Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Martial Arts Excellence in MN
Founded in 1992 by Greg Nelson, Minnesota Martial Arts Academy is Minnesota's premier martial arts training center dedicated to empowering individuals through world-class instruction in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and more. Our team of globally recognized instructors brings decades of competitive experience and specialized expertise in both traditional and modern combat disciplines. We cultivate a supportive community where students of all ages and skill levels develop physical fitness, self-defense capabilities, and mental resilience through structured programs tailored to individual goals.With over 30 years of operation and a proven track record of producing champions, we maintain rigorous safety standards while emphasizing practical skill application. Our holistic approach combines technical mastery with character development, ensuring clients receive authoritative, trustworthy training that delivers measurable results in personal growth and combat proficiency.
Services
Kickboxing
Jiu Jitsu
MMA Training
Personal Coaching
Self Defense
Children's Programs
Muay Thai
Wrestling
Judo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven martial arts instruction with 50,000+ classes taught
- Our certified instructors include 4 UFC champions and international competitors
- We provide tailored programs for children, adults, and law enforcement professionals
- Our sparring culture emphasizes safety while developing real combat effectiveness
- We combine traditional techniques with modern science for optimal skill acquisition
Associations and certifications
- World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA)
What people say
Best trainers in the game
Encouraging atmosphere
Changed person at home
Profound impact on career
Great for regular folks
Services
Kickboxing
Our Muay Thai-based kickboxing program develops full-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and practical self-defense skills. Students learn authentic Thai techniques including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow techniques through structured drills and controlled sparring. With options for both competitive athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts, this high-energy workout improves coordination, stress management, and situational awareness while maintaining strict safety protocols for all experience levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This ground-fighting system focuses on leverage-based techniques for controlling opponents and achieving submissions. Our curriculum covers both gi and no-gi applications, emphasizing real-world self-defense scenarios and competitive tournament preparation. Students progress through recognized belt ranks while developing problem-solving skills, joint flexibility, and tactical patience in a supportive environment that prioritizes technical mastery over brute strength.
MMA Training
Our comprehensive MMA program integrates striking, grappling, and wrestling techniques for complete combat proficiency. Designed for both aspiring fighters and general fitness seekers, it builds functional strength, reaction speed, and adaptive strategy through cross-training in multiple disciplines. The curriculum includes live sparring sessions, conditioning drills, and scenario-based training that prepares students for unpredictable physical confrontations while maintaining injury-prevention protocols.
Children's Martial Arts
Specially designed programs for ages 4-13 combine physical development with character education through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Classes focus on improving focus, discipline, and social skills while teaching fundamental self-defense techniques in a safe, engaging environment. Our structured curriculum promotes confidence building, academic performance, and physical coordination through games, drills, and progressive skill challenges tailored to different developmental stages.
Self Defense
Practical self-defense courses teach situational awareness and real-world combat techniques for personal safety. Students learn to de-escalate conflicts, execute defensive maneuvers against various attack scenarios, and develop environmental awareness to prevent dangerous situations. The program combines elements from multiple martial arts while emphasizing legal considerations and physiological responses to stress, making it particularly valuable for law enforcement professionals and everyday citizens seeking personal security skills.
People
Greg Nelson
Head Coach
5th Degree BJJ Black Belt with 40+ years martial arts experience. Trained 4 UFC champions and developed the Academy's foundational curriculum combining traditional techniques with modern combat science.
Andy Grahn
BJJ Instructor
3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt and Judo expert with extensive Muay Thai competition experience. Specializes in cross-training methodologies that bridge traditional martial arts with modern fitness applications for diverse student needs.
Nat McIntyre
Muay Thai Coach
US Pro Muay Thai Champion and BJJ Black Belt with international competition experience. Focuses on striking techniques and conditioning programs that develop both athletic performance and practical self-defense capabilities.
James Cook
Muay Thai Specialist
Internationally decorated Muay Thai fighter with competition experience across 10+ countries. Brings global perspective to training methods while maintaining focus on technical precision and injury prevention protocols.
Celina Malabanan
BJJ Coach
BJJ Brown Belt with competitive success at IBJJF Pan-Ams. Specializes in women's self-defense programs and youth development, combining technical expertise with accessible teaching methods for diverse learners.
Questions
Do I need prior experience to join martial arts classes?
No prior experience needed. Most students start with no background, and our instructors specialize in helping beginners develop skills at their own pace through structured introductory programs.
What happens during a typical martial arts class?
Classes include warm-up exercises, technical instruction, partner drills, and cardio components. Most sessions last 60 minutes with options for live situational training at appropriate skill levels.
Are martial arts classes safe for beginners?
Yes, safety is prioritized through controlled drills, progressive skill development, and supervised sparring. Instructors emphasize proper technique over intensity to prevent injuries while building competence.
How do martial arts improve overall well-being?
Training develops physical fitness, mental discipline, and confidence through structured challenges. The supportive community and goal-oriented curriculum promote stress relief, personal growth, and improved social connections.
What self-defense skills will I learn?
Students learn situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and practical defense against common attacks. The curriculum combines striking, grappling, and environmental awareness to prepare for real-world scenarios.
Can martial arts benefit children with special needs?
Yes, our programs help neurodiverse children improve focus, social skills, and physical coordination through structured activities that emphasize listening skills and adaptive learning approaches.
