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

Our Programs
find your perfect program
Our Bergenfield studio at 53 South Washington Avenue · Bergenfield NJ 07621 is built on three pillars that shape every class, every instructor, and every student journey.

Authentic Martial Arts Experience
Students learn from experienced instructors who emphasize practical skills, personal growth, and the traditions of Filipino Martial Arts in a welcoming environment.

Confidence Beyond the Mat
Our classes are designed to help children and adults develop confidence, discipline, and respect that positively influence school, work, and everyday life.

Supportive Community
Filipino Kali Academy is a place where students encourage one another, celebrate progress, and enjoy training alongside people who share a commitment to continuous improvement.
Part of the
Bergenfield
Community
Rooted in
Bergenfield, NJ
Located in Bergenfield, Filipino Kali Academy provides a convenient place for children, teens, and adults to train after school, after work, or on weekends. Our welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for students of all experience levels to begin their martial arts journey with confidence.
We're proud to serve families throughout Bergenfield and the surrounding communities by providing authentic martial arts instruction, practical self-defense training, and a supportive environment where lasting friendships and lifelong skills are built.
📍Bergenfield
📌
Convenient Bergenfield Location
Located at 53 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621, making it easy for local families and working professionals to train consistently.
📌
Programs for the Whole Family
From Kids Martial Arts to Adult Filipino Kali, Muay Thai, and Self-Defense Workshops, there's a program designed for every stage of life.
📌
Experienced Leadership
Train under Owner and Head Instructor Ace Ramirez, who brings over 40 years of martial arts experience and more than 30 years of teaching to the Bergenfield community.
🕐
class hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
12:00 AM–8:00 PM
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
12:00 AM–8:00 PM
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
12:00 AM–8:00 PM
8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Closed
Bergenfield
STUDIO
Local Schools & Families
Schools We Serve
We welcome students from schools throughout Bergenfield and surrounding communities. If your child attends any of these schools — we're right in your neighborhood.
🔴 Washington Elementary School
🔴 Franklin Elementary School
🔴 Jefferson Elementary School
🔴 Hoover Elementary School
🔴 Dumont High School
🔴 Bergenfield High School
🔴 Local public & private schools across New Jersey

8k+
Students across Bergenfield have achieved their goals since 1997 — and thousands of them started right here in New Jersey.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"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.
find your program
choose your path
Every program is designed to build confident leaders — not just martial artists. Find the perfect fit for your age and goals.

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
why Bergenfield
members trust us
verified feedback from
our members.
5.0
Real Reviews Rating
2473+
Five Star Rating
96%
Facebook Recommendation
35+
Years in the Community
1997
Years Founded
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"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.
Common Questions
start with confidence
Quick answers to the most common questions from families in
Bergenfield area who are considering Filipino Kali Academy.
Where is Filipino Kali Academy located?
Filipino Kali Academy is located at 53 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. We proudly serve students and families from Bergenfield, Dumont, Tenafly, New Milford, Cresskill, Teaneck, Englewood, and the surrounding Bergen County communities.
How can I get started with martial arts classes at Filipino Kali Academy?
Getting started is easy. Contact us to schedule your first visit, meet our instructors, and explore the program that's right for you or your child. Wear comfortable athletic clothing, bring any questions you have, and we'll guide you through the rest in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
What martial arts programs do you offer?
Filipino Kali Academy offers Kids Martial Arts (ages 4–12), Adult Filipino Kali (ages 13+), Muay Thai (ages 13+), and Self-Defense Workshops. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve fitness, or learn practical self-defense, we have a program designed for your goals.
How much do martial arts classes cost?
Program tuition varies based on the class and membership option that's right for you or your family. Contact Filipino Kali Academy for current pricing, available programs, and information about introductory offers or your first visit.
Can martial arts help children with focus and self-discipline?
Yes. Our structured Kids Martial Arts program helps children build focus, confidence, self-discipline, and respect through consistent training and positive instruction. Many parents tell us they see improvements that carry over into school, home, and everyday life.
Do you offer an introductory trial?
Yes. We welcome new students to visit the academy, meet our instructors, and experience a class before making a commitment. It's the best way to see our teaching style, ask questions, and discover how Filipino Kali Academy can help you or your child reach your goals.
No Experience Needed
Start Your Martial Arts Journey in
Bergenfield.
One conversation can give you the direction you need to begin. Filipino Kali Academy has been building leaders in Bergenfield, NJ since 1997.
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.
