Spartan Martial Arts Gym

Fantastic experience: I was in St. Paul for a conference and needed a place to train BJJ while in town. I visited Spartan and was welcomed by the team and head coach and owner Tom Schmitz. They train real BJJ and the team and coach know their stuff. They are tough, humble, kind and treat each other like a family. If you need a place to train this a good one!

Fantastic experience: Highly impressed with head coach Tom S. and his students. I came in as a guest and was treated very well and welcomed. Classes were excellent. If you like training, grappling and sparring with skilled, honorable martial artists then this place is for you.

Fantastic experience: Spartan MMA is a great place. I came back to Minnesota for some weddings and needed a place to train jiu jitsu. Coach Tom and everyone at the facility was more than helpful. Wether you are a beginner or looking for a place to continue your training, Coach Tom is very attentive to your skill set and his teaching methods adapt to your liking very quickly.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to train. I have been doing BJJ with Tom for 1 year, and out of my 5 year career; this gym is the best. Morning Classes, Thai Boxing, Focused and Ambitious Teammates who drive for hours to train with Tom. Tom Schmitz is unlike other coaches, in that he is ALWAYS on the mat. A lot of my friends in Jiu Jitsu complain that they sign up for a gym hoping to train with So-and-So black belt, only to find that he is never around. Tom is always on the mat, and trains just as hard as we do.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Tom Schmitz at Spartan Martial Arts since the fall of 2009. When I started training with Tom I was over 280 pounds, completely out of shape, and had no good way to deal with the stress of life and school. Three and a half years later I have lost over 70 pounds(and kept it off), have more confidence, and find that nothing relieves stress better than a great training session at SMA. Tom is a fantastic instructor who is able to teach in a way that takes difficult material and makes it understandable to someone brand new to the sport and yet he can still offer some new insight or variation on techniques or philosophy to a more advanced student. Furthermore, everyone that trains at SMA is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and committed to helping everyone else improve as an individual and improve our team as a whole. The team at SMA is like a part of my family and I wouldn't be where I am today without help from them and Tom. If you are looking to try bjj or if you are at all curious you need to email, call, or just stop in and try a class from Tom, all you need is the courage to take the first step. I promise you will not regret it.

Fantastic experience: I started BJJ for the first time on 01/16/2015 at 34 years old at Spartan. This has changed my life in a month I have lost 15 pounds and feel amazing I have tried the traditional gyms and different work out plans and this is the best! Coach Tom and the Teammates are great they give you the push and motivation to exceed no matter your skill level! Thank you!

Fantastic experience: *****5 Star ***** From the very first moment I set foot in this gym, I was made to feel at home. The instructors and students provide an atmosphere which makes it fun to attend classes each and everyday. Everyone here is so humble, friendly and willing to help a new student like myself learn without being at all intimidated. Thank you Coach Tom Schmitz for providing such a great facility to learn MMA. I'm glad to be part of your team and to learn from such a great and knowledgeable instructor.

Fantastic experience: Great place. Extremely patient, friendly people and a steady pace of new people, so you won't feel alone being new and you're able to see your progress. Tom's a great BJJ instructor and really easy to work with when it comes to payment. You'll feel like you're in the right place.

Fantastic experience: When I turned 35 and was 5'9" and 320lbs. I decided I needed to lose some weight or I might be cutting my life short by some years. A friend told me to give Jiu Jitsu a try so when he suggested Spartan I was a little skeptical at first, but when I stepped through the doors I was welcomed by not only the Professor but I felt right at home with all of the students. The training is hard but well worth it. over the past year and a half I have lost 96 pounds and feel amazing!. I have gotten my life back and I couldn't be more excited each day I get to go to class. Come in and try it out I guarantee you will fell the same!

Fantastic experience: The atmosphere is awesome and Tom is extremely knowledgeable!!! I look forward to the gym after a long days at the office. I just do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoy the atmosphere. The group of guys I train with are laid back and respectful. If your looking for a place to train BJJ on the East Side of town, this is the place to go!

Fantastic experience: My Daughter and Sons started the kids Jui-Jitsu class in May and they absolutely love it! The coaches are great with the kids and do an outstanding job of making learning fun. The classes are different every week and are structured to incorporate their moves into games, build strength and stamina, and learn/perfect their skills. There's new kids joining all the time so not only are they learning a great skill, they're making lots of new friends.

