Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Studio in Maplewood, MN
Founded in 2012, our studio was born from a vision to create a community-centered martial arts space that emphasizes discipline, physical fitness, and mental resilience. With over four decades of combined experience, our founders recognized the need for an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could thrive. We prioritize accessibility by eliminating contracts and maintaining affordable tuition rates while fostering personal growth through structured training. Our programs are designed to accommodate busy schedules, offering flexible attendance options and tailored private lessons.We actively promote community engagement through outreach initiatives and donations, ensuring our impact extends beyond the dojo. Our commitment to safety and health is reflected in our protocols, including mask requirements and virtual class options. By blending traditional martial arts principles with modern teaching methods, we empower students to overcome challenges both inside and outside the studio.
Services
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Wedding Parties
Youth Programs
Women's Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kickboxing
Karate
Virtual Classes
Belt Testing
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined martial arts instruction experience
- Our flexible scheduling accommodates busy family routines
- No-contract enrollment with transparent pricing policies
- Community-focused programs emphasize personal growth and social responsibility
- Tailored private lessons for individual skill development
Services
Mixed Martial Arts Classes
Our MMA classes combine striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques to develop comprehensive combat skills. Students learn self-defense, improve physical fitness, and build mental discipline through structured drills and sparring sessions. The program emphasizes practical application while maintaining a safe training environment for all skill levels.
Private Lessons
Tailored one-on-one instruction focuses on individual goals and learning paces. Sessions cover technique refinement, competition preparation, or specific martial arts disciplines. Personalized attention ensures accelerated progress while maintaining proper form and injury prevention techniques for students of all ages.
Youth Programs
Age-appropriate curriculum develops coordination, focus, and respect in children. Classes incorporate games and structured activities to maintain engagement while teaching fundamental martial arts principles. Parents appreciate the character development and confidence-building aspects that complement school performance and social interactions.
Women's Self-Defense
Specialized classes teach practical defense techniques against common attack scenarios. Instruction includes situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, and physical countermeasures. Participants gain confidence through realistic drills while learning to assess and avoid potential threats in everyday environments.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our BJJ program focuses on ground fighting techniques and positional control. Students learn submission holds and defensive strategies applicable to real-world scenarios. The curriculum accommodates beginners through advanced practitioners, emphasizing technical proficiency over physical strength for effective self-defense.
People
Jake Erling
5th Degree Black Belt
With over 40 years of martial arts experience, Jake founded The Art Martial Arts Studio Martial Arts Studio MMA in 2012. He focuses on discipline, community building, and making martial arts accessible to all. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personal growth through physical and mental challenges.
Mariela Ajpop
3rd Degree Black Belt
Mariela combines 15 years of martial arts expertise with social justice advocacy. As a political science student, she mentors youth while promoting cultural awareness. Her teaching style blends technical precision with encouragement for personal development and community engagement.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
We teach mixed martial arts (MMA) with focus areas in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and traditional karate techniques.
Are there contract requirements?
No contracts are required. Monthly tuition is due on the 1st with a 10-day grace period before late fees apply.
Can I make up missed classes?
Yes, missed classes can be made up within two weeks through any equivalent session without prior notification.
Do you offer virtual training options?
Virtual classes are available for students unable to attend in-person sessions due to illness or scheduling conflicts.
What safety protocols are in place?
We maintain mask requirements, social distancing during drills, and enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure student safety.
Are there family discount options?
While we don't offer formal family discounts, our flexible scheduling allows multiple family members to train together in the same session.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Glenn Casper
Mar 17, 2021
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I have been a student at The Art six years. It is a great studio for all kinds of people. Jake has a quality that makes him a great teacher especially for kids. It is a positive place to be but also a place where you are nudged along to success you did think possible.
Chris Ross
Aug 16, 2020
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Updated for new location. 225 East Roselawn Ave Malpewood. May 2019. My two kids have attended The Art for several years and they have gained self confidence, respect for others, self control, and even a Black Belt along the way.
Sam Snyder
Jul 02, 2019
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A great place for all ages to learn and practice mixed martial arts in a fun and energetic environment. Very friendly staff and instructors with years of experience. There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere between all of the different belt and age groups. I highly recommend you stop by and check it out and see for yourself.
Kelli Bierwerth-Floding
Jul 24, 2017
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Awesome place! Master Jake is amazing and such a great instructor. My biggest challenge is getting my son to leave because he enjoys being there so much!
Mary Wandrei
Jul 17, 2016
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This studio is ideal for both serious MMA students and absolute beginners. My son would never agree to take a martial arts class until he met Master Jake, and the he was all in. The teachers know how to support kids when they get frustrated or resistant or shy, so they can work through it instead of quitting. Also: no pressure or contracts and very affordable.
