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Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Rochester, 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
- 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 muay thai classes (ages 3–17) — 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
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mrjja.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 507-202-0036
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10–11:55 am, 4:30–8:25 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:25 pm |
| Thursday | 10–11:55 am, 4:30–8:25 pm |
| Friday | 5:30–6:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re brand new, getting back into training, or an experienced grappler looking to level up, this is a safe, supportive, and high-quality place to train.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
Other martial arts here
“Not only is Mario the best BJJ practitioner in Minnesota, but he has trained and taught some of the best people in Rochester to fill his gym.”
“If you're looking to learn MMA or just know how to defend yourself look no further, they're the most experienced gym in the area.”
“After two years at another local karate establishment, we saw little improvement in skills or things they could apply to real-life.”
What members say
“All of the coaches have experienced great accomplishments in their personal, training, and competition experiences and are here to share those skills and accomplishments with you.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“I have been a member for nearly a year and my son for 18 months, I can honestly say that each class has been fun and informative.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“I started both of my girls in their early kids program (at about 3 and half years old).”
From the reviews
I met Mario nearly 10 years ago, and the way he and jiu-jitsu have impacted my life cannot be overstated. Yes, you'll have a world-class instructor, learn solid self-defense, and probably be addicted on day one.
At Mario Roberto’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Mario and all of the Coach’s at this academy from the kid’s classes to the adults do an amazing job of teaching and demonstrating BJJ techniques. They're friendly, professional, and encouraging to everyone at MRJJA.
I've trained with Mario for decades and he is the kindest and most helpful instructor I know of. If you are a beginner looking to get in to BJJ you will feel right at home with Mario and his friendly atmosphere.
I'm over 30 years old now and am learning things that I wish I would've when I was 18. Not only is Mario the best BJJ practitioner in Minnesota, but he has trained and taught some of the best people in Rochester to fill his gym.
New to muay thai? Start at Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu 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 Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu 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.
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