ.
Since I began training I fell that I have truly changed my life, and I am more confident, happy, and determined. The Academy has helped me with setting goals and accomplishing them, I no longer like sitting around doing nothing, if I have spare time I want to
Since I began training I fell that I have truly changed my life, and I am more confident, happy, and determined. The Academy has helped me with setting goals and accomplishing them, I no longer like sitting around doing nothing, if I have spare time I want to
Soo M.
Apr 08, 2013
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Be warned about their 60 day money back guarantee. My friend and I were told that their 60 day money back guarantee was in place so people could give it a fair try by attending 18 classes in two month. We were told that there had been couple people in the past who went for 18 classes and didn't like it for whatever reason so they got their money back. I felt more confident to sign up for their 7 month membership knowing that there was this guarantee. Little did I know this was a scam.
I attended 18 classes in 60 days. After trying their mma and muy thai classes, I asked for a refund because
I attended 18 classes in 60 days. After trying their mma and muy thai classes, I asked for a refund because
Barry C.
Jan 02, 2013
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I've been a BJJ student at the Academy for 3 years now and am consistently impressed with the level of professionalism, competition and drive of all students and staff of the gym. This review is all based on the jiu jitsu experience as I haven't explored the weapons training or Muy Thai classes at the gym.
Prior to the Academy, I've trained at many gyms across the US in Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. The Academy is one of the few places I've been to where the UFC fighters and the BJJ Black Belts are as much a part of your family as the white belts and beginner
Prior to the Academy, I've trained at many gyms across the US in Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. The Academy is one of the few places I've been to where the UFC fighters and the BJJ Black Belts are as much a part of your family as the white belts and beginner
Vishnu R.
Nov 23, 2010
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North, South, East or West; The Academy is truly the best. If you are looking to excel in the martial arts, if you are looking for a great group of people to workout with, if you are looking for the best place to reach your fitness goals, if you are looking for top level instruction, then The Academy is the place for you.
Steve W.
Jul 30, 2007
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I have trained on and off in different arts for the past 13 years and this is by far the most enjoyable gym environment that I have been in. The head instructor, Greg Nelson, knows more about self-defense and multiple arts than anyone I have ever come across. His staff does a great job of pushing the pace of the classes while also keeping it enjoyable for people of all skill sets.
There are three types of classes for the general public to take, Total Defense (Jeet Kune Do), Muay Thai Kick boxing and Brazilian Jiujitsu. My six year old son also takes classes there in youth Thai boxing and youth
There are three types of classes for the general public to take, Total Defense (Jeet Kune Do), Muay Thai Kick boxing and Brazilian Jiujitsu. My six year old son also takes classes there in youth Thai boxing and youth
