Coon Rapids, MN · Ages 5 to adult
Where your martial arts journey begins.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA for kids, teens and adults, taught by world champions and proven fighters. Building strength, confidence and character, one class at a time.
- Five-star Google reviews
- Free 30 minute intro
- Parents can train too
Opera non verba.
Work, not words
Youth Martial Arts Academy brings the world-class martial arts experience of The Academy MN to young athletes, built on decades of battle-tested training and fighting.
Our mission is simple: build strong-willed, resilient athletes with a can-do attitude through traditional martial arts and modern MMA. The lessons learned on the mats become a blueprint for mastering almost any skill, on and off them.
Programs
A class for every age.
Kids start at 5 and learn grappling and striking side by side. From 11 and up, students train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA.
Ages 5 to 6
Juniors
Short, high-energy classes that teach our youngest students the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
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Ages 7 to 10
Kids
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai side by side, so kids learn to grapple and strike while building focus and confidence.
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Ages 11 and up
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Leverage and technique over size and strength, taught by 10-time IBJJF World Champion Kelly Johnson.
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Ages 11 and up
Muay Thai
The art of eight limbs: punches, kicks, elbows and knees, taught by Coach Lance King.
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Ages 11 and up
MMA
Striking and grappling combined, coached by 2017 IMMAF World Bronze Medalist Sean Stebbins.
View programMeet the coaches
World champions. Proven fighters. Dedicated coaches.
Sean, Kelly and Lance bring their championship mindset to every class, with real patience for kids and first-timers.
60+Years of combined experience
MMA Coach
Sean Stebbins
- 2017 IMMAF World Bronze Medalist
- 2017 USMMAF National Champion
- 16-6 MMA record
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Kelly Johnson
- 10-time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion
- 3rd-degree Black Belt under Pedro Sauer
- 20+ years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Coach
Lance King
- Muay Thai Black Belt (2005)
- Training since 1992
- Certified Muay Thai instructor
Train together
The family that trains together.
Classes for ages 11 and up start right as the youngest groups wrap up, so parents and kids can train at the same gym on the same night.
- Kids learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai side by side
- Teens and adults choose one art or train in all three
- Coaches work around school sports and activities
- Beginners welcome, no experience needed
From our families
Five stars from Coon Rapids.
“The coaches are patient, knowledgeable, and really good with the kids. My favorite part is that my son gets to take classes with his dad. It's been such a special bonding experience for them.”
“The coaches are so knowledgeable and patient and supportive. I love that I get to train at the same gym as my son. We both love it and always look forward to it.”
“My 8yr old son immediately fell in love with the classes taught here. Learning two disciplines at the same time is awesome and much more applicable to real world self defense.”
“They build confidence, discipline, and respect in every student. They are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in each child's growth, whether they're stepping onto the mats for the first time or advancing their skills.”
“The instructors are great to work with, super flexible, especially when working with other sports, and curricular activities. Our boys come home exhausted, while making lifelong friends and having fun!!”
“Great academy and environment for youth! I have four of my kids enrolled in this program and they all enjoy trying the different classes (MMA, Jujitsu and Muay Thai).”
Get started
Your first session is on us.
Every new student starts with a free 30 minute intro session. Spaces are limited, so reach out soon to reserve yours.
- Tell us who is trainingFill out the short form with your name, phone and email.
- Pick a timeChoose an intro session time that works for your family.
- Meet a coach and trainGet a feel for the school, try a class and see if we are the right fit.
Rather talk to a person? Call or text (763) 452-5361.
Book your free intro session
Tell us who is training and we will text you to set up a time.
Questions
Before your first class.
Do you offer a free intro session?
Yes. Every new student starts with a free 30 minute intro session. One of our coaches will meet with you, help you choose the classes and schedule that fit, and let you or your child try training before deciding anything.
How old does my child need to be to start?
Kids can start at age 5. Juniors is for ages 5 to 6, Kids is for ages 7 to 10, and students 11 and older train in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA classes.
Do we need any experience?
No. Plenty of our students walked in with no martial arts background at all. Coaches break every technique down step by step, so new students build skills safely from their first class.
Can parents train at the same time as their kids?
Yes, and many of our families do. Classes for ages 11 and up start right as the youngest groups finish, so parents and kids can train at the same gym on the same night.
Which art should we start with?
Kids train in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, so they learn grappling and striking together. Students 11 and older can focus on one art or train in all three. If you are unsure, we will help you choose at your intro session.
What should we wear to the first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes you can move in, like a t-shirt with shorts or sweatpants. Bring a water bottle and arrive a few minutes early. Your coach will explain any uniform or gear once you decide to join.
