Omaha Kali Academy
About
Omaha Kali Academy offers comprehensive training across multiple martial arts disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate. The gym is led by instructors with diverse skill sets, including Dean who is a senior associate instructor under Guru Dan Inosanto, the protégé of Bruce Lee. This lineage ensures authentic, knowledgeable instruction that emphasizes learning the art itself rather than commercialized training programs. Members appreciate the affordable pricing structure that avoids constant upselling or monthly gimmicks, making quality martial arts education accessible to all skill levels.
Students consistently describe a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where egos are left at the door and everyone is focused on learning. Reviews highlight how newcomers are treated like family from their very first day, with respectful students and supportive training partners. The environment balances serious martial arts training with enjoyable elements like good music during sessions and occasional community events featuring art and food. Whether training for self-defense, fitness, or competition, members find exactly what they're looking for in a supportive community that feels like a second home.
Both seasoned martial artists and complete beginners report excellent progress through group classes and private lessons. The coaching style is described as professional yet fun, with instructors who genuinely care about each student's development. Members particularly value the variety of martial arts available under one roof, allowing them to explore different disciplines or focus on specific areas like grappling, which one reviewer discovered as a new passion through the academy's BJJ program. The combination of authentic instruction, supportive community, and comprehensive training options makes this gym stand out in the Omaha martial arts scene.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the knowledgeable and caring instructors, particularly highlighting Dean's diverse skill set and professional yet fun teaching style. Reviewers describe a family-like atmosphere where everyone is respectful and supportive, with newcomers feeling welcomed from day one. Students appreciate the authentic martial arts focus that prioritizes learning over commercial gimmicks, along with the affordable pricing structure. Several mention discovering new passions like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and value the variety of disciplines available, with the gym becoming a second home for many members.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Kevin Colabello
10 years ago
I have been to a lot of martial arts schools in Omaha and this is by far one of the best! The instructor is very knowledgeable in the arts that he teaches. The students are very respectful and there are no egos...just students willing to learn. This is a true martial arts school where it's about learning the art, not draining your pocketbook with something new every month. I've been attending here for around 4 years and look forward to every class. If you're looking for a good martial arts school or just to train to get into shape, then you should definitely check out Omaha Kali.
Angela Valentine
6 years ago
Great time, great 1st experience with so many ppl creating art work, good music & food. The atmosphere was awesome, darn good DJ 2
Kenny Barona
2 years ago
I trained at Omaha Kali while I was stationed at Offutt between 2019 until June 2023. Prior to training at Omaha Kali, I did Kung Fu and MMA for several years as a teenager. When I moved to Omaha, I was in search of somewhere to train. I was able to find Dean, who is a senior associate instructor under Guru Dan Inosanto, the protégé of the late great Bruce Lee. It was here, at Omaha Kali, that I started training in BJJ and fell in love. I still had my love for stand up but something about grappling really drew me in. Training at Omaha Kali was amazing and the people there feel like family to me. I couldn't begin to express how thankful I am for the people like Dean, Beau, and Marcus who made that place like a second home to me. You want quality training in a variety of different martial arts? This is where you come. You want a place that will literally treat you like family from day one? There is no better place. I miss you all.
Alex Wilson
8 years ago
I've taken more than a few group classes and private lessons here. The instruction is amazing and I feel like I learn exactly what I set out to. Dean has such a diverse skill set and is an extremely caring, professional, and fun instructor. Perfect for people who are seasoned or new. Very affordable as well.
B H
2 years ago
Great place to learn martial arts!