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Our Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu and No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs are excellent choices for self defense, discipline and fitness. Learn more about our martial arts classes in St. Louis Park now!
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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at M-Theory Martial Arts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
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I visited this gym while traveling for work and it was awesome. I can't remember everyone's name because so many people went out of their way to introduce themselves and ask about me. Everyone was friendly even while we had hard rolls. Great people, great mats, bathrooms, changing rooms, hanging out area. What more could you asked for.
Absolutely incredible school. My 3YO daughter takes naps on her own just so she can go train after she wakes up! Absolutely amazing classes for the kids and the best instruction and training in the city for adults.
Ishmael is brilliant and his BJJ instructors are great. I took my son to M-Theory when the school first opened and have been there ever since. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there are all levels of skill. I always look forward to going there.
Super chevere y tremenda academia. Gente y lugar super especial. Mi hijo queria comprar una rashguard que ya estaban agotadas. Alguien se entero que el estaba buscando una y se la regalo, que bonito detalle! Los coaches super profesionales siempre pendientes de que los Estudiantes hagan los driles poniendole atention a los detalles.
Si estas en la zona de Minneapolis, Minnesota y practicas jiujitsu con gi o no gi date una Vuelta por M-theory es el lugar que debes visitar. Llamalos antes de ir. Ofrecen la primera o segunda clase libre de cargos.
This place is spectacular! I drove up from La Crosse, WI (2.5 hours one way) after one of their Black Belts did a seminar at our "home" gym. Everyone was amazing and made me feel welcome. The classes we well ran and inclusive. And the sparring was challenging but highly respectful! I hope to make it up more frequently as I love the energy and environment this place has to offer! Definitely a world class facility and Staff. I would highly recommend checking them out if you are passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and want to train at an elite level, no matter what level you are currently at. Like I said before, this place is spectacular!
Lots of good upper belts here even for the morning classes, and a very positive atmosphere. The gym was clean with lots of mat space. I will be sure to come again next time I'm in MSP
I came into town with the Jiujitsuinsurance.com team and had a blast training with them at 11am for GI rolling. The vibes and energy of this bjj gym is high and the belt colors were diverse! If you love jiu Jitsu then you will want to try this place
Dropped in on a Saturday morning while in town visiting family. Very welcoming staff and students; made me feel very comfortable. Picked up some good straight ankle techniques during class. Stayed for some rolling after, everyone was respectful during rolls. Hard rolls but not in a mean way. Have to compliment their takedowns, there’s a few I’ll be spamming at my home gym. Thank you to Ryan, Ish, and all of the students at the academy for a great experience. Hope I can drop in next time I’m in town.
Great place for kids and adults. Coaches are patient and stern with the kids while being incredibly warm and caring. Adult classes are available for a variety of experience levels and instruction is top notch. So happy to have found this gym.
Best gym in the cities for sure! Come learn ninja skills with us! Great Kids program too... You can learn to foot lock babies and there's nothing they can do to stop it!!
Far and away my favorite BJJ gym. Great atmosphere with excellent training partners and coaches. Ishmael teaches effective Jiu Jitsu for self-defense, competition, or whatever your goals may be.
Great place to train. Super clean academy. Tough training partners. Professor Ish is super attentive during drills making sure I understand what we are drilling and giving me simple yet amazing tips. I am very greatful I found this place. I would highly recommend training here if you are in the area.
Great place to train! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, even to someone just visiting for a couple weeks for work. Ishmael and staff were very hospitable. I would definitely recommend to friends and family.
That is the best place for teaching martial arts we tried before. Teachers are very friendly and supportive. There are lots of fun and exercises on classes but a discipline also. My kiddo loves it. Highly recommend :)
This place produces champions. And it is super friendly for those who are looking to be introduced to the gentle art. Many people move away from MN, but when in town, they train here like they never left
Outstanding place to train well structured program with great instructors. Top notch friendly place train for experienced practitioners or people new to BJJ. Kids program is fantastic as well our son loved it, if we hadn't moved so far away we would still be there. Clean and safe place to train!
