Martial Arts Schools near St. Louis Park

“10 years ago I was in the military and did about 2 years of MMA / BJJ training. I had my first class last week and am extremely impressed.All of the students there seem genuinely interested in learning and improving rather than just hanging out. The instructors are not only extremely knowledgeable, but several of them actually compete in MMA competitions.I've seen them demonstrate some very high-skill techniques, and they're exceptional at explaining what they're doing.Bottom line, there are only a few places in the area to train in MMA, but don't bother with the others. This place is amazing and totally worth it if you want to develop skill in MMA / BJJ fighting styles.“

“Dropped in from out of town. Great class. Great workout. Very inviting and friendly atmosphere!“

“We have tried out several different martial arts gyms and couldnt really find one that fit. My son, daughter and nephew joined Alliance several months ago. I am a people watcher and observer. I have watched these coaches plant so many seeds for success, confidence, and just an all around wholesome experience into so many individuals in the gym and their families. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. The head coach and his wife are really awesome people, along with all the coaches. My son has become so much more confident, he loves this gym. His demeanor has changed in such a positive way. We are very grateful we found this place, it definitely fits for us.“

“Awesome awesome awesome!It’s a very good place if you want training for taykando!Very very behaved and polite teachers!A very disciplined and friendly environment inside.“

“Owners and instructors are extremely kind and helpful for our young learner. Thank you everyone!“

“It was very informative and I looked the energy of the place will be making this a continued place to take my child“

“Great teachers, helping teach self defense and qualities for good people. I'm happy I found them“

“I just got of the phone with Steve and it was an amazing, informative and inspirational phone call that gets you ready for day one. ?? Can't wait. If you have questions about joining, call! You won't be disappointed!!!??“

“We have twin boys going to Kindergarten in Richfield. We looked at *lots* of after-school options and are so glad we went with Hwa Rang Do. The kids enjoy getting better at martial arts — it's so fun to see them practicing their moves at home, and they felt so proud when they graduated to the next belt color. And the portion of the program that isn't martial arts is exactly what we wanted in an after-school program: the instructors are great with the kids, and find a balance between letting them goof off and get out energy and keeping the environment calm and organized. Every time we pick up the kids they're in the middle of some creative new art or craft, from making gingerbread houses to making their own "swords" from cardboard to beading and sculpting. I really like the physical space too — lots of board games, art supplies, and books, as well as foosball, an aquarium, and couches to just hang out. We highly recommend this program! Thanks to all the staff!“

“My entire family (two grade school kids, my husband, and me) have been going here for about six months, and it's really enriched our lives and improved our health. This school fosters community really well, and I feel like we're all in it together, helping each other pursue our goals.Personally speaking, I'm forty years old and have some chronic health issues. That I'm able to study martial arts with my family alongside twenty-year-old men in peak health speaks to this school's ability to encourage people to grow from wherever they are in life. It has also been a blast learning martial arts as a family (a feat only allowed thanks to this school's pricing structure). I'm able to have fun with my kids while we learn, and sparring with my husband feels like date night.Having never studied martial arts before, I can't compare this place to anywhere else, but here are a few of the things I find striking...The school uses a volunteer format for their instructors. It helps keep the costs low--nowhere else I called could compete with their price--but it also creates a built in sense of comradery. Instructors teach for passion, not a paycheck, and have a personal investment in your success. The instructors rotate on different nights, and students are able to learn from multiple perspectives.Teachers are actively invested in your success regardless of your belt color, but they also care that your belt color *means* something. Students are not bumped up from level to level to make them feel good (you won't find any twelve-year-old black belts here), but as a signifier of knowledge and advancement. It makes this a great place to learn for both beginners and those who are already serious about martial arts.On one recent Thursday night, our two kids received focused instruction in self-defense from a four-time kickboxing world champion, while my husband and I went through our one-steps (a kind of belt-level-based series of movements) with the school's lead teacher. In the background, another black-belt helped students go through form. It all felt so personalized and thoughtful, and I feel privileged to be part of it.This place, in a strip mall basement with aging carpet, is a hidden gem. Give it a try.“

“Our son has learned so much at EP National Karate and is really enjoying working with the teachers.“

“This is an awesome studio with smaller classes and they practice COVID precautions. This a great place for both kids and adults. Students gain endurance, speed and discipline. What a great place with extremely experienced instructors. I highly recommend Kor-Am to everyone wanting to improve themselves in both mind and body.“

“I attended AKS decades ago. Under the guidance of Richard Timm, Sandra Miller, Eric Sitt, Kevin Driscoll, and Mr. Harrington and Stomberg, and of course the Legend Mr Marotta. AKS holds their students to the highest level of excellence. I have witnessed how other schools do their thing, and no one compares to AKS.“

“It's been a wonderful experience for all the kids at the class. Lots of fun, learning and excel at the same time!“

“As a black belt, I can confidently say that this dojo has provided me with exceptional instruction and a supportive community throughout my training journey. The instructors are knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to helping students of all levels achieve their goals. The classes are well-structured, challenging, and engaging, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among students. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in learning karate in a positive and motivating environment.“

“My kid joined the Little Tiger’s program and has enjoyed each and every class from that time. When Master Moon and Master V show their skills, it’s just awesome to watch how good they are. All the other instructors are also very knowledgeable and help every kid. They have a structured program which teaches kids the value of discipline, respect and hardwork along with building self confidence. My kid looks forward to every class. Their championship tournaments are very well organized and go a long way in building a healthy competitive spirit with the students. I cannot think of any negative aspect of Master Moon Tae Kwon Do.“

“I dropped in a few Saterday's here and there. I explained that I live a long ways away. they have the friendliest staff. The wealth of their instructors in mind blowing. So many disciplines taught there to learn.“

“Last spring I started training with Professor Gina. It has been an honor. She is an amazing instructor and fosters an awesome community.“