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The Art MMA

5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St Paul, Minnesota

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule theartmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (612) 598-3065

Hours

Monday 5–7:45 PM
Tuesday 5–7:45 PM
Wednesday 5–7:45 PM
Thursday 5–7:45 PM
Friday 5:30–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–12:45 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at The Art MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 10 mentions

“My two kids have attended The Art for several years and they have gained self confidence, respect for others, self control, and even a Black Belt along the way.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Mari came to teach a self-defense and leadership class to our 10 year old girl scout troop and it was fantastic!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“This studio is ideal for both serious MMA students and absolute beginners.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at The Art MMA — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 5 mentions

“A great place for all ages to learn and practice mixed martial arts in a fun and energetic environment.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate

“Best karate classes and teacher!”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 23 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Great instructors good sized classes.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 5 mentions

“They’ve created a welcoming, tight knit environment where kids support each other, parents feel included, and everyone grows together.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“Our son has gained so much confidence, respect, and self-worth since joining, and we’re deeply grateful for the positive impact Jake, Natalia, and the whole team have had.”

From the reviews

Updated for new location. 225 East Roselawn Ave Malpewood. May 2019. My two kids have attended The Art for several years and they have gained self confidence, respect for others, self control, and even a Black Belt along the way.

★★★★★ — Chris, Feb 2020

My two daughters and I have been training at The Art for over 10 years. We enjoy all of the classes we have taken but most of all we appreciate the community that Master Jake and Ms. Natalia have fostered.

★★★★★ — Julie, Dec 2025

The instructors at The Art MMA are truly amazing with students of all ages. Jake is warm, patient, and incredibly encouraging. You can tell he genuinely cares about each student’s growth. The Art is a small business run by a wonderful husband and wife team who pour their hearts into our community.

★★★★★ — Michelle, Nov 2025

This studio is ideal for both serious MMA students and absolute beginners. My son would never agree to take a martial arts class until he met Master Jake, and the he was all in. The teachers know how to support kids when they get frustrated or resistant or shy, so they can work through it instead of quitting.

★★★★★ — Mary, Mar 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at The Art MMA

The Art MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at The Art MMA

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find The Art MMA

225 Roselawn Ave E #3, St Paul, MN55117

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.