Home › Minnesota › Coon Rapids › Coon Rapids Youth Martial Arts Academy
Coon Rapids Youth Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
Plan your first class
- 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 muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Website & schedule youthmmaacademy.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (763) 452-5361
The classes they run
“I have four of my kids enrolled in this program and they all enjoy trying the different classes (MMA, Jujitsu and Muay Thai).”
“This is a great gym for kids, teens, and adults of all abilities.”
“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.”
Other martial arts here
“The Youth Academy sets the standard in MN for Youth Martial Arts for MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing.”
“Their coaching in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond teaching technique—they build confidence, discipline, and respect in every student.”
“I have four of my kids enrolled in this program and they all enjoy trying the different classes (MMA, Jujitsu and Muay Thai).”
“Sean is great at transferring his knowledge of MMA, grappling, wrestling, and Muay Thai to students.”
What members say
“The academy provides excellent instruction in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while emphasizing important life values such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-control.”
“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.”
“Coach Sean, Kelly, and Lance make it a fun, welcoming place where kids feel comfortable and actually enjoy learning.”
“Their coaching in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond teaching technique—they build confidence, discipline, and respect in every student.”
“Coach Sean is great with kids and explains techniques in a way that’s super easy to understand at any skill level.”
“If you want to compete and win, come to Youth MMA.”
From the reviews
I’ve been here since the first day they open it’s been such a great experience since day one they have been so welcoming and motivating 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 highly recommend
I come from a long family line of martial arts. My son wrestled for a few years but didn’t enjoy it! I have family that started day one with Sean, Kelly and Lance. My son finally agreed to try Muay Thai and BJJ, he wants to continue with the classes😀. My daughter and I are soon to join!
Sean is great at transferring his knowledge of MMA, grappling, wrestling, and Muay Thai to students. Explaining how techniques can be used in many situations. This is a great gym for kids, teens, and adults of all abilities. If you want to compete and win, come to Youth MMA.
Sean, Lance, and Kelly have done an outstanding job with the Youth Academy. Their coaching in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond teaching technique—they build confidence, discipline, and respect in every student.
New to muay thai? Start at Coon Rapids Youth Martial Arts Academy
Coon Rapids Youth Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, 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 to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. 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. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Coon Rapids Youth Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a muay thai 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 the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, 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.
More muay thai gyms near Coon Rapids
Prodigy Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 328 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
The Academy MN
4.4 ★★★★☆ 176 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
Roots Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 43 reviews