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.

Our daughter has been going here for about 6 months and I am consistently impressed with the change…read moreit has made in her life. The instructors are patient and amazing with kids, always kind, but firm in teaching discipline. Kids (and parents) do need to be receptive to that discipline, and if they are, the kids will show amazing personal growth.

I have been attending class at Medina and also Rogers for 15 years. They have always treated me…read moreand my family well. Its not just about the skill and fitness I have gained thru going to DOJO but its also about the relationships I have made with all the instructors and other students. I love Dojo and really believe it has helped me in my personal life and my business life. I am 55 years old and working towards my 2nd degree. My son was going strong for several years and then stopped going, recently he started up again and him and I are enjoying the kickboxing lessons, and he is also doing the grappling classes to help keep in shape for College Football.

I started up at Kitsune Karate in their beginner adult Karate class 3 years ago and I have loved it…read moreever since. The instructors are extremely knowledgable and care about each individuals growth, no matter what the level. The perfect amount of fun and a good workout, Kitsune Karate hosts several events and seminars throughout the year featuring world-class instructors ensuring the students get the best possible learning experiences. Can't recommend it enough!

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

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.

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.