Business Details
13 Years
experience
Martial Arts Classes in Mounds View, MN | MKG North Martial Arts
Founded by Peter Kwong in 2013, MKG North Martial Arts is a premier training center dedicated to blending global martial arts traditions into a cohesive, effective practice. Our curriculum spans disciplines from Thailand, China, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Philippines, including Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Silat, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over four decades of combined experience among our instructors, we emphasize safety, adaptability, and holistic growth. Our structured programs cater to all skill levels, from youth to adults, fostering self-confidence, physical fitness, and practical self-defense skills. By integrating diverse techniques into our Phase Program, we ensure students develop speed, strength, and endurance through proven methodologies.Recognized by international martial arts leaders, our team has trained law enforcement and military personnel, demonstrating our commitment to real-world application. Our welcoming environment prioritizes personalized instruction, with flexible class schedules and a focus on community. Whether you seek stress relief, competitive training, or self-defense mastery, our certified instructors provide expert guidance tailored to individual goals. We continuously refine our methods to stay at the forefront of martial arts education, ensuring students receive the most relevant and effective training available. This dedication to excellence has made us a trusted name in the Minneapolis area and beyond.
Services
BJJ/Grappling
Kali
Muay Thai
Silat
Youth Martial Arts
Jeet Kune Do
Cardio Kickboxing
Yoga
Phase Program
Panantukan
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer free trial classes to experience our structured, inclusive training environment.
- Our instructors hold advanced certifications from globally recognized martial arts leaders.
- We integrate five primary martial arts into our signature Phase Program for holistic development.
- Our youth classes promote confidence, discipline, and social skills in a fun setting.
- We combine traditional techniques with modern, high-intensity training methods for practical results.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Great workout
Family-friendly environment
Diverse martial arts
Welcoming atmosphere
Services
BJJ/Grappling
Our BJJ program combines Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Silat, Kali, and wrestling techniques. Students train in partner drills and live sparring to master ground fighting, submission holds, and positional control. Instructors affiliated with Checkmat Minneapolis and Luiz Claudio Jiu Jitsu emphasize proper mechanics, repetition, and application of fundamental techniques for practical self-defense and competitive success.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai classes teach striking with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, along with defensive footwork and clinch fighting. Training includes pad work, bag drills, and conditioning to build endurance and power. Our go-at-your-own-pace approach ensures students of all fitness levels improve speed, strength, and cardiovascular health while mastering traditional Muay Thai techniques for self-defense and competition.
Kali
Kali instruction covers stick fighting, blade techniques, and empty-hand defenses rooted in Filipino martial traditions. Students learn body motion principles, weapon disarms, and close-quarters combat through structured drills and partner exercises. With origins in ancient Escrima and Arnis, our program develops fast reflexes, precision strikes, and adaptable self-defense strategies for real-world scenarios.
Youth Martial Arts
Youth programs for ages 4-12 focus on character development, physical coordination, and basic martial arts skills. The Little Ninjas (4-7) and Little Dragons (8-12) curricula use games and belt systems to teach self-discipline, confidence, and respect. Classes incorporate stand-up and grappling techniques tailored to children's abilities, fostering social skills and structured physical activity in a supportive environment.
Silat
Silat training combines strikes, locks, throws, and weaponry from Indonesian, Malaysian, and Bruneian traditions. Students practice Mande Mude and Suffian Bela Diri techniques to develop fluid movements, joint manipulation, and weapon-based defenses. This dynamic system emphasizes adaptability, blending empty-hand and armed combat into a cohesive framework for self-defense and competitive applications.
People
Peter T. Kwong
Head Instructor
Founder of MKG North Martial Arts with 40+ years of martial arts expertise. Certified under Sifu Rick Faye and Guro Dan Inosanto. Trains law enforcement and military personnel in defensive tactics. Holds multiple black belts and specializes in Kali, Muay Thai, and Silat.
Ben Von Ende
BJJ Program Coordinator
30-year martial arts practitioner and BJJ brown belt. Specializes in grappling/BJJ under Checkmat Twin Cities. Associate instructor in Kali/JKD with the Minnesota Kali Group. Combines Silat and Taiji for holistic training methodologies.
Kasey Keckeisen
Instructor
SWAT team leader and Taiho Jutsu expert with decades of law enforcement experience. Recognized as Shihan by the International Shinbudo Association. Teaches catch wrestling and controls tactics, blending police training with traditional martial arts disciplines.
Stacy Noyes
Instructor
MKG veteran since 1988 with expertise in Kali/JKD. Former military police and security professional. Combines kinesiology knowledge with martial arts training. Teaches special education while maintaining fitness and self-defense instruction.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach BJJ, Muay Thai, Kali, Silat, Jeet Kune Do, and youth martial arts programs.
Can beginners join your classes?
Yes, all classes welcome all skill levels with structured, progressive training methods.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, try a free class by contacting us to schedule your preferred session.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes; gloves are required for grappling sessions.
Are there youth martial arts programs?
Yes, we offer age-specific programs for children aged 4-12 with tailored curricula.
Reviews (4)
Tyler Noble
Dec 31, 2021
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What an awesome Martial arts school! The instructors are amazing, and so knowledgeable. On top of learning really cool moves, I get the best workout every time I train there.
Steve Strawmatt
Jul 01, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Great place to train and Peter is a fantastic teacher. It is a fun and welcoming environment and classes are great for beginners and more experienced students. If you are looking to get in to martial arts go here
Great place to train and Peter is a fantastic teacher. It is a fun and welcoming environment and classes are great for beginners and more experienced students. If you are looking to get in to martial arts go here
Darrick O'Day
Jun 18, 2021
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Peter is a top notch world class martial artist, instructor, person. Whether you want a fun way to get in shape, to gain some serious skills, or a positive place for your kids to build confidence and gain valuable self defense skills you've found the right place.
Rah Diavola
Jun 17, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Guro Peter is an amazing instructor with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Learning from him is always fun. He meets you where you are at with zero judgement and helps you learn and improve. Fun workouts with practical applications. Definitely check this school out! Totally worth it!!
Guro Peter is an amazing instructor with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Learning from him is always fun. He meets you where you are at with zero judgement and helps you learn and improve. Fun workouts with practical applications. Definitely check this school out! Totally worth it!!
