AARON HENSLEY + RISE NATION
Build Leaders. Build Systems. Build Legacy.
RISE Nation is the ecosystem Aaron Hensley built to help coaches, martial arts school owners, faith-driven leaders, fitness leaders, and service-based entrepreneurs turn expertise into scalable businesses that develop leaders, serve communities, and create lasting impact.
Leadership Architect | Founder of RISE Nation | Built 24 locations across 6 states | Multimillion-dollar exit
Built from 30+ years of leadership, business building, and real-world operational experience.
⬤ 53 South Washington Avenue · Bergenfield NJ 07621
Martial Arts Classes in Bergenfield
Filipino Kali Academy Bergenfield offers Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, Self-Defense & Youth Martial Arts for kids, teens, adults & families. Building confidence, discipline, awareness & leaders through practical martial arts training and real-world self-defense.
PHARMACISTS
NURSES
HEALTH COACHES
DOCTORS
PAS
CRNPS
1473+
Five Star Reviews
35+
Years of Experience
8,352+
Students Achieved Their Goals
Web Special: FREE VIP WEEK | New students only · Bergenfield location
★★★★★ 5-Star Rate
Google & Facebook Reviews
Bergenfield
OPEN: Mon-Sat
Evenings · Weekend Morning Classes
Filipino Kali · Muay Thai · Self-Defense
Filipino Kali · Muay Thai · Self-Defense
Since 1997
Creating Leaders- One Black Belt at a Time
Our Programs
find your perfect program
Every program at Filipino Kali Academy is designed to build confident leaders — not just martial artists.
Our Future Hero (Bayani) helps children develop confidence, focus, and respect through structured martial arts classes that encourage positive habits both at home and in school.
FOCUS ● listening ● coordination ● CONFIDENCE
Future Hero (Bayani)
Ages 5-7
Jr. Hero (Bayani)
Ages 8 -13
Develop confidence, discipline, and leadership through our Jr. Hero (Bayani) program, where students ages 8–13 build practical life skills, strengthen character, and grow in a positive, supportive training environment.
DEVELOPMENT ● SKILLS ● GROWTH ● TRAINING ● RESPECT
Jr. Kickboxing
Ages 8-13
Our Jr. Kickboxing program helps students ages 8–13 build confidence, coordination, and athleticism through energetic classes that improve fitness, strengthen self-discipline, and keep kids motivated in a positive, supportive environment.
Focus ● confidence ● discipline ● FUN ● resilience
Adult Kali Combatives
Ages 13+
Train in authentic Filipino Martial Arts while developing practical self-defense skills, sharper awareness, and the confidence to handle real-world situations with control.
coordination ● CONFIDENCE ● TIMING ● COORDINATION
Adult Muay Thai Kickboxing
Ages 13+
Challenge yourself with dynamic Muay Thai Kickboxing training that improves fitness, builds resilience, and develops effective striking skills in a welcoming environment.
STRENGTH ● ENDURANCE ●CONDITIONING ● DISCIPLINE
Self Defense Workshops
Ages 13+
Our self-defense workshops teach practical strategies that help students recognize danger, stay aware, and respond with greater confidence in everyday situations.
SAFETY ● AWARENESS ● CONFIDENCE ● PROTECTION
Kali Instructor Development
ages 18+
Develop your leadership through authentic Kali Instructor Development training that deepens your understanding, builds teaching confidence, and prepares you to mentor others in a supportive and welcoming environment.
LEADERSHIP ● TEACHING CONFIDENCE ● SUPPORT ● UNDERSTANDING
THIS IS FOR YOU IF...
✅ You want structure, discipline & real life skills for your child
✅ Your kid struggles with focus, confidence, or being bullied
✅ You're a teen or adult looking for fitness + self-defense
✅ You want your family to share a healthy, active goal together
✅ You're a complete beginner — no experience required
✅ You believe in showing up consistently and doing the work
THIS IS not FOR YOU IF...
❌ You're looking for a quick fix with no commitment
❌ You don't believe discipline and respect matter
❌ You're only interested in fighting, not personal growth
❌ You're not open to being coached or making changes
❌ You expect results without consistent effort and attendance
❌ You're looking for a daycare, not a development program
why
Filipino Kali Academy
we make discipline fun.
We are committed to providing a safe, caring, and educational environment — actively encouraging the personal growth of every student, and reinforcing the good habits taught at home.
Anti-Bullying System
Confidence-based tools taught in every kids and teen class.
adhd-friendly
.Structured drills & positive reinforcement for every learning style.
belt mastery path
A milestone system that teaches students to set and achieve goals.
family culture
Parents are partners. We send tools to reinforce skills at home.
Since 1997
Founded — built on over 45 years of martial arts experience and more than 30 years of helping people grow through discipline, confidence, and authentic training.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"We are very happy with our experience at this Filipino Kali, The instructors are absolutely respectful and very patient with kids, especially my 6-year-old son. They create a positive, structured, and encouraging environment that makes learning both fun and meaningful. The drills and techniques have helped him become more aware of his movements, improve his balance, and develop stronger motor skills — all while having a great time. Thank you Master Ace!"
