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The Academy MN
4.4 ★★★★☆ 176 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Membership memberships run around $300/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule theacademymn.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 763-560-5696
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I went to one of their beginner-oriented BJJ classes, and the experience was outstanding: great teaching, great practical drills, and it was fun to learn with the other students.”
“Also the level of the girls that train there is very good, bjj competitors with a lot of experience.”
“I have been training at The Academy for the last 3 years in private lessons and classes.”
Other martial arts here
“I went to one of their beginner-oriented BJJ classes, and the experience was outstanding: great teaching, great practical drills, and it was fun to learn with the other students.”
What members say
“If you’re looking for the gym with the best coaches, best classes, best facility, best community, then The Academy MN is the right gym for you.”
“I went to one of their beginner-oriented BJJ classes, and the experience was outstanding: great teaching, great practical drills, and it was fun to learn with the other students.”
“Every single person there has been so supportive (even though I know I am a slow learner) and after only 7 months I already know I have improved immensely from where I started.”
“Professor Nelson welcomed me and showed great technique during his class.”
“The gym has everything you need to get stronger along with everything you need to get your cardio in!”
“The coaches are world class (I'm pretty sure all of them have won some major competitions) and the students are serious about training, but also easy to get along with.”
From the reviews
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!
I had the chance to train a nogi class here today, and I loved the place, the environment, the facility is super clean and confortable! you have a lot of different options in their schedule! and they have worked with many pro athletes! I had a great experience and recommend the place for sure!
The coaches take pride in their students, they go above and beyond to teach and are full of knowledge. The gym itself is incredible! Highly recommend to anyone that is serious about learning
If you’re looking for the gym with the best coaches, best classes, best facility, best community, then The Academy MN is the right gym for you. I've trained at a variety of martial arts gyms in Minnesota and absolutely no gym will top The Academy MN.
New to judo? Start at The Academy MN
The Academy MN comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at The Academy MN
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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