Fantastic experience: Spartan Martial Arts Gym is the best in the Twin Cities! Whether you are a novice or an experienced fighter, Spartan Martial Arts Gym does a great job....they train kids, beginners ....and many of the best local and regional fighters and champs from the area.... Come on! Get off the couch and come on in and give it a try! i hope u love it as much as i do!

Fantastic experience: After learning under Tom I can now have chocolate in my milk and jelly on my sandwich, with no fear of reprisal..I now also wrestle live bears outside of class for side money..carefully honing my position control techniques without harming the bears.Jujitsu is amazing stuff and Tom has a unique way of communicating it to the student..whether you just train or strive to be a fighter or compete in jujitsu, Spartans the place to be.

Fantastic experience: I first met Tom Schmitz (owner and head instructor at Spartan Martial Arts) when I was casually attending jiu jitsu classes in Minneapolis just a few blocks away from my home. His instruction and guidance was so helpful and inspiring that I have followed him and now drive from Minneapolis to Oakdale every day for class. I couldn't be happier with the classes, my instructor, or my teammates. It feels like a family over there.

Fantastic experience: As a Police Officer for over 8 years, Police Combatives instructor, and S.W.A.T. team operator, I was looking for the best training available in the area. I truly believe I found it at Spartan Martial Arts. I have tried most of the gyms in the area, and Spartan is a very special place. Owner and Instructor Tom Schmitz takes a personal interest in every student's unique goals and progress in a way that I've never seen at another gym. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional fighter, whether you're looking for somewhere to learn self defense, top tier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, or if you just want to get in shape - Spartan Martial Arts is the place to do it.

Fantastic experience: I was referred to Spartan Martial Arts by a handful of people while looking for a Jiu Jitsu instructor for my 5 year old son. After nearly a half a year in the class, my son has not only grown physically, but mentally as well. I watched his confidence soar shortly after he started. Both in and out of the gym. The instructor's are great not only while working with the kids, but I have also had the chance to witness the adult classes and can say the same for those. It's a wonderful mix of student backgrounds. From seasoned professional fighters, to Fire Fighters, Chef's. Everybody seems to work with each other no matter what there age or background is to help each other improve while striving to be the best they can be. That's what really seems to set Spartan Martial Arts apart from many other schools in my opinion. They offer free trial periods so there is no excuse to not see for yourself. I would recommend Spartan Martial Arts to anybody looking into a Martial Arts School for kids, teens, or adults.

Fantastic experience: I’m really only qualified to speak as a grandfather of a 5 year old that is currently enrolled at Spartan Martial Arts. I was skeptical at first when my son enrolled my then, 4 year old grandson, with Spartan Martial Arts. Having been exposed in my lifetime to “traditional” athletic activities such as baseball, football, hockey, etc. I had considerate difficulty comprehending what could possibly be the benefit in teaching my little 4 year old grandson how to “cage fight”. I couldn’t have been more misguided! In the 7 months since my grandson has regularly attended the Spartan kids program he has developed a sense of responsibility and discipline that far exceeds the expectations I would have considered normal for a five year old. I must admit that after the first 4-5 sessions I really didn’t think this thing was going to work out. He seemed pretty lost. But after just a few more weeks I started to notice some subtle and very positive changes. He was beginning to become much more attentive, actively participating, beginning to master some very basic movements, and most importantly became eager to attend. The patience, understanding, intuition, and competency of the coaching staff were proving to be effective. The staff’s efforts to make the experience fun for the kids is demonstrated by the 25-30 smiling and laughing faces evident at each and every 45 minute session! I’ve also observed that student behavior and personality challenges are met skillfully, caringly, and effectively by the staff. They know how to connect. The environment is always upbeat, energetic, smiling, polite and welcoming. The 45 minute sessions literally fly by for the kids. My grandson is ALWAYS excited to attend class. Obviously the ability to protect oneself and the physical exercise benefits are positive outcomes of his enrollment. But additionally I’ve observed my grandson develop important intangible skills such as respect, manners, discipline, and teamwork. I could not be more pleased and appreciative towards the organization and the coaching staff at Spartan. The kids are managed and instructed according to their ability to absorb and comprehend. I’m always amazed as I watch 20-30 kids almost constantly smiling for the entire 45 minute session. Sessions that literally fly by! Much appreciation to Tom Schmitz and the coaches at Spartan. Thank you for the exceptionally positive influence you have had on my grandson. Sincerely, Rick Tossey

Fantastic experience: I brought my kids here 9 months ago and it has been a total game changer for them. The coaching is excellent and the schedule works perfect for our work/life balance. I'm doing the Muay Thai kickboxing myself and really enjoy it. I highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Spartan Martial Arts creates a great safe learning environment in the gym, amazing group of people. I am returning after a few years of and Head Coach Tom S is getting me slowly back into the grove.

