Deeds, not words.
The Academy Eden Prairie is the fourth Twin Cities affiliate of The Academy MN — teaching combative martial arts for self-defense, fitness, confidence and competition since 1992.
A Twin Cities martial arts family since 1992.
The Academy specializes in Muay Thai kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, guided by a Jeet Kune Do philosophy: take anything that works from any martial art, reject anything that is useless, and add what is specifically your own.
Our Eden Prairie academy brings that legacy to the southwest metro in a brand-new facility — with plenty of mat space, a dedicated strength room, showers and a lobby built for families.
Our motto, Opera non verba, means "deeds, not words." We'd rather show you than tell you. That's why your first class is always free.
Meet Coach Hayden Buckner.
Hayden has been training martial arts since age five and teaching since 2008. He instructs students ages 4 and up in Karate, Muay Thai and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and still competes regularly in BJJ, submission grappling, Muay Thai and MMA.
- Age 5 — Karate beginsStarts training under Mrs. Kim Mattevi.
- 2007 — Muay Thai & Gracie Jiu-JitsuBegins Muay Thai under Master Gary Mattevi and Jiu-Jitsu under Cris Johnson in the Pedro Sauer BJJ Association.
- 2008 — Black belt & teachingEarns his first adult black belt and begins teaching Karate.
- 2012–2014 — Training in BrazilTrains directly under Professor Pedro Sauer in Brazil three summers in a row.
- 2013 — Muay Thai black sashAwarded his black sash by Master Mattevi.
- 2014 — Promoted by Pedro SauerReceives his Jiu-Jitsu promotion directly from Professor Pedro Sauer.
What we stand for.
Safety
Controlled, coached training so everyone goes home healthy.
Respect
For your partners, your coaches and yourself. No egos.
Effectiveness
Keep what works. Pressure-test everything.
Community
We celebrate every stripe, belt and personal win together.
The people make the place.
Step on the mat this week.
No experience, no fitness requirement, no pressure. Come meet the coaches, try a beginner-friendly class, and see if The Academy is the right fit for you or your child.