Where Your Martial Arts Journey Begins

Building Strength, Confidence and Character

Our Mission and Vision

Youth MMA Academy is bringing the world class martial arts experience of The Academy MN built on decades of battle tested training and fighting to youth MMA!

Our mission is simple: to build strong-willed, resilient combat athletes with a "can-do" attitude through traditional martial arts and modern MMA. We believe the lessons learned through martial arts provide a hands-on approach to practical skill development that can serve as a blueprint for mastering almost any skill, both on and off the mats.

In addition to MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai programs for youth ages 5–20, we also offer adult classes in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Learn More

About Us

Opera non Verba

From Humble Beginnings to Modern Success

The Academy was built by its students from the start — a community where everyone contributes, grows, and trains together. What began as a small group with a shared passion has become one of the most respected martial arts programs in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Blending generations of traditional martial arts knowledge with the real-world experience of our instructors and athletes, we’ve created a family-like environment that welcomes everyone. Our mission is simple: help each student build skill, confidence, and discipline — and become their best both on and off the mats.

Classes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Book Now

Muay Thai

Book Now

MMA Youth

Book Now

Meet Our Team

World champions. Proven fighters. Dedicated coaches.
Sean Stebbins, Kelly Johnson, and Lance King bring over 60 years of combined experience in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. Their passion, expertise, and championship mindset drive every class — helping athletes of all levels train like champions.

Coach Sean Stebbins- MMA

Coach Sean Stebbins brings over 20 years of experience in MMA, wrestling, Muay Thai, boxing, and Army Combatives. A decorated competitor, he’s a 2017 IMMAF World Bronze Medalist, 2017 USMMAF National Champion, and 2016 Driller Promotions Flyweight Champion. Sean also earned runner-up honors at the 2015 Thai Boxing Association Nationals and is a two-time All Army Combatives National Runner-Up and Minnesota Army National Guard State Champion (2010 & 2012). With a 16–6 MMA record and a strong wrestling background, Sean combines technical precision and real fight experience to help athletes reach their highest potential.

Coach Kelly Johnson- BJJ

Coach Kelly Johnson is a 3rd-degree Black Belt under Pedro Sauer with over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience and 8 years of teaching expertise. A world-class competitor, Kelly is a 10-time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion, 10-time IBJJF Pan-American Medalist, and 2-time European IBJJF Black Belt Champion. With a 2–1 record in Mixed Martial Arts, he combines elite-level grappling skill with practical fight experience, helping students of all levels refine their technique, build confidence, and develop a champion’s mindset on and off the mats.

Coach Lance King- Muay Thai

Coach Lance King is a lifelong martial artist and a certified Muay Thai instructor with over three decades of training experience. He began his journey in 1992 at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, where he developed a deep passion for traditional and modern striking arts. In 2005, Lance earned his Muay Thai Black Belt under Ajarn Chai Sirisute and Ajarn Greg Nelson, and in 2013, he completed his Academy Muay Thai Instructor Certification. Combining authentic Thai training with years of teaching experience, Coach Lance helps students master powerful, technical striking while building discipline, confidence, and respect for the art of Muay Thai.