We signed my 4 year old up with their holiday special. It has been a game changer for my son. He is…read morelearning more than just karate skills but has become more responsible and respectful. You can tell that they are out for educating the kids. The love my son has for karate shows every time he runs into the mat room. The staff are very supportive and responsive. We feel at home there and are excited for our other child to be old enough to also start.

The Dojo has been a great learning experience for both of our kids, giving them better discipline…read morewhile getting in a good workout. The staff are really in tune with each student and provide solid guidance. We've also started to develop a community with the other families that go to the Dojo.

I attended MKJA for over a year in the jiu jitsu Gracie Combatives program a couple nights a week…read more Through Master Toft's caring instruction I gained skill, strength, and renewed flexibility that I still enjoy to this day even though I am not training currently. The people there are family. I am excited for the opportunity when I can train with them again. Whether you have children that need direction and self esteem or you are an adult in need of a place that doesn't judge but encourages personal growth, I urge you to try out MKJA.

There are several closer, more convenient options for kids jiu-jitsu from our Golden Valley home,…read morebut we choose to attend MKJA for two reasons. First is the instructor David. He works incredibly hard to make MJKA a successful martial arts training center, communicates very well with and truly cares about the kids. We have also been impressed with Ben and Devante, his junior jiu jitsu instructors. Second, MKJA is one of only 3 Gracie Certified Training Centers in Minnesota where the Gracie Bullyproof program is taught, with the option of moving into the Gracie Combatives course as teenagers. Both the Bullyproof and Combatives courses have unique aspects to them, including prioritizing jiu jitsu as street self defense over jiu jitsu as a sport. We definitely recommend MKJA for anyone.

I did the one week trial period which was roughly $30 and you get a pair of boxing gloves. I…read morethoroughly enjoyed my experience, I did a few kickboxing classes, Muay Thai and tried MMA for the first time! They make the whole experience not intimidating for first timers like me and the gym itself was so spacious! The instructors were all very knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely consider coming back again but it was a long drive for me so that one reason why I stopped going. The only recommendation I have is make sure you arrive at least 5 minutes early to all your classes, especially if they are in the afternoon because the parking lot fills up quickly!

Recently, I completed the 6 week challenge, which gave me the motivation to come back and start…read moreattending classes again. For the challenge we were to attend kickboxing classes 3 times a week. Originally I was signed up for Muay Thai, as I found it to be an interesting art, but after the challenge, I found I enjoyed the kickboxing a lot and signed up for that instead. I was worried about finding time to attend, but they have so many classes on their schedule that I can always find a class that matches my schedule, no matter how much my schedule changes week to week. While I worked the fair, I was able to attend morning classes. When I went back to my normal work schedule they had a class almost every night of the week. The coaches are absolutely phenomenal. Being that there are so many classes, there are also a few coaches, and they all teach their classes differently, while still changing it up from class to class. Not only are you getting a satisfying workout, but you are getting a variety that promises you'll never get bored. As for the people, they are all very friendly. Although I attend classes alone, there is always somebody to practice with. Often we end up pairing up, and if you didn't bring a friend you'll have to make a new friend. I have not had one bad experience with all of the people I have worked with. As great as a place is, if the people aren't friendly, then it basically becomes a chore to attend. I actually find myself looking forward to attending classes and meeting new people. Overall, I would highly recommend taking a look at this gym. The classes are great and flexible; the coaches are knowledgeable and helpful; and the people are extremely friendly. UPDATE 9/11/19- 11 months later and I still find myself getting excited to attend classes everyday. In fact, sometimes I dread holidays or vacations due to the classes I'd have to miss. I've started many hobbies and quit after a month or two because I was bored or just didn't feel like I belonged. Here I feel like everyone is so inclusive and welcoming. I've expanded from kickboxing and Muay Thai into Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and am loving it just as much as the other two. Unfortunately, this does mean I do have to cut back on one of the other two in order to participate, but that's what I get for wanting to try everything. One important thing to note is that The Cellar is not just for the combatants looking to get into the or improve their fighting prowess. Yes, if that is what you're looking for, this place is amazing, but for an average Joe, Jill or whoever, this is a good place to meet new friends and get in a fun workout. P.S. The website is also super slick. I really like that they now have pictures showing which coaches teach which classes.

This is a great place for kids to learn respect, discipline get in shape and have a great time!…read moreHighly recommend!

My kid is going to this place for almost 3 years. Mr. Raeberg is a 5th degree black belt and very…read morepatient man. He is not only a karate instructor but also a great motivator. He gives his students little lessons on homework and discipline. I do like it. The facility is not real big, just the right size. Sometimes it is little crowded with all the students and parents. My kid loves his karate class. He loves to get rewarded for doing his chores at home ( they earn stripes). I think the recognition is the best motivator. Great idea. I think the only thing that is steep is the cost. But at the end keeping my kid focused and interested can't be measured by money. He likes it a lot and he likes his teacher. He is earning his black belt tomorrow and he is excited. So if you are looking for a great karate school, you should put this place on top of your list. They are sincere and great for kids. By the way, if you sign up 2 kids, mom and dad is in for free.

They need to put a better description of what style of karate it is and introduce the instructorsread more

Definitely a top notch environment for learning karate. The team of instructors here have a strong…read moreknowledge and ability to pass on their knowledge of the art. Highly recommended!

The last place one would expect to find such immense knowledge and practical application of the art…read morebecause it is in the outskirts of the Twin Cities. Most people think that martial arts are for kids but this is an all ages environment. Adult classes are about learning the art, how is can be used effectively and learning from one another. It's not 50x this move, 50x that repetition and dry activity. No two classes are the same and you always come away feeling that you learned something and gained a skill. If you are over 40 and wanting to regain mobility, flexibility and self confidence with people who "get it", this is your place. If you have kids or teenagers or just young at heart and want to start learning without having to buy a ton of gear or sign a contract, this is your place.

Experts in Okinawan martial arts that are open to sharing their knowledge with martial artists of…read moreall backgrounds. Always helpful to show most physically sound approach to application of kata.

Sensei Chuck is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. My children have been involved in this…read moredojo for about seven years. One of my them obtained his black belt under Sensei's tutelage, and the other one is well on his way. At this dojo, children learn more than just the karate moves. They are taught important lessons regarding character and rewarded for community involvement. I highly recommend any beginner karate student to check this dojo out.

This is the place to bring your children so they will learn respect and self-confidence. This is…read morethe place to bring your family to study together and to live a peaceful and healthy lifestyle. There are three black belts in my family and another on the way. Our lives have been blessed from our involvement with this dojo and especially by our contact with Sensei Phillips who is a true master in body, mind and spirit of karate-do. This is the place to come to meet the most amazing people on the planet. They have become more life family than casual acquaintances. These are the people that I trust. We help each other through difficult times and we celebrate the victories and successes of life. This is a sacred place!! Bring yourself here and see for yourself if I am not right!!