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.

    
 
 
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   Jesse A Poolaw Sr. 
 January 15, 2015
 
 
 recommends Simply the best place to train in all aspects of martial arts in MN.  Five star coaching and staff.
  
 
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   Tom Pellegrino 
 January 29, 2023
 
 
  Little Dragons I
My 10 year old grandson attends the Little Dragons I classes at The Academy in Brooklyn Center.  I feel a need to write about the experience as I often take him to the classes and have found the four instructors for this class to be simply amazing.  The martial arts teachers are Charles Roberts (head), Ryan Deotis, Jason Gulden, & Matthew Scribner.  

The Little Dragon classes serve a diverse group of kids designed to develop discipline, respect, fitness, and teamwork – while learning self defense skills.  What really impresses me most about the instructors is how much they seem to care about the kids and their development.  They also understand how important it is at this age to make classes fun while encouraging the kids to achieve.   

It is simply inspiring for me to watch these martial arts professionals teach with patience and heart.  You will frequently see Head coach Charles Roberts embracing one of the students for working hard to achieve something.   It is so obvious that the work here is personal and, in my opinion, goes beyond the teaching of martial arts.  I am grateful that my grandson is having this experience.  Many thanks to these four amazing coaches!!!!

One grateful grandpa,
Tom Pellegrino
  
 
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   Ali Bile 
 August 7, 2018
 
 
  Friendly and professional gym.
  
 
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   W D 
 December 17, 2014
 
 
  From the moment I stepped in the door of The Academy, I immediately felt at home. At that point in my life I was hanging out with the wrong people, partying, and going down a dark road until I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere of The Academy completely changed me in a positive way. I got goal oriented,  I changed my lifestyle, started eating healthier, exercising and even changed who I hung around. The coaches are awesome, they always make sure you're comfortable and they teach techniques very thoroughly and they're all down to Earth and awesome people! The Academy hands down is the cleanest martial arts facility in around. The Academy has helped me in so many aspects of my life. I've gained confidence, patience, and the courage to overcome anything in the way of keeping me from achieving my dreams. If you're interested in Martial Arts,  The Academy is the place to go!
  
 
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   Tanner Martinson 
 August 1, 2023
 
 
  Top of the line facility. Not only that but top of the line coaches and training partners as well. Great environment.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.5 of 5, based on 442 reviews