Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Martial Arts Training in Minneapolis
Founded in 1982 by internationally recognized martial arts expert Guro Rick Faye, Minnesota Kali Group (MKG) has established itself as a premier martial arts training center in Minneapolis. Our mission combines rigorous technical instruction with a welcoming community environment, offering comprehensive programs in Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filipino boxing, and Ghost Elusive Combat. With three dedicated training spaces and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide both beginners and experienced practitioners access to world-class instruction rooted in Bruce Lee's philosophies. Our instructors, personally trained by Guro Faye, maintain direct lineage connections to martial arts legends while emphasizing modern practical applications.As an international organization with branches across six countries, we host regular seminars featuring renowned martial artists like Guro Dan Inosanto and Grandmaster Chai Sirisute. Our unique MKG Blend program integrates multiple disciplines to develop well-rounded martial artists, focusing on health, longevity, and technical proficiency. Students benefit from cross-training opportunities, personalized development approaches, and a supportive community that values both individual growth and collective progress. The Edina branch extends reciprocal membership benefits, maintaining the same high standards of instruction and facility quality. Our commitment to martial arts excellence remains unwavering after four decades of operation.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai
Jeet Kune Do
Kali
Silat
Boxing
Ghost Elusive Combat
Youth Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts
Online Training
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of martial arts instruction experience
- Our instructors maintain direct lineage to Bruce Lee and Dan Inosanto
- We provide cross-disciplinary training combining five primary martial arts
- We host international seminars with legendary martial artists
- Our facilities feature dedicated training spaces with professional equipment
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program teaches ground fighting techniques focusing on leverage and positional control. Students learn submissions, escapes, and transitions through structured drills and live sparring. The curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense applications while improving physical conditioning and mental discipline.
Muay Thai
This Muay Thai program develops striking skills using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes focus on proper technique, defensive strategies, and conditioning through bag work, pad drills, and sparring. Students improve cardiovascular endurance while mastering the 'Art of Eight Limbs' in a supportive environment.
Jeet Kune Do
Our Jeet Kune Do curriculum follows Bruce Lee's original teachings, emphasizing adaptability and efficiency. Students learn trapping techniques, footwork, and direct counterattacks through structured drills. The program develops reflexes, timing, and practical self-defense capabilities applicable to real-world scenarios.
Kali
This Kali program teaches weapon-based martial arts focusing on stick fighting and empty-hand applications. Students develop coordination, timing, and spatial awareness through structured patterns and live drills. The curriculum includes disarms, counters, and multiple attacker scenarios for comprehensive self-defense training.
Youth Martial Arts
Designed for ages 7-14, our youth program builds physical fitness, discipline, and confidence. Students learn fundamental martial arts techniques while developing focus and respect. The curriculum includes age-appropriate self-defense skills and character development through structured, engaging instruction.
People
Guro Rick Faye
Founder & Head Instructor
Internationally recognized martial artist with 40+ years experience, direct student of Dan Inosanto, and leading authority in Kali and Jeet Kune Do. Holds instructorships in multiple disciplines and teaches 30+ seminars annually worldwide.
Questions
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, we provide a free first class for new students living in the Twin Cities metro area. No prior experience required.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes and bring water. We recommend starting with MKG Blend, Thai Boxing, or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes.
Are there age requirements for classes?
We offer youth programs for ages 7-14 and adult classes for all experience levels. No upper age limit for participation.
What martial arts do you teach?
We offer Kali, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino boxing, Silat, and Ghost Elusive Combat through our MKG Blend program.
Do you have international affiliations?
Yes, we have branches and affiliated schools in England, Japan, Spain, Scotland, Germany, and multiple US locations with global instructor certifications.
Reviews (6)
Matt
Nov 24, 2021
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Minnesota Kali Group offers multiple martial art disciplines and includes a talented staff of teachers providing an excellent environment to learn self-defense.
Travis Balz
Nov 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Friendly environment and a great place to get started! Tons of different classes so you can cover all the bases. BJJ classes are my go to. All of the instructors are very helpful and explain things in an understandable way.
Friendly environment and a great place to get started! Tons of different classes so you can cover all the bases. BJJ classes are my go to. All of the instructors are very helpful and explain things in an understandable way.
Pearl Rose
Nov 19, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
The staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and super helpful. You can train at various levels here, from skilled to entry. Focused, respectful, fun, inclusive atmosphere with lots of opportunity to grow your training and skills to high levels or whatever you choose. Dont be shy! Its super cool!
The staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and super helpful. You can train at various levels here, from skilled to entry. Focused, respectful, fun, inclusive atmosphere with lots of opportunity to grow your training and skills to high levels or whatever you choose. Dont be shy! Its super cool!
Mason Tyer
Jul 31, 2021
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Me: a student of about two years on all sides of the pandemic. A wide variety of martial arts, several skilled teachers, and a well-supplied facility make this an excellent choice for your martial arts education. The unlimited membership is the best deal if you intend to attend at least 3 classes a week, currently $150 monthly. There is a 6 class-a-month option for those looking to save money, at $90 monthly. There are also family options (the best deal for folks in the same household) and private training packages if you want direct tutelage.
Chris Williams
Jul 30, 2021
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The best martial arts gym in the Twin Cities for people with all levels of conditioning and skill. You would think it would be difficult to find a place where people with literally decades of training could work out next to people just starting out, but MKG pulls it off. There's a supportive culture for anyone who shows up ready to work - and you will work out very hard. Be ready to sweat.
Adam Glatzl
Jul 17, 2021
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There is much about the Minnesota Kali Group that I find makes them stand out amongst other martial arts schools in the Twin Cities. I think two major components of this are: The wide variety of martial arts classes that they offer, and that they are second-to-none in terms of the vast network of talented people that they have connections with. Whether those are in-house staff, teachers that have branched out and started their own schools, or the student body itself. What I also love about the student body is the variety and diversity of it. We have everything from teenagers, to people in their
