Business Details
34 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Minnesota
Established in 1992, The Academy MN has become a globally recognized leader in martial arts training. Founded by Greg Nelson, our institution combines traditional disciplines with modern techniques to empower students of all ages and skill levels. Our programs emphasize self-discipline, physical fitness, and personal growth through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and self-defense. With a team of certified instructors who have trained internationally, we prioritize safe, community-driven learning environments that foster resilience and confidence.Over three decades, we've cultivated a culture where technical excellence meets holistic development for both competitive athletes and everyday individuals seeking transformative martial arts education.
Services
Kickboxing
Jiu Jitsu
MMA Training
Personal Training
Self Defense
Muay Thai
Childrens Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Wrestling
Judo
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1992 with 30+ years of proven martial arts instruction
- Certified instructors with global competition and training experience
- Community-focused approach with 70+ weekly class times
- Scientific training methods for effective skill acquisition
- Specialized programs for neurodiverse children and adults
Associations and certifications
- WTBA
Services
Muay Thai
Muay Thai training develops striking proficiency using hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Our curriculum combines traditional Thai techniques with modern fight science. Students gain cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and self-defense capabilities while learning to execute powerful strikes with proper form. Both competitive fighters and fitness enthusiasts benefit from our structured progression system and experienced instructors.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ focuses on grappling, joint locks, and positional control using leverage over strength. Our program caters to both gi and no-gi practitioners across all belt ranks. Students develop problem-solving skills through live sparring while learning effective self-defense techniques. The curriculum emphasizes technical growth from white belt fundamentals to black belt expertise in a non-ego, skill-focused environment.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA combines striking and grappling techniques from multiple disciplines including Muay Thai, BJJ, wrestling, and boxing. Our program builds practical combat skills through integrated training methods that simulate real fight scenarios. Students learn seamless transitions between stand-up and ground fighting while developing athletic conditioning and strategic thinking in a safe, controlled setting.
Childrens Martial Arts
Our youth martial arts curriculum develops physical coordination, focus, and character through age-appropriate instruction. Children learn self-defense basics, improve motor skills, and build confidence in a structured environment. The program emphasizes discipline and respect while maintaining engaging activities that keep kids motivated through regular progress milestones and belt promotions.
Private Lessons
One-on-one sessions provide personalized attention for accelerated skill development. Coaches tailor training to individual goals whether improving fitness, preparing for competition, or mastering specific techniques. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles while maintaining technical excellence through dedicated student-instructor focus during each training session.
People
Greg Nelson
Head Coach
Greg Nelson, 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt and Muay Thai expert, founded The Academy MN in 1992. With four UFC champion protgs and extensive competitive experience, he brings decades of martial arts expertise to our training programs.
Andy Grahn
BJJ Coach
3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt with judo expertise, Andy Grahn trained extensively in Thailand and co-developed our Muay Thai curriculum. He demonstrates technical mastery through practical application of martial arts principles.
Nat McIntyre
Muay Thai Coach
US Pro Muay Thai Champion and BJJ Black Belt, Nat McIntyre combines striking precision with grappling expertise. His competition background enhances practical self-defense applications in our training programs.
James Cook
Fight Coach
International Muay Thai competitor James Cook shares global fight experience with students. His tournament success across multiple countries contributes to our real-world combat training methodology.
Jon Geisinger
BJJ Instructor
Purple belt Jon Geisinger specializes in beginner BJJ instruction. He creates welcoming learning environments that help new students overcome initial challenges in grappling disciplines.
Questions
What if I have no martial arts experience?
Most students start with no experience. Our structured curriculum and supportive community help beginners build skills at their own pace through progressive belt system.
Are classes safe for beginners?
Yes, safety is prioritized through controlled sparring and proper technique focus. Instructors monitor sessions to ensure appropriate intensity levels for individual skill development.
How do martial arts benefit children?
Kids programs develop discipline, confidence, and coordination. Structured lessons improve focus and social skills while teaching practical self-defense techniques.
What training options exist for different goals?
We offer Muay Thai for striking, BJJ for grappling, MMA for comprehensive combat, and personal training. All programs adapt to fitness, competition, or self-defense objectives.
How often should students train?
Most students attend 2-3 times weekly. With 70+ weekly classes available, schedules accommodate various commitment levels from casual fitness to competitive preparation.
Reviews (4)
Coach Rudberg
Jan 12, 2022
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The Academy is an amazing community of coaches and students looking to better themselves through martial arts. I have had a lot of fun and made many new friends. I would recommend anyone try it out! They are very accommodating so if you are nervous thats okay. Everyone leaves with a smile!
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 dont have their prices in writing. I asked "How do you prove youre 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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Excellent one on one training, not too crowded per class, but a lot of attention to moves. Busy place with many classes at the same time including kids class visit very friendly staff. It's bigger than any other dojo what I've seen in Minnesota.
Pricey but worth every penny.
Pricey but worth every penny.
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
