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.

Adults, I guess you can make your own decisions. But for the sake of your kids, I would keep them…read morefar away. The Head Instructor, Nate Howe, is a toxic bully of a role model. He acts like a classical Kung Fu movie villain by threateningly picking fights with strangers. Twin Cities BJJ had a Facebook ad for their Muay Thai classes and a man responded simply saying that the form being shown in their video did not match up with his own personal experiences learning Muay Thai in Thailand. It was a rather minor comment. He didn't disrespect or say anything unreasonable about TCBJJ. He was a little critical, sure, but it was honest, and it was harmless. Nate then PM'd the man with the message linked below where he vulgarly insulted the man and tried to pick an actual physical fight. He then deleted all comments or evidence of inappropriate behavior on the ad comment section. Luckily I got the screen shot of the image that the man posted before Nate could delete it. https://imgur.com/9ZzKc61 In case the image link does not work for whatever reason, here is Nate Howe's exact message to the man, word for word. "Hey dumb fuck here's a video of Thai boxers working the exact same technique. Teep Perry's and counters is a staple of Muay Thai. So how about know what the fuck you are talking about before disrespecting my gym with your bullshit. How about you come in to the gym and take a "lesson"."

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.

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.

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 love Gorilla Combat! I was a little nervous about my first class, but everyone was extremely…read morehelpful and friendly. I've learned a lot and met some really great people and am very happy I started coming here. If you have any interest in Muay-Thai, boxing or jiu-jitsu Gorilla is the best place you'll find. And of course Caleb is awesome, there aren't too many gyms like this where you can hangout a joke around with the owner after class.

Really friendly environment. Everyone there introduced themselves when I took the free class. It's…read morevery clean place with upbeat training. All the instructors are very knowledgeable in different areas of self defense. Me and my lady friend will continue to train there. I recommend checking them out if you are a clean freak who wants to learn Muay Thai, Boxing, BJJ, or MMA.

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.

Not from St. Paul but stopped in for some training at Spartan. Spartan has great mat space, a solid…read moreprogram, strong rolls, and even better people. Tom and his team were awesome during my visit and I recommend you give them a visit.

My son has been attending Spartan for 4yrs now. In that time, I have watched him mature and grow…read moreinto not just a capable grappler, but a more disciplined young man largely due to the very talented and dedicated coaches at this club. I highly recommend!

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!

I've dropped into Southside BJJ a handful of times when I'm in Minneapolis for work, and every…read moresingle time I'm blown away by how welcoming and friendly everyone is. From the moment I walk in, they treat me like I've been training there for years. The coaching is legit. I always leave with something new to work on -- and I've actually been able to use what I've learned here in competitions and open mats back home, with solid results. Whether you're just visiting the area or you live nearby and are looking for a gym, I highly recommend checking this place out. Great people, great instruction, no ego -- just high-level jiu-jitsu and a good vibe.

This is a top notch jiu jitsu gym in the heart of Minneapolis. I was in town for work and dropped…read morein. Enrique was super courteous and responsive, and Walker, Daniel, and Grayson taught an excellent no-gi class. The students are tough and you can tell they are receiving great instruction on a regular basis. I highly recommend this jiu jitsu gym!