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.
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OUR STORY
A School of Leaders.
Filipino Kali Academy was built on one mission: to improve lives through authentic martial arts by developing confidence, self-discipline, respect, and practical self-defense skills. Backed by over 40 years of martial arts experience and more than 30 years of teaching, we help students grow both on and off the training floor.
PHARMACISTS
NURSES
HEALTH COACHES
DOCTORS
PAS
CRNPS
Our STORY
A School of Leaders.
A School of Life.
Owner and Head Instructor Ace Ramirez began his martial arts journey in 1980 and has spent decades studying, teaching, and sharing the lessons martial arts can offer. Drawing from his experience in Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, Kyuki-Do, Kung Fu, and Karate, he created Filipino Kali Academy to provide authentic instruction that helps students become stronger, more confident, and better prepared for everyday life.
At Filipino Kali Academy, training is about much more than learning martial arts. Every class is designed to develop discipline, respect, resilience, and practical skills that students can apply at home, at school, at work, and throughout their lives. Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or continuing their martial arts journey, they are encouraged to progress at their own pace in a supportive environment.
Today, our Bergenfield academy is home to a welcoming community of children, teens, and adults who challenge one another, celebrate progress together, and believe that consistent effort leads to lasting growth. We look forward to helping every student discover what they're truly capable of.
1997
Year Founded
35+
Years Experience
8,352+
Students Helped
our core values
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Authentic Instruction
We teach proven martial arts with a focus on practical application, continuous learning, and genuine skill development.
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Character Through Discipline
We believe confidence, respect, and self-discipline are earned through consistent effort and carried into everyday life.
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Practical Self-Defense
We prepare students with realistic skills, awareness, and decision-making that help them feel more capable in real-world situations.
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Community & Personal Growth
We create a welcoming environment where students encourage one another, build lasting confidence, and grow stronger together.
about fka
parent story
bergenfield
our FKA team
Ace Ramirez
Owner & Master Instructor
QUICK ANSWERS
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM
Bergenfield
FAMILIES
Serving Bergenfield area, and surrounding communities.
How long has Filipino Kali Academy been serving Bergenfield?
Filipino Kali Academy is led by Ace Ramirez, who began his martial arts journey in 1980 and has more than 30 years of teaching experience. Our academy at 53 South Washington Avenue has become a welcoming place for Bergenfield families and students looking for authentic martial arts and practical self-defense.
Who are the instructors at Filipino Kali Academy?
Filipino Kali Academy is led by Owner and Head Instructor Ace Ramirez, who brings over 40 years of martial arts training and experience in Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, Kyuki-Do, Kung Fu, and Karate. Our instructors are committed to creating a supportive environment where students of all ages can build confidence, discipline, and practical skills.
What makes Filipino Kali Academy different from other martial arts schools?
Filipino Kali Academy specializes in authentic Filipino Martial Arts while also offering Kids Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Self-Defense Workshops. Every class is built around practical self-defense, personal growth, and a welcoming community where students develop confidence, respect, and lifelong discipline.
No Experience Needed · No Long-Term Commitment
COME MEET THE TEAM.
The best way to experience everything we offer is to come in. Book your trial and see for yourself what we're about.
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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