Skilled Martial Arts Instruction in Saint Paul
Get the right balance of skill development and stress relief when you train with Sims Martial Arts Training (SMAT).
In our classes and lessons, you’ll learn functional kickboxing and martial arts movements in an environment where you can be yourself and learn on your terms.
Build the skills you never knew you had. We’ll help.
Our Mission
“To provide welcoming and accessible movement arts experiences that inspire joy and encourage a lifestyle of health, happiness and continuous learning.”
We’re challenging the status quo.
In a world where workouts feel like work and fitness classes cost and arm and a leg, we’re offering something different.
We’re making quality instruction more accessible and convenient, with affordable drop-in classes, simple fee structures (no contracts) and goal-focused training.
Explore our offerings:
We’re partnering with studios and recreational facilities throughout the Twin Cities.
Our goal is to be a positive presence in community spaces—where fitness programs are designed for and reflect the neighborhoods they serve.
Looking for a new class to offer in your studio or corporate wellness program? Contact us >
Meet Your Instructor
SMAT Owner and Head Instructor, Willie Sims
I founded Sims Martial Arts Training out of a passion for the art form and a commitment to helping people realize their potential—just as martial arts have helped me realize mine.
For many people, health, fitness and movement arts feel out of reach. Financial obstacles, time constraints, a lack of motivation or simply feeling like you don’t fit-the-mold can keep people from enjoying a healthy lifestyle of movement.
Through SMAT, my goal is to reduce barriers and help people see that beginner-friendly martial arts (and other movement arts) can be fun for people of any age and ability. It doesn’t have to be about falling in line, wearing a uniform, bowing to a sensei and taking yourself too seriously. You can learn on your own timeline and find something you’ll want to show up for again and again.
Have questions? Contact me.
“Training in martial arts can be a lifelong pursuit. I like to give my students an environment to explore their options and define their own goals, so they can continue training for long-term health and well being.”
“Willie is such a motivating teacher. I spend most classes laughing, kicking and trying to focus on my footwork and body mechanics (all things I knew NOTHING about before I started). I’m always sweaty and a little sore, and I’m learning so much about kickboxing, self-defense and even martial arts generally from working with Willie.
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Our Approach
Martial Arts Instruction Guided by Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do Concepts
Less is more. That’s a belief that resonates through every choice we make, both in our own training and in how we teach others to train. It reflects the innovative, inclusive and effective methods taught by Bruce Lee, and passed on by his training partner and long-time friend Dan Inosanto.
These two innovators have shaped generations of martial artists by teaching the art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD)—a martial art philosophy that emphasizes attribute development, economy of motion, and an openness to explore many arts.
Through these methods, you’ll be able to explore both functional techniques and self-expression while refining how you move. As Bruce Lee said, “The art of Jeet Kune Do is simply to simplify.”
“It’s not the daily increase, but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”