Asheden C.
hear it from our members
Real members.
Real Transformations.
Members from Bergenfield share their experience.
Featured Testimonial · Filipino Kali Academy
·
Bergenfield, NJ
5.0
Real Reviews Rating
2473+
Five Star Rating
96%
Facebook Recommendation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Where to even begin , am a martial artist myself and I have learn so much from Master Ace and Master Kris , incredible school so much variety , their technique is amazing and detail , They are very knowledgeable in multiple arts, Great with kids and teens, will turn them into future leaders! Their adult classes are amazing as well ! Real martial art training, very rare to find these days ! I highly recommended this school!"
Joshua R.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My son absolutely loves his martial arts classes! Master Ace and Kris are amazing with kids. I’ve known them for a long time, but seeing them in action at their school really showed me how skilled and passionate they are as instructors. They make every class fun while teaching discipline, focus, and confidence. Highly recommend this school for any parent looking to get their child into martial arts!"
Joshua M.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I was a bit nervous about joining, having never really done any Martial Arts before and not knowing much about Kali. But Master Ace, Guro Kris, and Lakan Guro Julian have all been so welcoming and encouraging from the very beginning. All three are amazing, knowledgeable teachers whose love for Kali is evident. I’ve only been training here for about 3 weeks and have already learned so much in such a short amount of time. Being Filipino, I especially love the connection back to my culture. Looking forward to continuing this journey with FKA!"
Allan G.
Our Programs
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM
Bergenfield
members
Serving Bergenfield area, and surrounding communities.
Is Filipino Kali Academy right for beginners?
Absolutely. Most of our students start with little to no martial arts experience. Whether you're interested in Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, self-defense, or fitness training, our instructors will guide you step-by-step in a welcoming, supportive environment. No experience is required to get started.
Do you serve families outside Bergenfield?
Yes! Filipino Kali Academy proudly serves students from Bergenfield, Dumont, New Milford, Teaneck, Tenafly, Englewood, Cresskill, Hackensack, and surrounding Bergen County communities. Our convenient class schedule makes it easy for busy families and working professionals to train consistently.
What age can my child start at Filipino Kali Academy?
We welcome children as young as 5 years old in our Future Hero (Bayani) programs. Classes are designed to help students build confidence, focus, discipline, coordination, and respect while having fun in a safe and encouraging environment.
What can I expect during my first class?
Your first visit is all about helping you feel comfortable and confident. You'll meet our instructors, tour the academy, participate in a beginner-friendly class, and learn more about our programs. There's no pressure and no prior experience needed—just come ready to learn and have fun.
Is Filipino Kali good for self-defense?
Yes. Filipino Kali is widely respected for its practical self-defense applications. Students learn awareness, timing, coordination, and real-world defensive skills that can help them feel more confident and prepared in everyday situations.
No Experience Needed · No Long-Term Commitment
get started now
Personal attention from our instructors, and a real taste of what we can do for you or your child.
Filipino Kali Academy
·
53 South Washington Avenue · Bergenfield NJ 07621
Root-cause healing that restores the body through nervous system regulation, detox pathways, and metabolism. Not symptom-chasing. Not another bandaid.
Hi, I'm Dr. Kourtney
Three pillars of real,
lasting results
Energy & Fatigue Recovery
Nervous system and detox support that addresses why your body is stuck in survival mode — not just masking exhaustion with caffeine and supplements.
01
Metabolism & Weight Loss Resistance
If you're eating right and exercising but nothing moves, there's a deeper reason. We find it — and fix it — using functional labs and a personalized protocol.
02
Hormone Balance
Hormone issues are signals of something deeper — drainage, nervous system dysregulation, or metabolic burden. I help you address the root, not just the numbers.
03
MY APPROACH
Why clients get results when
nothing else worked
I combine 20+ years as a pharmacist with a root-cause, whole-body approach — bridging conventional medicine with the deeper healing most practitioners never address.
01
Regulate before you detox
Nervous system and drainage are the non-negotiable foundation. Skip this step and nothing else sticks.
02
Healing is low and slow
Real detox doesn't happen overnight. Sustainable results come from doing it right — at the pace your body can actually handle.
03
Symptoms are signals, not diagnoses
Hormone imbalances, weight gain, fatigue — your body is communicating. We listen, then address what they're pointing to.
"I get it, because I've been there — and I know exactly where conventional medicine stops and real healing begins."
● Pharmacist-level fluency in your labs, medications, and diagnostics
● Functional medicine lens that asks why , not just what
● Whole-body protocols — nervous system, detox, and metabolism together
● 1:1 consultations using the Root Cause Method, not cookie-cutter plans
● Internationally accredited certification teaching practitioners the same method
national
business Advisory & Tenant Representation
These two services are conducted without geographic restriction. We advise and represent clients wherever the deal or operation requires — across the US.
track record
Clients & Partners
Past tenants and S&P 500 companies we've worked alongside.
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