I have trained at Midwest Karate (Art of the empty hand) for several years ever since graduating…read morefrom the University of Minesota under Sinsai Fusaro( in 1973 where he taught). When the dojo opened at Dayton's Bluff, I continued to train under Sinsai Forest,Joe, and Anita. The oraganization has a strong reputation for integrity, flexible class schedules, and reasonable rates. As Master Ginchin Funakoshi stated in the preface to his 1975 book,"Karate-Do, My Way of Life," Karate-do is not merely a sport that teaches self defense blocks, strikes, and kicks but a continued training discipline that promotes strong mind/body to help provide a defense against illness and disease as well. Thanks to his devotion to Karate-do, he never had to take medicne or consult a physician. Shotokan karate's traditional training system of stretching, basics, kata, and kumite (sparring) provides an outstanding opportunity to gain self confidence, strength and balance to feel more comfortable in any self defense situation that may arise. Tom Wiblishauser

I've been going to Midwest Karate in St. Paul for almost two years, and it's an excellent dojo!…read more Senseis Joel Ertl and Anita Bendickson are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant instructors. Both have been national champions and teach karate every day, so you can't do much better than that for instructors. Both have a little different teaching style, so it's good to take classes with both if you can. I attend frequently with my 12-year-old son, and this is what many adults with older/mature children do, so think about starting *with* your child instead of just watching them on the sidelines. For the younger children, there is a children's program with child-only classes, starting at age 5. One huge thing that sets Midwest Karate apart is the availability of instruction times. There are day and evening options for all belt levels. I don't think the senseis are ever ill or absent. If you show up at a time, they'll teach you whether you're with 25 other people or alone. They accept everyone and work with them at their level, no matter what that is. There are many different people with many different fitness levels and ages, so don't worry about being too out of shape or old or whatever. They'll tell you when you're ready to test for a belt or go on to a higher class. The other members are welcoming to new people, so no worries! Go there! Joel and Anita and the other Midwest dojos feel very strongly about only awarding belts to people who have worked hard and deserve it versus some of the more "chain"-y karate places whose function is to make money by handing out belts every 3 months whether you deserve it or not. This is a positive thing, and there won't be a mystery if you should test for your belt or not---they'll let you know if you should or not. Sometimes they'll tell me to do it, sometimes they'll tell me to wait. Other tidbits include frequent seminars focusing on different topics such as practical self defense (eg. "Defending against knife attacks"), specific katas, etc. There isn't a huge focus on tournaments at the lower levels, but there is an annual children's tournament and open adult tournament at the U of MN that allows all levels to compete. Feel confident about joining Midwest Karate!!!

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!

More than boxing takes place here. It's a boys and girls club and a grass roots organization that…read morehelps us to raise up our young men & women. So blessed to call them my family

Community & Family Oriented organization that uses boxing to reach the youth and their families…read more This gym is for all ages but does focus on helping direct the youth on the correct path. Good energy and vibes from the staff and participants. Way different than any place I have been. I love it here.

I was visiting home for longer than a weekend and needed to get a workout in so I opted for a…read moreTuesday lift and core class at 6am. I arrived about 7 minutes early for class and the large gym space had about three people inside. The front desk was empty and there was no real way to know what to do to get checked in. I asked another person what I should do and she told me the instructor would be there any minute . A few more people came in right before class along with the instructor. The direction was to do the warm up. As someone new I expected a little bit of an overview and a warmer welcome. I introduced myself and said this is my first class so I don't know what to expect. The directions weren't much different than "warm up". I asked a few questions so I could understand the format of the class. Once I got this was strictly weight training with a circuit like format decided to just go with the flow. The workout itself was slow in the beginning, there was quite a bit of downtime and talking from other people in the class. While the workout was challenging I felt the directions and modeling were lacking. The gym itself was much like a large auxiliary gym and it appeared to be a shared space that isn't well managed because things were out of place, dusty, and someone else was trying to use the same equipment as the class during the class. Overall I think I got a good workout but there is some room for improvement to the space and operations.

Killer place for athletes that are serious. Staff is expert. Very welcoming to new people.read more

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.

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.

The owner and lead instructor is incredible. A champion martial artist who elevates the game of…read moreeveryone who trains with him. The school is perfect for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Can I give 6 stars? This gym is amazing! The vibe is…read morenon-intimidating, supportive, and fun! The instructors are skilled and hilarious and somehow make doing planks fun. They also make everyone feel welcome. I've only been for Pilates classes but have been to several of them and loved them all. Pilates classes tend to draw a female crowd which can be intimidating but this studio couldn't be further from that. Everyone is welcoming, no one cares what you wear (Lulu who? Wear your favorite t-shirt), and every skill level is accommodated. They have 4 reformer machines so for classical reformer classes, they have 4 spots. I typically go over lunch and book ~5 days out and usually don't have an issue getting a spot. They use the MindBody app and have their own app as well so booking classes is easy! They use a waitlist and most times I've been on the waitlist, I get added to the class. The instructors mix things up and keep it interesting with fun music! I've been to reformer classes elsewhere with soft, soothing music and it nearly put me to sleep. Not here! Expect 80s jams from Jean, Lizzo from Andrea, and the Doobie Brothers (or Beyonce!) from Ruth. They have a Pilates Circuit class that combines the reformer, jump board, tower, chair, mat, TRX, and more. I haven't done the same workout in a Circuit class once. Circuit classes can have 12 (or maybe even 16) people in a class which is super fun and keeps the energy in class moving. The studio has cubbies for your belongings, a bathroom, towels, and a shower. They have a parking lot with maybe 10 spots and tons of parking spots along the street. I haven't had an issue with parking but they are next door to Psycho Suzi's so on a summer Saturday, give yourself extra time to park. Upstairs they have the "Treehouse" where they hold barre, Pilates, and yoga classes. The back wall of the studio is all windows that face the Mississippi. They also have the "Basement" where they have open gym and weight classes. They even have open gym times in the "Treehouse" with the Pilates equipment! Their prices are wonderful! Your first week is free so definitely try that. I did and 6 months later, am still going to classes. Your first month of unlimited classes is $59 which is INSANE for Pilates. Their memberships get you any class - reformer, yoga, kettlebells, whatever! PLUS unlimited access to open gym times. After the intro month, their prices and membership options vary but are still some of the most affordable options I've seen. They have a 12-class-a-month option for $135 which means each class is $11.25 - for reformer classes! I've seen studios charge $35 for one class. They host free outdoor workouts in the park, bike rides, and "Planks & Dranks" events at local bars. If you're looking for great workouts, a supportive workout community, and affordable classes, try a class at NE Fitness. I suggest the Pilates Circuit Class with Andrea to get you started. See you there!

This gym is great! The owners Andrea and Sarah really make the place. The gym is warm and inclusive…read moreand has a great community and atmosphere. Classes are challenging and changing. Never thought I actually enjoy going to the gym.