I was a member here a few years ago for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives classes as well as the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Master Cycle classes earning my blue belt. The experience was awesome and I really enjoyed the owners Mr Niska and Ms K. Mr Niska taught the Gracie classes and was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain each of the techniques along with details above and beyond the basics. The structure of the classes allows you to learn the basics of the technique, practice the techniques collaboratively with a partner, and then practice the techniques with resistance. I didn't really care about the belt/rank while I was there since I was mostly interested in learning and rolling, but if that matters to you going from a white belt to the blue belt test takes about a year and a half. Each of the Gracie Combatives classes need to be taken 3x each (26 classes, 1 ground technique/1 standing technique). In order to progress from white belt to blue belt you must show proficiency in each of the techniques by performing all techniques and then showing proper understanding of when to use each technique given indicators from your partner. They also allow students that have accrued enough experience and mastery of techniques to teach classes later on which enhances your own knowledge of the finer details of the techniques. Can't compliment this school enough. I would still be a member there today if not for other life priorities taking away from my time to attend the classes. read more

Poor communication and poor customer service. Owner called and yelled at me when I inquired about pausing membership. He immediately cancelled the membership but charged me an additional month. We did NOT use their service during that month. Others have confirmed this business has done this to them. Owner displayed a threatening tone. I now wonder if my child was safe there. read more

Excel Martial Arts historically has had some of the best Instructors in the business that can keep colored belts energized and excited to train. However, once reaching Black Belt...the advanced training simply isn't available and isn't a focus of the school owner. Ever since COVID and Excel's downsizing remodel which reduced the training space by more than 50% and the flexibility of the training schedule (does not put into consideration students-athletes that compete in other school/club sports), the classes simply haven't been the same. Membership prices are all over the board and inconsistent across families. Overall ownership and day-to-day operations (or lack thereof) lead to a poorly run business that continues to fail on delivering against the basics such as communication and customer service that everyone should expect. There was a time years ago this could have been a 5-star, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. Sad. read more

Excel is a great place to train Jujitsu. I felt very welcomed by all the instructors and students. Everyone really seems to care about each other and that is reflected in the training. Its extremely safe when starting out, allowing time for you to learn technique while getting your body in shape without the risk of injury. If you've always wanted to train but we're hesitant, come to a class! It's clean, safe, and a lot of fun. read more

We appreciate the teachers and the fun way they teach the classes. Especially Tana & Master Troska. Unfortunately, the area for the parents is uncomfortable and small. I rate this low because I have 3 kids and I'm there about 3 hours 3x a week (& pack a sandwich for each kid to eat in between) they do not want you to bring food now, nor will they let a parent sit on the floor in the hallway to work or off to the side. You are only allowed to sit in a small area very close to others & if you move a chair to the side you are asked not to. I recommended trying this studio after the construction is finished so it is more user friendly for parents of young children. read more

This is the best place to train that I have been to. I used to train at a different gym where all we did was spar and live roll. Promotions were just kind of handed out. Instruction was good but not great. This gym is so much better. Master Niska is an expert at BJJ and he is such a good teacher. You learn way more technique and drill. Plus you will learn to understand when to do a certain move and why. Promotions are earned not handed out. The environment is a lot safer too. I was always getting injured at the other gym but here everyone is very respectful of their partners. This gym also is a great value as their is an online component as well so you can train if you can't make it to class. Highly recommend starting here. read more

My son loved going to class, he has a lot of fun yet is learning important lessons. Instructors are great. Highly recommend!!

Paul R. The experience is awesome! Many years of experience and knowledge of the staff to make it a great experience for everyone that is there to learn and workout! read more

Very happy customer for many years now. My son has received excellent instruction from a very dedicated staff, led by Master Niska. I would highly recommend to others looking for an awesome school in the East metro area. read more

My son's been enrolled in the Tiny Tiger Taekwondo program at the Excel ATA in Woodbury for about 7 months now. He loves it and looks forward to each and every class. After about three months of watching my son learn to kick butt, I got the bug and joined the adult class. It's been great and the class times work out perfectly with our busy schedule. I really enjoy having such a well run school close to home. read more