I love this I have two autistic sons who are finally thriving. They say the other children are always kind. The instructor is patient and amazing with children. Best program ever.
I can not say enough good things about this dojo. It was like being at home. The instructors were really nice and very knowledgeable. The students were super nice as well. The facility is so nice and super clean. I definitely recommend that if you're in the St. Louis Park area you have to stop by and roll. I will definitely be going back before I leave town and will drop in again if work sends me back out here.
I dropped into M-theory while I was in town for the weekend. I appreciated Ishmael's welcoming nature and the knowledge and time he shared with me. Very clean facility and above all I felt safe the entire time I was on the mats with Ishmael's students. Thank you again for an awesome time!
Very friendly for new students and great environment to learn. The teachers are patient with everyone. Overall great workout and fun classes. It becomes addicting ( in a good way)
My daughter has been going to this school for about 5 months. The instructors and the facility is amazing. Very happy I was referred to this place and happy to spread the word of a outstanding business.
My kids who are normally shy were able to learn skills and gain comfort around their peers. It is a great sport to develop confidence, self defense, and have fun rolling on the floor doing it. The master instructor impressively remembers every kid’s name and keeps every single one engaged. Positive experience all around. Highly recommend.
M-Theory is awesome. The jiu-jitsu instruction is world class and they have the best staff. I felt welcomed and like I was apart of the team the moment I stepped into the gym. It’s clean, family friendly, and incredibly organized. On top of that they have a top-notch kids program! I wish I was able to train when I was a kid! I would reccomend this place to anyone
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Posted 8 years ago
Marat Bakpayev
This was one of the greatest experiences I had while visiting various academies globally. From the first step it felt like supportive family. Strongly recommend stopping by if you are visiting; come to to train here if you live nearby.
I had the privilege of training here for two days. Once with head professor Ishmael and once with professor Mike. I felt welcome from the moment I stepped into the gym to the time I left. Great technical instruction, friendly training partners, and a beautiful facility. I definitely recommend this gym for everyone from the beginner just starting out to the seasoned veteran. A huge thank you to Danny who was my point of contact at the gym. Thanks M-theory!
The depth of knowledge and understanding for combative arts from Prof. Bentley is second to none. Moreover, his students share his conceptual understanding and curiosity for jiu-jitsu as sport and self-defense, making M-Theory a great environment in which to learn, train, and play. Very happy to train here.
M-Theory is a great place to learn Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors are great at breaking down the moves and walk around during class to give helpful feedback. As a female, I was worried about being surrounded by a bunch of super aggressive guys. While there are a lot of guys at M-Theory, they are not overly aggressive when rolling with me. Additionally, there are a fair number of females that attend regularly. I highly recommend trying Jiu-Jitsu here.
I started training here on the first opening day, and knew this is gonna be an amazing place to train with world class and knowledgeable instructors. Out of all places I've trained, this is the place for me.
I'm not from around this area but this is definitely the place I would visit every time I'm in town. The instruction is high level, suitable for all ranks and the organization of the class is what surprised me the most. The pace at which the class is ran is done right with no "sit back and talk" time, but with persistence and is well organized.
I recently started training at M-Theory and have been nothing but impressed since I made the move. Professor Bentley and the deep talent pool of training partners have helped me be successful as a competitor. This is also a great place to train BJJ if you're looking for a new hobby or exercise routine. I highly recommend!
A unique blend of the traditional, Gracie approach to self-defense and the emerging demand for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sport, M-Theory offers a detail-oriented style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether one is looking to actively compete, improve their confidence, or simply-in get a great workout, M-Theory has something to offer. Personally, I think the unified namesake could deliver more specialized courses like: Catch or Freestyle wrestling, Freestyle or Kodokan Judo, some Shuai Joao, a form of striking, definitely some type of body-weight conditioning, and regular early-morning classes or open gym times. But at the end of the day, M-Theory offers executive-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that works.
