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.
⬤ 75 Myrtle St · Melrose MA 02176
Martial Arts Classes in Melrose
North Shore Martial Arts offers classes in Kenpo Karate for kids, teens and adults, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for, kids and teens. Since 1997, we've helped students build confidence, discipline, leadership, and character that lasts beyond the dojo.
PHARMACISTS
NURSES
HEALTH COACHES
DOCTORS
PAS
CRNPS
2,457+
Five Star Reviews
29+
Years of Experience
207,265+
Students Achieved Their Goals
Web Special: KIDS TRIAL- 2 weeks for $29 (includes FREE Uniform) | ADULTS TRIAL - 3 classes for $19.99 (includes FREE Uniform) | New students only · Melrose location
★★★★★ 5-Star Rate
Google & Facebook Reviews
Melrose
OPEN: Mon-Sat
Evenings · Weekend Morning Classes
Kenpo Karate · Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kenpo Karate · BJJ · Martial Arts Classes
Since 1997
Creating Leaders- One Black Belt at a Time
Our Programs
find your perfect program
Every program at North Shore Martial Arts is designed to build confident leaders — not just martial artists.
Our Kids Kenpo program helps children develop confidence, focus, and respect in a structured environment where character development is just as important as physical progress.
CONFIDENCE ● DISCIPLINE ● RESPECT ● LEADERSHIP
Kids Kenpo Karate
Ages 5-14
Kids BJJ
Ages 7-12
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches students how to stay calm under pressure while developing resilience, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to overcome challenges.
RESILIENCE ● FOCUS ● AWARENESS ● PERSEVERANCE
Teen BJJ
Ages 13-17
Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives students a positive environment to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop the discipline needed to succeed both on and off the mat.
CONFIDENCE ● ACCOUNTABILITY ● DISCIPLINE ● COMMUNITY
Adult Kenpo Karate
Ages 15+
Adult Kenpo Karate provides a welcoming place for beginners and experienced students alike to improve fitness, sharpen focus, and continue growing through structured martial arts training.
FITNESS ● SELF-DEFENSE ● FOCUS ● CONFIDENCE
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
North Shore Martial Arts
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 in 1997 — for over 29 years, North Shore Martial Arts has helped Melrose families build confidence, discipline, leadership, and strong character through martial arts.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My son has been attending this martial arts center for nearly a year and a half, and the transformation has been remarkable. I originally enrolled him because I wanted to reinforce structure and discipline outside of our home, and the results have exceeded my expectations."
Karielys J.
growth
RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY BECAME DAILY HABITS
Student: Boy · Program: Kids Martial Arts
This family wanted more than an activity—they wanted a place where their son would be challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow. Through patient instruction, high standards, and positive mentorship, he thrived in an environment that emphasized character just as much as martial arts.
key milestones
📅 First Classes — Built confidence with patient, encouraging instructors
📅 Ongoing Training — Learned that belts are earned through effort and consistency
📅 Continued Growth — Developed stronger respect, responsibility, and self-discipline
📅 Today — Thriving in a program that supports growth both on and off the mat
"This is a mom's dream! My middle son has thrived here. The senseis are kind and patient, yet make the students earn their belts. Respect and responsibility are expected, and the Powerful Words program complements the discipline being taught. Sensei Bill even remembered my son's birthday and sent a card! I highly recommend this program." — Susanne D., Parent
confidence
STRUCTURE AT HOME BECAME CONFIDENCE EVERYWHERE
Student: Boy · Program: Kids Martial Arts · Duration: Nearly 1.5 Years
Parents wanted to reinforce the structure and discipline they were teaching at home by giving their son positive guidance outside the house. Over time, that consistency helped him develop stronger habits, greater confidence, and continued personal growth.
key milestones
📅 First Month — Adjusted to class routines and expectations
📅 Month 6 — Discipline and positive habits became more consistent
📅 Year 1 — Confidence and maturity continued to grow
📅 Nearly 1.5 Years — Family saw lasting improvements that exceeded expectations
"My son has been attending this martial arts center for nearly a year and a half, and the transformation has been remarkable. I originally enrolled him because I wanted to reinforce structure and discipline outside of our home, and the results have exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this center to any parent looking for a holistic approach to their child's development."