Fantastic experience: Couldn't ask for a better human being to be a coach, teacher, friend, and example. Thanks Tom for showing how open and welcoming a business like this should be.

Fantastic experience: Very clean well kept Anytime fitness! Not often do I run into waiting for a machine/equipment. Plenty of cardio machines and two separate open areas to do what you will! Staff is very friendly and always greeting their members!

Fantastic experience: Spartan is great. My 2 boys love it.

Fantastic experience: Gym has been a great experience for my kids, supportive and teaching. My kids love it here.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality I came in from out of town and wanted to do some Jiu Jitsu while up in the St Paul area. The instructor here was very kind and knowledgeable, and everyone else was very welcoming as well. The facility was very clean and spacious too. 10/10 would recommend!

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Spartan for about 2 years now. I can say that I've had a great experience there. Coach Tom is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. The gym is very clean. It's even cleaned between classes. An important point for any visitors wishing to stop in: make sure your shoes are off and placed in the rack near each entrance. Everyone there is welcoming to any experience level. You don't need to have any experience whatsoever to start.

Fantastic experience: Spartan has a very welcoming atmosphere, from the coaches down to the students. I came in out of shape and knowing nothing. Everyone is encouraging and patient. I've been going almost 2 months now. The scale is decreasing and I'm finding my movement and conditioning are much better. I recommend this to anyone, regardless of size, wanting to learn a martial art and get in better shape.

Fantastic experience: Started in 2016, my kids loved it, I tried and loved it. Positive environment.

Fantastic experience: I started to take classes a month ago and I can honestly say, that the gym has become a place for me I want to come back again and again. Spartan has unique atmosphere of great coaching and so helpful, respectful teammates. BJJ classes with coach Tom are so interesting, structured and disciplined. If I don't understand something, he always helps me and with his approach of leading the classes, I want to continue to learn. Of course, I would like to mention fitness and kickboxing classes with coach Van. It gives me so much energy! Each class is different, involving physical exercises and martial art techniques, coach Van always makes sure we are doing things right and always ready to help. The people who are training here are so wonderful to me, having already much longer experience than me, they always treat me with respect. To my opinion, at Spartan each person can find his own path, the way to grow: it can be gaining strength and confidence like me or to go further and to become a fighter.

Fantastic experience: This gym is awesome! From beginners to highly experienced martial artists, this gym has all levels..As a person on the beginner side, I was very pleased with how everyone is embracing, uplifting, and encouraging..If you are looking for a top-level gym that treats you like family, look no further Spartan Martial Arts is your home! Thanks Spartan!

Fantastic experience: From the day I walked in to Spartan in May of 2014 to current I have the same feeling, that this gym is all about the team no one person is above another its all about learning to be and get better. Top notch instructors nothing but pure respect and it trickles right down to the students. I’m glad I literally stumbled into this gym, not only do I consider these guys and girls my teammates many of them I consider my friends. Props and many thanks to ALL the instructors.

Fantastic experience: I love it! It's great for all ages and experience levels. Whether you're brand new or a veteran, Spartan has what you need. Expert coaching, excellent facilities, and a tremendous environment full of great people make this gym the best I've experienced.

Fantastic experience: One of the best BJJ schools I’ve visited while traveling across the US. Amazing environment and very strong athletes. The instructors are very helpful and welcoming. Such a pleasure to train at Spartan Martial Arts every time I’m visiting Twin Cities.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym. I had a karate background, with a little BJJ, when I initially joined. Knowing those concepts helped me, but you can be at any level when you join here. Great place, great community of people. I’m moving down to AZ for three months, but I will certainly come back here when I return.

Fantastic experience: My husband and all three of my sons attend classes at Spartan and we are so happy! Coach Tom and Coach Kelly and the rest of the crew are so welcoming and knowledgeable and generous; they run the gym with a balance of discipline - there is enough discipline to let students know what is expected of them, without being intimidating or instilling fear. The gym is spacious and clean with a variety of class times to fit everybody's schedules. My family highly recommends Spartan!!

