The Academy

My BJJ MMA home away from home. Greg Nelson and his crew are absolutely the best. Worth the time and effort to get here and train on a regular basis or as a visitor. Great for your kids too! I’m the mom of a 6.5 year old girl — she is happy and at home at the Academy — good for all levels of training from beginner to pro — the vibe is awesome and welcoming and everyone knows their chops. Go and change your life for the better — enjoy.

I have been going to The Academy for just over a year now. I started with Muay Thai and moved to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which I absolutely fell in love with. I truly enjoy everyday I get to spend at The Academy, the instructors are helpful and knowledgeable and the students are great, I have made many friends through both Muay Thai and BJJ.
Since I began training I fell that I have truly changed my life, and I am more confident, happy, and determined. The Academy has helped me with setting goals and accomplishing them, I no longer like sitting around doing nothing, if I have spare time I want to be training. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.

I’ve been a BJJ student at the Academy for 3 years now and am consistently impressed with the level of professionalism, competition and drive of all students and staff of the gym. This review is all based on the jiu jitsu experience as I haven’t explored the weapons training or Muy Thai classes at the gym.
Prior to the Academy, I’ve trained at many gyms across the US in Gi and No-​Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. The Academy is one of the few places I’ve been to where the UFC fighters and the BJJ Black Belts are as much a part of your family as the white belts and beginner fighters.
Every instructor I’ve learned from is constantly looking for how to improve and perfect their game. If you aren’t learning something, you’re not paying attention. If you want to complete, there are plenty of guys and ladies to train with during regularly scheduled classes or the ample open mat time to improve your game as well. I’ve traveled to a few tournaments and always have a few guys/​ladies from the gym willing to go along, compete and support me in my competitions.
The gym is kept very clean. I have very sensitive skin due to many years of poorly maintained mats, and have never had a problem with the mats at the Academy. The weight room, climbing wall, boxing ring are all clean and accessible during their open hours. It’s easy to sneak in at lunch during the work week or find time on a Saturday or Sunday to drill or spar with a few other BJJ players.
Finally the gym is very family friendly. The kids classes are all well attended and it’s easy to come in and watch your kids learn from outstanding and attentive instructors.
If you are curious about BJJ, Muy Thai, Self Defense, Weapons, whatever, you owe it to yourself to check out this gym. (I believe they have some free trials available for those who want to check it out.)

I have trained on and off in different arts for the past 13 years and this is by far the most enjoyable gym environment that I have been in. The head instructor, Greg Nelson, knows more about self-​defense and multiple arts than anyone I have ever come across. His staff does a great job of pushing the pace of the classes while also keeping it enjoyable for people of all skill sets.
There are three types of classes for the general public to take, Total Defense (Jeet Kune Do), Muay Thai Kick boxing and Brazilian Jiujitsu. My six year old son also takes classes there in youth Thai boxing and youth jiujitsu. It’s a rare environment where you can have UFC champions training and challenging themselves while also having someone start their first class and feel like no one is judging them.
I can’t say enough positive things about this place!!!