After being away from martial arts for a *really* long time, I went back to find a school for myself and my kids. There's plenty of options in Woodbury, but no school measured up to expectations like Excel. It's a bright, inviting and spacious environment so you don't feel cramped and at risk of kicking the person next to you. Well-maintained locker rooms and showers are great for mid-day "work escapes" or for classes scheduled close to working hours. Instructors are eager to help you learn. They "meet you where you are" with classes that benefit your flexibility and conditioning which helps motivate (and realize!) your growth. Classes are tailored to focus on different skills and techniques--so you develop something specific each session that benefits your continued growth through each belt rank. What truly makes this school special is their enthusiasm. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, passionate and engaging in what they teach. They celebrate the successes of their students, either verbally, via 'surprise' note cards sent to students' homes, or via the digital newsletter. In sum, this is a great school for kids of all ages--and their parents!! read more

This is the best value you will find in the Twin Cities, if not the state. There are a variety of training styles offered, Gracie Jiu Jitsu, traditional Tae Kwon Do, and kickboxing. All of which have a practical application approach and will help with confidence, self defense, discipline, focus, and physical conditioning for all ages, and for both men and women. I have been training there for almost six years. It has helped me become a better person, parent, and has helped me further advance in my career. Come check them out, it is well worth your time and money. read more

My children flourished under your instruction, and they continue to use the life skills both modeled and taught at your training center. Watching them become the strong confident leaders you helped create, I couldn't be prouder. My daughter continues to use her training while away at college and looks forward to re-connecting with her Martial Arts family when home on breaks. read more

Company will bait you in with a suppossedly free 10 day trial. They (Sue the owner) will then AGGRESSIVELY try to get you to sign a 6 month contract saying the free trial will be added into the contract (by the way - they also claim no long term contracts, seems to me 6 months is long term). Anyway, they will also tell you that if you want to try the place out that you need to sign the contract for insurance reasons, which is an outright lie because the waiver form legally releases them from all liability. I have been in/out of around 25 combat gyms in my life and this place ranks at the top of the list in sleeziness. Even if I thought this place had the best training in the world, I would never train there or recommend this place to anyone. Avoid at all costs or you will be taken advantage of. read more

We have been members of Excel since 2009. Our entire family takes Taekwondo and our son takes Jui Jitsu. The school focuses on proper technique. It makes martial arts fun for children but also challenging for adults. If you want to develop focus, confidence, fitness and self defense, this is a great martial arts school. read more

You won't find a better training facility in Minnesota, or anywhere else for that matter. We've been impressed from the very beginning--the entire operation is top-notch. At the end of the day, it comes down to the instructors. They're professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and they care deeply about their students. The experience has been life-changing for our daughter, and for that, we owe a lot to the Excel team! If you're looking to train in taekwondo, jiu jitsu, or general self-defense, look no further! read more

We love Excel. My son has been attending Taekwondo classes there for 4 years. All of the instructors and staff are so professional and also great role models for the kids. My son has learned focus, respect and to work hard. We highly recommend Excel if you are looking for martial arts in the East Metro. They are top notch! read more

My son started about 5 months ago when he was 4 (now 5) He's learning so much about listening, following directions and how to cooperate. He also has a fun time in class and with his asthma is able to get exercise with out having trouble breathing. I would totally recommend Excel Martial Arts. The staff is wonderful and the facility is Fantastic! read more

My whole family have been students at Excel. The things we like best about Excel is the high quality of the teachers, the physical workout, and the discipline. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to help everyone achieve their best. You really feel like you are part of something special at Excel. read more

Excellent Jiu-Jitsu training. There were no aggressive tactics used to sign a contract. There really is a free ten day trial that this school honors. Avoiding automatic renewal of contract is easy if you inform the owner one month ahead of time. Instructors are professional and the training is equivalent to that of other schools affiliated with the Gracie Academy. This school is the only school in Minnesota affiliated with the Gracie Academy, which attests to its quality. The facilities are well supplied and clean. Representatives from the Gracie Academy have flown out from California to conduct seminars here. I would recommend this school without reservation. read more

It is truly the best program around. My son started at age 4 and I followed in his footsteps...that was 6 years ago and we are still going strong. The program reinforces the values we teach at home, respect, honor, perseverance and courtesy...it not only keeps you strong in mind but also strong in body. Mr. Niska, Ms. K are inspirational and motivating, along with all of their other instructors. We have met many wonderful families through this school. I recommend this school for anyone from the ages 3 to 99 (or more) years old. read more