Fantastic experience: The gym is large, clean, and organized. There is enough discipline to let students know what is expected of them, without being a buzz kill on the training environment. There are three separate training areas, one of which is large enough to allow an entire class to spar without worrying about running into one another. The bags, pads, mats, weights, gloves are all in great condition. The Instructors are either all black belts or fighters with an extensive fight history . The students range from children to "Grumpy Old Guys" like myself in their fifties. Abilities range from beginners to pro's to people somewhere in between. Coach Tom and Kelly are informative and attentive and in control of their classes as are the other instructors. The students are respectful and helpful, not Clicky. They are cognizant that every student is at a different level in their training, There is no "Hazing" or attitudes towards new students. There are also plenty of opportunities to test your skills in the competition scene as the gym is very connected within the Martial Arts Community, whether it's in grappling tournaments, Muay Thai/ kickboxing, or MMA. I highly recommend Spartan Martial Arts.

Fantastic experience: I walked in here with no martial arts experience, just looking for something to help me get in shape. I'm currently just in the BJJ, but I'm loving it! I was scared and intimidated when I walked through the door for the first time, not really knowing what to expect. But Coach Tom was welcoming and told me to take my time, trial the place for a week, and make sure it was a good fit for me before making any kind of commitment. I've only been going for a few months, but I know this is something I hope to continue lifelong. This is a great group of guys and a great environment. Everyone is very helpful to the new guys. The atmosphere is a perfect balance of serious training and fun. I leave sweaty and exhausted, but I look forward to coming back the next day. No matter what your experience level, this is the place to be. Great instructors and a great group!

Fantastic experience: Some of the best training partners I have ever worked with. Great classes for all levels of experience and a great fight team if you're interested in MMA

Fantastic experience: This gym has great training for all levels of experience. The trainers were very friendly, skilled, and patient, they made me feel very welcomed. Also theres alot of good looking men!

Fantastic experience: Amazing place. I started out going to Spartan for a college PE credit doing bjj in fall 2017. Coach Tom was nice enough to let me attend any class at the gym for the duration of my time at Spartan for school. I attended a few of the morning Muay Thai classes and quickly discovered kickboxing to be one of the most enjoyable/exciting things I’d ever done and I’ve been going as often as possible since. Coach Tom’s evening and Van’s morning MT classes are both awesome. When I am at Spartan there is no place else I would rather be and I always look forward to my next visit.

Fantastic experience: Started training Jiu-Jitsu over ten years ago. Been to many different schools in the US and abroad. Spartan has a very unique and effective teaching style. I love it... The gym is full of great training partners everyone's a killer (including the kids) and everyone is very very nice.

Fantastic experience: I have never done martial arts before but quickly fell in love after only a few classes. In any of the classes I’ve been to, there’s a mixture of students at all levels and the instructors are knowledgeable and patient, making sure that everyone gets individualized help based on their skill level. And everyone is so nice and helpful. I immediately felt like part of a family. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone- beginner to advanced trainees. Everyone has a place here.

Fantastic experience: Tom is a top notch head instructor accompanied by a number of other great assistants that will get you into the game regardless of your skill level. Their training and business model also attracts a lot of students with good dispositions giving it more of a team atmosphere. Not only does Spartan have very advanced students but it's without a doubt the best place for entry level people. So if you're fat, out of shape or both just show up. You won't be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: I came in for 1 free session 2 years ago and I've been coming regularly ever since. Simply put the Owner/Instructor Tom Schmitz is an expert black belt and amongst the most highly respected coaches in the MN. The atmosphere is friendly, respectful, competitive, and inspiring. Whether your goal is weight loss, mma training, jiu jitsu competition or simply a fun and exciting hobby, you will find accommodation here. See you there future Spartans!

