This is a great place to learn self defense quickly and effectively…read more Rick Faye is a great instructor. He is personable, friendly, accommodating, and interested in the wellbeing of his students. There are no belts here. Most of the people here are completely fatal so everyone is polite. This is a teaching environment where people joy in helping others to learn. Many of the people here have been in special forces, work in SWAT, or extensive other training, so the whole Karate Kid Black Cobra syndrome of sport fighting is missing. Students here are not looking to prove something, so bring your humility and positive attitude and it will be returned to you. As mentioned on the webpage, arts that are in the school's repertoire include Muay Thai, Kali, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Grappling, and Panantukan/Boxing.

I attended a seminar here and was very impressed with the staff. I like the facilty at my regular…read moregym more (MMAA), but they had some different and interesting stuff here. I plan on attending more seminars here as Rick Faye does a great job of bring some of the world's greatest instructors in, like Guro Dan Inosanto. It's a very welcoming environment!

Very clean, beautiful location, nice and kind people. Good environment. Has a space for spectators…read moreto sit and watch. Has just enough students for you to have one-on-one time with instructors there.

Clean mats, clean facilities, and top tier instructors. In this gym, it truly doesn't matter how…read moregood you currently are, only how great you are willing to be. I started a month ago as a complete beginner, and now I'm (still) a beginner with an entire gym behind me supporting my improvement every time I enter the mats. Probably the best decision I've ever made.

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 community of awesome people!…read more A friend of mine recommended Striking Institute when I decided I should learn some self defense so if ever under attack I'd be able to get away and/or beat the crap out of them. I'm not quite there yet, I could probably really destroy my attacker if they were 3 feet tall and 103lbs...I'm working my way up to annihilating a full blown adult. What started as maybe a short term thing turned into a membership for several months now. The coaches are some of the nicest people around and they know their stuff, they're actual fighters, not gym instructors (no shade), and you have pros training all around you. They make it fun, informative, and super comfortable for newbies that may have some anxiety going in. The other members are always welcoming as well and giving you tips if you're interested. There's a variety of classes, bags, drilling, clinch, pads, sparring etc. I've got an injury, but I'm given alternative striking options in each of the classes, it's great. The only thing I don't like is getting punched in the face with my eyes wide open, it's quite unpleasant. But that's my own fault and it's not like they hit you at full force...at least the coaches did their job and drilled the "keep your eyes open" part into me. Anyway, if you're searching for a place to get started, go here.

From the owner: We specialize in teaching people the striking martial arts and using those skills to reach whatever…read morefitness goals you want. We teach aspects of Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, MMA, kickboxing and anything that works. Do you want to lose wieght? We have classes for that. Want to improve your balance? We have classes for that. Want to learn how to fight? We can do that easily.

I discovered MKG West around 4 years ago and have been a regular student since. I was looking for a…read moreschool that taught something a little different as I had already studied Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Tai Chi, Aikido and several other arts. MKG West offers Kali, Panantukan, Jun Fan, Jeet Kune Do (see Bruce Lee), Muay Thai, Kickboxing and self defense classes. Both Mike and Greg are excellent instructors who show great skill in easily explaining and demonstrating techniques yet allowing you to progress at your own pace. There is no hard sell; "give us $$$ and we guarantee you a (color) belt". This is more traditional master-student style instruction but in an exceptionally friendly environment. Since progressing in Kali I have also enjoyed both the Kickboxing and Muay Thai classes; after studying at several of the top Martial Art schools in the twin cities I am amazed at how much harder people work in these classes. It's a real workout! I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to study unique martial arts or simply to add to their existing skills.

From the owner: We are a premier martial arts school specializing in teaching kickboxing, muay thai, kali,…read morepanantukan and other martial arts classes, including women's self defense

I had an awesome time visiting here from Texas. Super friendly, clean, and welcoming environment…read more They have a great thing going on here!

Absolutely fabulous. I've been going here for 8 months and the people there are really nice, a…read moreblast to good around with and they are all so helpful including the staff and instructors are all hilarious and very helpful and good at what they do, everything is always clean and pretty. I highly suggest this place rather it's for mental health, to get in shape or if you want to learn how to defend yourself. Why not for all three, try a free class I guarantee you will enjoy it !

Great for anyone at any level higher experience guys love to help out lots of spaceread more

Next Level Combat, without a doubt, is the BEST Jiu Jitsu school I've ever trained at. Nate is an…read moreincredible teacher and has created an unbelievable culture that you won't find anywhere else. The talent/skill level at Next Level Combat is second to none. I'm so grateful to be training at such an incredible school with such amazing teammates.

Excellent one on one training, not too crowded per class, but a lot of attention to moves…read more 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.

Great gym. Knowledgeable staff and great community environment. I'm thoroughly impressed; The…read moreinstructors are skilled and patient, creating a welcoming environment for all skill levels. The variety of classes ensures a well-rounded training experience, and the sense of community among members is fantastic.

It has a great family setting, it isn't priced too high like your typical martial art/bjj school…read morelike the Academy. They won't make you sign a lame contract without any loopholes to screw you over. They have many solid grappling partners that will really push you and great instructors. Their facilities have been given a facelift as there are new mats, new carpet, and the walls have been painted. Come on by to learn some martial arts from McCunes.

John is an incredible instructor & inspiration to many. He is always striving for excellence &…read moreworking hard at being better and better for himself and his students. Jiujitsu is more than just a hobby & business -- it's a way of life at Underground

From the owner: Minnesota’s only Royce Gracie School!read more