I have been training regularly in some type of martial art for almost 30 years. Of all the places I have trained, M-Theory is the best, and has had the biggest positive impact on my life. I have trained at M-Theory four days each week since they opened almost four years ago, and my two sons (ages 6 and 8) also train there. When you research martial arts schools, you can learn about the background and pedigree of the head instructor, and maybe the tournament results for their competition team. It is harder, however, to glean the atmosphere and internal culture of the school and student body, but this is really the area that sets M-Theory apart.
Ishmael Bentley, the head instructor, has fostered a vibrant community of supportive training partners that are truly committed to helping one another progress in a safe and engaging environment. The students train hard, but with a healthy competitive attitude that is motivating and encouraging, rather than intimidating or punitive. When the school first opened, I was one of the few white belts training among senior students that had known each other for years. Not only did I feel welcome and comfortable among them, I honestly felt like all of the other students took a sincere interest in my development and growth.
This supportive training environment is a direct reflection of Professor Bentley. He has a unique combination of world class technical jiu-jitsu knowledge, an unparalleled commitment to teaching, and a genuine interest in the progress and well-being of his students both on and off the mat. Over the years, I have had many excellent martial arts teachers, but I have never seen an instructor with this level of investment in the lives of the people he teaches. Although Ishmael teaches the vast majority of the classes, the other instructors and black belts at M-Theory are uniformly excellent and each offers a valuable perspective on the gentle art. Danny, who oversees general operations and teaches some of the kids’ classes, is organized and professional. Everything about this place is positive, welcoming and fun.
Whether you are male or female, competitor or hobbyist, sport BJJ enthusiast or self-defense practitioner, and regardless of your age, you must come and see what M-Theory Martial Arts has to offer. If you are interested in studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the twin cities area, this is the place to be.
We had a few different gyms on our list to check out when looking for jiu jitsu classes for our 8 year old daughter. M-Theory was the first gym we went to and we were so impressed by the staff and the atmosphere that we signed up within a few days and didn’t even bother checking out the other gyms. Seriously, the vibe at this place is like no other. It is very family friendly, humble, and learning/experience-focused.
Since we started taking our daughter there, my fiancé has also signed up, and I plan on signing up as well! Danny is the manager there and he also teaches kids classes sometimes, and he is very friendly and good with children. I can’t say enough good things about Ishmael (head instructor/owner) either. He takes time in every kid’s class to make sure that each child is participating 100% and learning the techniques. Our daughter has never gotten excited about a sport/extracurricular like she has about jiu jitsu! She typically asks to go about 4 times a week, and we love taking her! The kids learn discipline, team work, confidence, and humility.
I have noticed that the adult classes are no different. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging and never judgmental or non-inclusive. I so highly and without reservation recommend M-Theory to everyone! Check it out…you won’t regret it.
Best BJJ training I've ever experienced. School has a very positive vibe - full of kind helpful intelligent people. Always learning a good mix of fundamental/traditional technique and more technical modern/progressive technique. Classes are always fun and I always get a fantastic workout. All of the instructors are operating at a very high level and are able/willing to answer any questions I have and help me with any problems. Highly recommended!
M-Theory is an amazing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) school. The Twin Cities is blessed to have a number of great martial arts gyms, but in my opinion M-Theory really stands above the rest. Why is that?
It starts at the top. Ishmael Bentley is not only extremely skilled at BJJ; from the day the gym opened, he has fostered a culture of inclusiveness and has created a friendly (and family friendly) environment. Ishmael genuinely cares for the gym, and ensures that everyone brings the right attitude.
When you visit, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by Danny. Danny does a great job running the day to day operations, and makes sure the gym is warm, welcoming, and clean! (Super important for any martial arts school).
Most of the upper belts have been training together for many years, and go out of their way to make sure people feel welcome.
If you're going to try BJJ and are looking for a school, my advice is to make a list of 2-3 of them and go visit. If you do that, chances are you'll end up training at M-Theory. I hope to see you on the mats!
My daughter has been there for two years and immediately felt comfortable. Has gained a great amount of knowledge. Her training is advanced. Great sense of
Community here.
