Minnesota Kali Group

If you don’t give this 5 stars I will find you and make Chuck Norris look like a first grade bully.
Rick, Diana, everyone there is the best at what they do.
How do I know? I am a 42 year old old guy who started training, off and on, at Rick’s since I was 18, and I am still in pretty good shape. Better than you probably, but you will have to head down there to find out.
Every instructor there makes you fell comfortable with whatever level you find yourself.
Rick is humble for a man and is one of the true pioneers in mixed martial arts.

Rick Faye has been teaching martial arts for decades, regularly travels the country and world performing seminars and clinics, so you’re in really good hands. He seems to teach class whenever he is in town, and if he’s not teaching, his staff are equally good. He also regularly runs seminars featuring some of the greatest martial artists alive today (google Dan Inosanto, read the wikipedia entry. Rick has him at the gym a few times a year, in addition to other very well known Guros).
The environment is extremely supportive and all the instructors are incredibly friendly and always willing to take the time to show you how to correctly perform a specific drill or exercise. They specialize in Fillipino Kali, but offer a wide variety of styles, including Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do (developed by Bruce Lee, Rick Faye trained under Bruce Lee’s student Dan Inosanto, you’re getting the real deal), Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, Combat Submission Wrestling (think Jiu-​Jitsu wo the Giu, shoot fighting), classes specifically for women, and kid’s classes, too. AKA something for everyone.
Their signature intro class, Phase I, combines aspects of multiple different styles, teaching you what I guess I’d refer to as ‘functional martial arts,’ in that you’re getting a solid set of the core concepts and simultaneously learning things that will aid you greatly in a self defense situation. There is certainly art involved, but there’s a healthy mixture of art and all out protection and offense.
They have minimal gym facilities too, a Smith machine, a few cable machines, some free weights, treadmills, elliptical machines, etc, which is nice if the classes don’t completely wear you out. Of course they encourage you to buy your own equipment, but they have everything you need to take the classes… focus mitts, thai pads, gloves, sticks, etc. You need to bring only a good attitude, clothes to sweat in, and an open mind. Leave the ego in the car.
There is also a somewhat close knit community of patrons who hang out when they’re not in the gym.
I wish they had a bit more gym facilities, but I gotta say, this is one of the best workout experiences I’ve ever encountered. Rick Faye has done an amazing job of creating a school and environment that promotes confidence and gets your ass into shape. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn an old, very functional, yet somewhat under the radar style of martial arts from a world-​reknowned expert, or if you’re looking for a solid workout in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

I have known Guro Rick personally for decades and consider him not only one of the finest martial arts instructors in the world, but also one of the finest human beings in the world. He is obviously skilled, but more than that is a great instructor with patience and humility and an awesome sense of humor. He has dedicated himself to becoming what he is and serves as an excellent role model for all his students and friends.

I attended a seminar here and was very impressed with the staff. I like the facilty at my regular gym more (MMAA), but they had some different and interesting stuff here. I plan on attending more seminars here as Rick Faye does a great job of bring some of the world’s greatest instructors in, like Guro Dan Inosanto.
It’s a very welcoming environment!

This is a great place to learn self defense quickly and effectively.
Rick Faye is a great instructor. He is personable, friendly, accommodating, and interested in the wellbeing of his students.
There are no belts here. Most of the people here are completely fatal so everyone is polite. This is a teaching environment where people joy in helping others to learn. Many of the people here have been in special forces, work in SWAT, or extensive other training, so the whole Karate Kid Black Cobra syndrome of sport fighting is missing. Students here are not looking to prove something, so bring your humility and positive attitude and it will be returned to you.
As mentioned on the webpage, arts that are in the school’s repertoire include Muay Thai, Kali, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Grappling, and Panantukan/​Boxing.