Omaha Kung Fu Academy

The term Sifu means "teacher father" in Cantonese and Sifu Jacob takes his role very seriously. I practice a different style of kung fu from a very traditional style, but am pleased to say that Omaha kung fu academy has produced some very good kung fu practitioners and their sifu is very well respected in the American National Kung Fu community. His traditional practice of hung ga and wing chun has been brought into the modern era with a proven understanding of martial arts styles outside of his own and real world application through previous employment in the physical security industry. From what I've seen, his classes have built a strong comradery, his students have a love of learning traditional kung fu, and their school is a growing community of intelligent and kind respected practitioners and well trained fighters. If I lived in Omaha, I would most definitely take the time to try out this academy

I've always wanted to do martial arts, but found the prospect of doing so very intimidating. A few years back I finally pulled the trigger and reached out to Jake, the owner and instructor at Omaha Kung Fu Academy. Any stereotypes I may have had about martial arts schools are absent here. Everyone is chill, swaps stories in between training, and geeks out about our various hobbies and interests. The focus is just on having fun and learning cool stuff. The atmosphere in class is non-competitive and friendly. Everyone is there to learn and help each other grow. There is no strict hierarchy; people who are more comfortable with specific skills assist others in progressing. I attribute this in large part to Jake, who takes great care in fostering a safe and supportive environment. If people are disrespectful or aggressive, they are quickly kicked out. Jake is incredibly passionate about martial arts, having trained in numerous styles over more than 30 years, and is eager to share what he knows. There is no gatekeeping here, and you can progress as quickly as you want if you put in the work. Jake is always willing to answer questions and makes sure that we understand WHY we are doing something. No matter what you are into: forms, drills, sparring, weapons, or empty hand, we do it, sometimes all in a single class session. There is also flexibility. Don’t want to spar? No problem, Jake will give you something else to do. If it is your thing, some of us also compete. We medal at every competition we attend, and consistently have at least one, usually multiple, state champions, and have even placed nationally. Overall, if you are at all interested in martial arts or even just getting some extra physical activity in, I highly recommend checking out Omaha Kung Fu Academy. It’s a fun hobby that allows for nearly limitless progression. It is also a great way to meet people; many great friendships have emerged from our group.

I’ve been going to OFKA for three years and have seen many students excel here. In several cases, students with less than a year of training have been coached into silver and gold medals in local competitions. Sifu Jacob works well with students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. One thing I appreciate as a senior student that I wasn’t expecting when I first started is how well Sifu preserves the historical context of our lineage of kung fu and ensures we know the origins and traditions. He blends that with real-world, modern-day application. I highly recommend giving OKFA a try!

Been with Sifu Jacob since July 2020. He is not only a good teacher but a friend who helps when someone is in need. He treats all of his students and peers as family, providing equal opportunity to learn to everyone. Our oldest students have been in their 70s and the youngest 5 to 6 year old. All genders are welcome and have been given the opportunity to prove themselves without prejudice. He does personalized training for each and everyone of them which shows absolute dedication. Unlike other schools, he does not show progression by buying into a belt or sash system, but rather on skill and commitment. He has led several young adults and children to regional and national prizes in sanctioned competitions. Furthermore, the school respects the lore of the martial styles, which, as part of an intangible human heritage, carries within the history of the common peasantry in East Asia. At the same time, while acknowledging its rites, has a deep rational understanding of the legacy without falling in unnecessary esoteric customs. If you would like professional training and a vision of traditional martial arts as a fluid skill adapted to the modern world, look no further!

Terrible experience with this teacher and program. There was an idol-worship altar inside the classroom, which was completely inappropriate and offensive. The teacher displayed age discrimination and openly favored younger female students. One of those students physically pushed another during class, and the male teacher failed to handle it fairly—he protected the aggressor and attempted to downplay the seriousness of the assault. This incident has already been documented by law enforcement. The teacher later ignored all communication, removed the affected student from the program group chat, and did not respond to the official request for discontinuation and refund of unused days. There was no apology or accountability from either the teacher or the offending student. This has been reported to the state’s Consumer Protection Division. Strongly not recommended.