So much valuable experience shared here. Healthy and passionate environment. You can find exactly what you're looking for from self defense, to flow art, to competition level jiu jitsu. Fortunate to practice here.
Attended a class last weekend with a friend, it was a great time. I had never tried jiu jitsu before, and the instructors and students were all extremely helpful and made me feel welcome. Overall it was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend M-Theory to anyone interested in exploring jiu jitsu.
Fantastic place! It's great for all ages. Fantastic people everyone is warm and friendly. I'm truly a beginner and i started to learn their drills and customs (bowing before entering the mat, line up, etc) easily. Everyone is super helpful!
I've been training BJJ for almost nine years and in all that time, with all of the gyms I have visited and instructors I have trained with, I have never worked with someone with such a fluid teaching style coupled with so much technique knowledge and attention to detail.
Many BJJ gyms are either traditional, self-defense oriented or sport/point based competition BJJ. Professor Bentley holds onto the traditions of BJJ with an emphasis on self-defense as well as staying up-to-date on the evolving sport jiu-jitsu scene for students who are interested in competition.
His combination of knowledge, personality and dedication to the art is unparalleled. I literally drive past four other BJJ gyms to train with Professor Bentley. I wouldn't want to train anywhere else. Anywhere.
I have been doing Martial Arts for most of my life and have had some great experiences training with some of the best in the world. M-Theory Martial Arts with Ishmael Bentley and his staff of instructors are 2nd to non and this has become the premier jiu jitsu academy in Minnesota. Ishmael is a brilliant instructor and his vast knowledge of jiu jitsu comes out in every class, knowing and describing very articulately, how to use a technique in either a sport jiu jitisu, mma or self defense situation. If anyone is interested in learning Jiu Jitsu, they should swing by and check it out
I had tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the DC area at a highly recommended school. The instructor had excellent credentials and most of the practitioners training at the school were high-ranking purple and brown belts.
The only problem: most of the practitioners training at my school were high-ranking purple and brown belts. I’m not going to lie. It was intimidating. I hated going to class. On the days that I did show up, there were two white belts. Me and my boyfriend. People at the school tried to be friendly and helpful in a distant way, but still somehow seemed unapproachable. I received no basic instruction (I had to ask what it meant to ‘base’). I felt like I had been thrown to the wolves.
Fast-forward to Minneapolis. I decide to give it another go.
After extensive research and Internet stalking, I visit M-Theory, and I sign up as soon as my trial class is over for one basic reason. My head instructor is passionate about the art, and it comes through in his focus on fundamental details and a general curriculum rather than ‘trial by fire’ instruction.
The longer I train at M-Theory, the more I appreciate its special atmosphere. Adult students, instructors, kids, and even parents are always chatting or playing. Advanced students are welcoming and take personal interest in new students’ progress. In this environment, I have watched a kids program grow, seen a women’s’ class started, and witnessed students with no previous martial arts experience flourish.
It’s a complete 180. I’m learning. I’ve made friends. I train about six days a week. I can’t wait to go to class.
Come with me. You won’t regret it.
I first found M-Theory when I was looking for a fun way to get some exercise (the sedentary 8-5 office job was beginning to take its toll) and get away from the stresses of everyday life. After much procrastination, I finally built up the courage to walk through the doors and begin my jiu jitsu journey. I’m so glad I did.
M-Theory is an excellent jiu jitsu school for people of all ages and abilities. The instructors are high caliber and welcoming. The instruction is comprehensive and detail oriented. The gym is always clean (very important) and offers classes that cater to every level of jiu jitsu practitioner; from an absolute beginner to international competitor. I highly recommend.
But don’t take my word for it, stop in and see for yourself!
I'm 47 and I decided I wanted to start jiu-jitsu, when I asked a friend where I should go, the first name on her list was Ishmael, and M-Theory.
I knew from the moment I met with Danny, and took a tour of the facility, that this was where I wanted to start my new path, and I haven't been disappointed. Every single person, from the white belts on up, has been helpful and encouraging. I can't imagine there being another school with a more collegial environment, than M-Theory. Aggressive, but never disrespectful, fun, but never degrading.