Fantastic experience: If the 40 five star reviews before me were not good enough allow me to win you over with this in-depth look at why you should give Spartan Martial Arts a chance. From people who aspire to be champions in the UFC to youth who grow in areas of self-discipline and leadership, Spartan is a gym where people flourish in becoming the best versions of themselves. Any given day of the week if you choose to go into the gym you will immediately be welcomed by the head coach Tom Schmitz, a skilled martial artist and award winning coach, who will gladly walk you around and show you the space. The courses that are offered at Spartan are geared to meet the needs of you and your family. As a Youth Minister in the local area it is important for someone like me to see that youth are cared for and this gym does that exceedingly well. They provide the proper instruction ensuring that each teen and child fully grasp the concepts that are being taught to them. There is an all womens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu course that provides women with the security of knowing that brute force is not something they should be worrisome over. The cardio class is painfully good for your body. The kickboxing class will boost your confidence and let out a little frustration which is sometimes needed. If you are looking to be a fighter there really is no need to look anywhere else. Growing up in Las Vegas i have trained at many gyms and seen many fighters and can with all honesty share with you that Spartan MMA has a foundation of solid men and women who look to improve each other as well as their sparring partners. No one has an individualistic mindset when they come to the gym. Each looks to enhance the skills of the other. That is probably why the gym is called spartan in the first place. Just to conclude all of what i am sharing with you I think you should come down and check it out for yourself. If you want to learn something new, grow as a person, meet new friends, or get your family in shape then i definitely recommend Spartan! -BrotherHec

Fantastic experience: I was in the area for work and didn't want to miss my regular training routine. The Professor was more than accommodating and allowed me to participate in three separate classes. If you want a great workout in a friendly environment from a world class instructor, look no further than here. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get into better shape or martial arts. Thanks !

Fantastic experience: Coaching is absolutely world class, but for me the best part of the gym is the culture. You can walk in on any day an there is a ridiculously diverse group of people training together with the same goal, keep getting better. My only regret is not starting sooner

Fantastic experience: I joined this school last year in the Jiu Jitsu program. It has the reputation as a "fighter's gym" but I have found it to be nothing of the sort. The kids program is absolutely wonderful, and every single person there will help you with anything you want to know about. There is no ego, no drama, etc. It is just a great place to go get trained and learn. On the plus side I have also lost over 65 lbs by doing the jiu jitsu program a few times a week. I have been to schools all over the country and this is my favorite that I have been to. Even if you are on the fence, just come in and talk with Tom or watch a class, you can talk with any of Tom's students as well, its a wide open book, nothing to hide, very welcoming.

Fantastic experience: I needed to find some direction, some purpose that drove me to be a better person. A sanctuary that allowed me to dismiss what was and focus on what is. Spartan martial arts is that place. The instructors pedigrees are second to none, all the students there are willing to help the moment you step onto the mats, making it a friendly learning environment. It's helped me in every aspect of my life. I think quicker on my feet in stressful situations, I'm more patient, I eat better... I honestly can't say enough good things about Spartan martial arts! First class in every respect.

Fantastic experience: I can give you my perspective as a new person at Spartan Martial Arts Gym. I have been there a little over a month and so far it has been a great gym to go be a beginner at. if you are just starting out in the sport I recommend it. The people at the gym are very welcoming and receptive and the technical training is top notch.

Fantastic experience: I began training BJJ at Spartan a few weeks ago and felt compelled to leave a review from a woman's perspective and encourage other women to give Spartan and BJJ a try. My six year old son and husband train BJJ at Spartan and had been pressing me to try it for months. I finally caved in to giving it a shot by attending the women's only class. Needless to say I was instantly hooked by the new challenge it offered me, especially the mental aspect. I'm generally into fitness (running/weight lifting) but had never done anything like grappling or a martial art. I had previously been convinced that my smaller frame would be a huge disadvantage and that I just wasn't built for grappling. I'm quickly discovering that the technique taught in BJJ and mastery of it can mean a lot more than size and strength. While the women's only BJJ class is amazing, the mixed gender classes are also really great and while rolling with a guy was initially really intimidating the other students here are really respectful, helpful and encouraging. Spartan has an amazing atmosphere and while it's easy to initially be intimidated or apprehensive as I was the instructors here are very welcoming to newbies and are very approachable. I'd also like to add that the environment is very family friendly and while my four year old daughter doesn't attend class yet (we are waiting until she turns five) she always comes with us and stays entertained watching classes and playing in the children's area with other kiddos there. I can't recommend Spartan enough and encourage other ladies out there to take the leap and give a class here a shot.

Fantastic experience: Great place to train. I was visiting for work and needed a place to train. This place has plenty of mat space and the place is clean. Coach Tom is awesome and has helped me make adjustments in my game. Overall great people and great place to train.

Fantastic experience: It had been a few years since I had been on a mat and I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Everyone at Spartan was awesome, particularly Tom the head coach. He takes time to make sure I fully understand the move we are practicing and I’m in the right positions to get the submission. If you haven’t tried BJJ or if you’re looking for a new gym be sure to swing in to Spartan.