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.
⬤
real families. real results.
Find members
case studies.
Every transformation you see here happened right here — at 3170 Linden Drive, Bristol, Virginia 24202, United States. Real stories from real families.
PHARMACISTS
NURSES
HEALTH COACHES
DOCTORS
PAS
CRNPS
transformation proof
case studies
Detailed transformation stories from Stryker Martial Arts Academy students — timelines, challenges, breakthroughs, and outcomes.
DISCIPLINE
CONFIDENCE STARTED SHOWING UP FAST
Student: Girl, Age 4 · Program: lil cobras · Duration: First Few Weeks
Parents were looking for an activity that would help their daughter build confidence, learn self-defense, stay active, and develop important life skills. Within just a few weeks of training, they noticed significant growth in both her enthusiasm and personal development.
key milestones
📅 Week 1 — Welcomed by instructors and quickly felt part of the community
📅 Week 2 — Began learning foundational martial arts skills and class routines
📅 Week 3 — Built confidence while making new friends
📅 Week 4+ — Showing growth in discipline, focus, and physical fitness
"My daughter has learned so much already and she loves meeting new friends. Not only for self-defense, but for discipline and physical health. The whole staff, including the owners, are so great with the kids and parents."
— Heather R., Parent
CONFIDENCE
MORE THAN MARTIAL ARTS
Student: BOY, Age 8 · Program: Kempo Kidz · Duration: Ongoing
Parents were looking for an activity that would help build confidence, discipline, and focus while keeping their child engaged and excited to learn. Through consistent training and positive coaching, they noticed significant growth in both attitude and self-belief.
key milestones
📅 First Classes — Quickly felt comfortable in the welcoming environment
📅 Month 1 — Developed excitement and motivation to attend classes
📅 Month 3 — Increased confidence and willingness to take on challenges
📅 Ongoing — Continues building focus, discipline, respect, and leadership skills
"The instructors are patient, encouraging, and make each class both fun and challenging. I've noticed such a boost in my child's confidence and motivation since starting here. The environment is positive and family-friendly, and you can tell the staff truly cares about the students' progress."
— Sheri C., Parent
COMMUNITY
MORE THAN A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL
Student: Boy, Age 14 · Program: Teen/adult kempo · Duration: Ongoing
Parents wanted a positive environment where their teenager could stay active, build confidence, and be surrounded by strong role models. What they found was a supportive community where instructors genuinely care about every student's success both on and off the mat.
key milestones
📅 First Classes — Welcomed into a friendly and encouraging environment
📅 Early Training — Built connections with instructors and fellow students
📅 Ongoing Attendance — Developed confidence, accountability, and consistency
📅 Today — Feels like part of a martial arts family, not just another student
"If he misses class Chris calls and checks on him to make sure he's ok. My son isn't just another student there, he is more like family to them. All the kids are great and helpful when needed."
— Jami P., Parent
LONG-TERM GROWTH
EIGHT YEARS AND STILL EXCITED TO TRAIN
Student: Adult Student · Program: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Duration: 8 Years
Finding a martial arts school is one thing. Finding a place that keeps you motivated and engaged year after year is something entirely different. Through expert instruction, a supportive community, and a proven curriculum, this student found a training environment worth committing to for the long haul.
key milestones
📅 Year 1 — Built a strong foundation and confidence in training
📅 Year 3 — Continued developing skills alongside supportive teammates
📅 Year 5 — Advanced through the curriculum with personalized coaching
📅 Year 8 — Still training, learning, and growing with no plans to stop
"The biggest reason is the atmosphere of amazing instructors and students topped off with great curriculum made by Master Machado himself. Makes learning fun and easy to digest while providing top-notch detail with every single technique. You will get attached to the instructors and love the training!"
— Eli M., Student
transformation faq · Bristol members
Case Study Questions
Stryker Martial Arts Academy — serving Bristol area & surrounding communities.
How long does it typically take to see a transformation at Stryker Martial Arts Academy?
Every student is different, but many families begin noticing meaningful improvements in confidence, focus, self-discipline, and attitude within the first 30–90 days of consistent training. Our structured programs are designed to help students grow steadily while celebrating every milestone along the way.
Do you work with kids who have experienced bullying?
Yes. Helping children develop confidence and resilience is a core part of what we do. Students learn how to carry themselves with confidence, use verbal conflict-resolution skills, and respond appropriately in challenging situations. Many parents tell us their children become more confident, assertive, and comfortable in social settings after training with us.
Can you help a child who has tried other activities but struggles to stay committed?
Often, yes. Martial arts provides a unique combination of clear goals, measurable progress, and personal achievement that keeps students engaged. Through our belt system and supportive coaching, children experience regular successes that build motivation and encourage long-term commitment. Many families tell us martial arts became the first activity their child truly looked forward to each week.
No Experience Needed · No Long-Term Commitment
Your Transformation Is Next.
Every case study started with our offer. Book your trial and begin your story today.
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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