— Karielys J., Parent
community
A CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE THAT LASTED A LIFETIME
Student: Christian · Program: Kids & Youth Martial Arts · Duration: 9 Years
Christian began training at a young age and stayed with the program for nearly a decade, growing in skill, confidence, and character along the way. His journey to green belt reflects the lasting impact of consistent training and a supportive martial arts community.
key milestones
📅 Age 6 — Began martial arts training
📅 Years of Training — Progressed through the belt ranks with consistent dedication
📅 Year 9 — Earned the rank of Green Belt
📅 Today — Looks back with gratitude and enjoys seeing former classmates become instructors
"I first went to this martial arts school when I was around 6 years old and trained here for 9 years, eventually earning my green belt. This is one of the best martial arts schools I've ever been to. Sensei Bill was the nicest guy ever, and it's amazing to see my old classmates now teaching as instructors. Thank you for everything, Northshore Martial Arts team!"
— Christian D., Student
family transformation
MARTIAL ARTS BECAME A FAMILY JOURNEY
Students: Parent & Son · Programs: Kids Martial Arts & Adult Martial Arts · Duration: 3 Years
After watching his son grow in confidence and character through martial arts, this parent decided to join the adult program as well. Years later, both continue to train in a positive community focused on personal growth, respect, and lifelong learning.
key milestones
📅 Son Started Training — Began developing confidence and strong character
📅 Parent Joined — Inspired by his son's progress to enroll in adult classes
📅 Year 1 — Built physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience together
📅 Year 3 — Still motivated by supportive instructors and a respectful training environment
"The instructors are talented and committed to the success and character growth of their students. After seeing my son enjoy his classes and grow personally, I enrolled in the adult classes and still look forward to each class. Three years later, I still look forward to improving myself physically and mentally. You will definitely learn more than just martial arts at this dojo."
— Dat V., Parent & Student
5.0
Real Reviews Rating
2,457+
Five Star Rating
96%
Facebook Recommendation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Our experience with this Martial Arts dojo has been exceptional. The Senseis are not only kind, welcoming, and respectful, but they are also deeply committed to nurturing each child’s growth. They skillfully balance physical training with valuable lessons in discipline, integrity, and self-confidence"
Stephanie J.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Very good place for focusing and directing a toddler's energy :) the teacher is really great about building character and values as well. They take a few minutes every class to sit around and discuss their days and character words that are part of their character development program."
Bereket K.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My name is Christian DiBona and currently I am 16 years old. I first went to this Martial arts school when I was very young (around 6 or so) and I practiced here for 9 years and eventually made it up to a green belt. This martial arts school is one of the best ones I’ve ever been to. "
Christian D.
Our Programs
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM
Melrose
members
Serving Melrose area, and surrounding communities.
What age can my child start martial arts?
We offer age-appropriate programs for children starting at a young age, with classes designed to match each student's stage of development, confidence, and learning style.
Does my child need any experience to get started?
Not at all. Many of our students begin with no martial arts experience. Our instructors create a welcoming environment where beginners can learn at their own pace.
What makes North Shore Martial Arts different?
Since 1997, we've focused on developing character alongside martial arts skills. Every class emphasizes confidence, discipline, respect, and leadership in a supportive, structured environment.
Do you offer classes for teens and adults?
Yes. We offer Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as Adult Kenpo Karate, giving students of all experience levels the opportunity to build confidence, improve fitness, and continue growing.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Contact our team to schedule your first visit, meet our instructors, and find the program that's the best fit for you or your child.
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.
North Shore Martial Arts · 75 Myrtle Street, Melrose, Massachusetts 02176, United States
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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