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.

  OUR STORY

A School of Leaders.

Filipino Kali Academy was founded in 1997 with one mission: use martial arts to help educate the young minds of today — creating a better America, one black belt at a time.

PHARMACISTS

NURSES

HEALTH COACHES

DOCTORS

PAS

CRNPS

QUICK ANSWERS

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM

Bergenfield members

Can't find your answer here? Call us at (201) 908-1400 or Send Us a Message.

Still have questions?

Visit us at 53 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, New Jersey 07621, United States

  • Is Filipino Kali Academy right for a complete beginner?

    Absolutely. Many of our students begin with no previous martial arts experience. Our instructors create a welcoming environment where beginners can learn at their own pace while building confidence, practical skills, and a strong foundation from day one.

  • What age can my child start?

    Our Kids Martial Arts program welcomes children ages 4–12. We also offer programs for teens and adults ages 13+, including Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, and Self-Defense Workshops.

  • Can martial arts help my child build focus and confidence?

    Yes. Our Kids Martial Arts program is designed to help children improve focus, self-discipline, confidence, and respect through structured classes and consistent encouragement. Many parents notice positive changes both at home and at school as their children continue training.

  • What programs does Filipino Kali Academy offer?

    We offer Kids Martial Arts (ages 4–12), Adult Filipino Kali (ages 13+), Muay Thai (ages 13+), and Self-Defense Workshops. Every program is designed to help students develop practical skills, confidence, discipline, and lifelong personal growth.

  • Can I try a class before joining?

    Yes. We encourage new students to visit the academy, meet our instructors, and experience a class before making a decision. It's a great opportunity to see our teaching style, ask questions, and find the program that's right for you or your child.

  • Do I need to be fit before I start?

    Not at all. Our classes are designed for beginners as well as experienced students. You'll train at your own pace, improve your fitness over time, and receive guidance from instructors who are committed to helping you succeed.

  • Do I have to spar or make physical contact?

    No. Your safety and comfort are important to us. We introduce training progressively, allowing every student to build confidence and skills at a pace that's appropriate for their experience and comfort level.

  • Who teaches the classes?

    Classes are led by Owner and Head Instructor Ace Ramirez, who has over 40 years of martial arts training and more than 30 years of teaching experience. Along with the academy's instructional team, he is committed to helping every student grow through authentic martial arts, practical self-defense, and positive mentorship.

  • Why should I choose Filipino Kali Academy over other martial arts schools?

    Filipino Kali Academy offers authentic Filipino Martial Arts instruction led by Owner and Head Instructor Ace Ramirez, who brings over 40 years of training and more than 30 years of teaching experience. Beyond learning martial arts, students join a supportive community focused on building confidence, discipline, respect, and practical skills for everyday life.

No Experience Needed · No Long-Term Commitment

Still Have Questions?

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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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