You'd do well by yourself, and by everyone that attends M-Theory, to bring a like minded attitude.
BJJ(Brazilian Ju- Jitsu) is tough for anyone. When you have a physical disability as I do it is even tougher. Prof. Ishmael, the staff, and the teammates at M-theory Martial arts understand this very well and are always willing to assist in any way the can help me and anyone achieve their BJJ goals. Coupled with a clean, friendly, and always inviting environment; I think there is no better place for me and learning BJJ.
Amazing and knowledgeable instructors, great facility, nobody has an ego. This is a great place for high quality BJJ instruction for sport or real life. The cardio and strength benefits are a huge benefit. It is also a great workout. Highly recommend.
I had been training Brazilian Ju Jitsu for about 9 months when I relocated to Minneapolis from Washington, DC, and I was very anxious about finding a good place to continue my training. I landed at M-Theory and could not be be happier. The quality of instruction is unparalleled with the perfect combination of passion for the art, technical precision, and passion for teaching. Most impressive for me, though, is that the school caters to everyone from the world-class competitor to the recreational student to the child learner while making each of them feel like family. I could not have made a better choice!
M-Theory is a wonderful place to train and learn. The Jiu Jitsu instruction is top-notch, technical, and well-planned. The environment is incredibly welcoming and open. It is filled with a diverse group of students, and classes to meet all of our goals (be it fitness, competition, self-protection, ...). The instructors are awesome and highly qualified! (See their website for details) The facility itself is very clean and feels a bit like heaven. Whether you are an experienced martial artist, or someone who is contemplating starting, you will feel welcomed.
Since my first day, I've felt nothing but respect from the instructors. I never feel self-conscious when I struggle with techniques due to proper support from everyone in the gym. The jiu-jitsu itself is a lot of fun but even better is the feeling of belonging to a community that is so supportive of all its members. I credit M-Theory for providing me with a new found passion and excitement to continue training. After each class I can't wait to go back!
I have been at MTheory for almost a year and a half and have found this academy and it's instruction to be of the highest caliber. The gym is kept immaculately clean and the depth of knowledge from both the instructors and the team is amazing. The culture of inclusion, patience, learning and competition that Professor Ishmael has cultivated is truly inspiring for any business. I would definitely recommend MTheory for anyone that is thinking of trying out a martial art or wants to get in shape!
I have been training in Martial Arts most of my life (Karate/Taekwondo) and I have only been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past 5 years. I can honestly say that M-Theory under the leadership of Professor Ishmael Bentley is one of the BEST if not the Top notch facility I have had the honor of training at.
The facility is clean, bright, family friendly and open to outside guests and competitors. Professor Bentley (Jiu-Jitsu Black-3) along with his high ranking coaches provide a technical and relaxed atmosphere while being very competitive and goal oriented.
Jiu-Jitsu at M-Theory is for all ages from 4 to 88 years old. Just recently my daughter signed up and she can not wait to put on her GI (uniform) and go train moves, exercises, and fitness with her peers and teammates.
To have every class taught by a world class Professor speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment to his students. Professor Ishmael Bentley is one of the best instructors I have had the pleasure of knowing. I look forward to each class and I am very thankful my daughter has this great opportunity and honor train with the team/family at M-Theory Jiu-Jitsu. Go check them out. You won’t be disappointed.
M-Theory is the best place to train BJJ in the area, and probably the entire country. If you've been around, I really don't need to tell you about Professor Ishmael Bentley. It is not hyperbole to say that he's one of the best instructors in the country, if not the world. The other instructors--Adam and Mike--are wonderful as well. The school has a handful of Black Belts that train there too. Great facility also.
My 14-year-old has been a regular at M Theory for the past year. He's been in martial arts since age 6, and working with Ishmael is really helping him develop as a competitor and a mature, self-aware person. This is a fantastic studio for jiu jitsu, for health, for friendships.
While the place is welcoming to newcomers, if you're looking to train competitively or have any background in mixed martial arts, please look elsewhere.
