From teaching kids to defend themselves against potential threats to helping law enforcement officers handle tense situations more effectively, martial arts training carries profound benefits that extend far beyond the mat. 

Kaleb, founder of Inferno Martial Arts, joins the B-Team Podcast to share his remarkable journey from passionate practitioner to successful business owner. What started in 2003 as training sessions in a literal tool shed has blossomed into five thriving locations across Northwest Arkansas, serving everyone from toddlers to senior citizens.

The conversation explores the careful balance of teaching potentially dangerous skills while instilling the responsibility that must accompany them. For children, martial arts creates valuable muscle memory for high-stress situations. When someone attempts to pin them down, they don't freeze with fear - they've practiced escaping similar positions hundreds of times in a controlled environment. This preparation addresses a critical gap in traditional safety education.

For adults, martial arts offers physical fitness coupled with mental engagement and community. Jiu-jitsu has become particularly popular among older demographics because of its lower impact on the body while still providing effective self-defense training. The "executive class" at Inferno demonstrates this appeal, attracting professionals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

The most compelling insights come when Kaleb breaks down fundamental self-defense principles everyone should know: turn your hips toward danger, target vulnerable areas like eyes and throat, and understand that controlled training creates cooler, calmer responses to threat. His light-hearted "Dragon" story - about an overly confident newcomer learning humility - perfectly illustrates why proper training matters.

Whether you're considering martial arts for your children, yourself, or simply curious about effective self-defense, this episode delivers practical wisdom with entertaining stories from the mat. Ready to learn how to protect yourself and move toward challenges rather than away from them? This conversation is your perfect starting point.

More About this Episode

The Power of Martial Arts in Building Confidence, Community, and Real-World Skills

When you walk into a martial arts gym, you might expect to see people throwing punches, perfecting takedowns, or sharpening their kicks. What you don’t always expect—but what’s impossible to miss once you spend any amount of time there—is the sense of community, discipline, and transformation that defines places like Inferno Martial Arts in Northwest Arkansas.

We had Kaleb, the founder of Inferno Martial Arts, on the B-Team Podcast to talk about what it means to build a martial arts school that’s not just about fighting—but about family, self-defense, growth, and resilience. And, as anyone who knows Kaleb or has trained at Inferno can attest, this is more than just a business. It’s a movement.

Let’s dive into the lessons and insights from our conversation that go way beyond kicks and punches.

From the Ground Up: Inferno’s Growth Story

Inferno Martial Arts didn’t start in a fancy facility with sponsorships and corporate partners. It started in a tool shed in Clarksville, Arkansas, where Kaleb and a few like-minded friends trained with VHS tapes, heart, and hustle.

Today, Inferno has five locations across Northwest Arkansas—in Bentonville (the HQ), Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale, and Siloam Springs. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a structured organization powered by a group of owners and instructors who live and breathe martial arts. And that growth came with intention.

Kaleb realized early on that creating long-term sustainability required more than just being a great martial artist. It required building a leadership team, training up instructors, and offering something bigger than just a class—it meant building a culture.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

What separates Inferno from so many other programs is the depth of its community connection. Kids who walk in for their first class at age 3 or 4 can stay in the program for years, progressing through age-appropriate curriculum groups like:

  • Tiny Titans (ages 3–4): Play-based learning that introduces discipline and coordination.
  • Little Ninjas (ages 5–7): The beginning of structured martial arts and self-defense.
  • Warriors (ages 8–12): Where kids start sparring, grappling, and leveling up their technique.
  • Teens & Adults: Divided into grappling and striking classes—Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and MMA.

Kaleb and his team don’t just teach technique—they teach values. Respect, discipline, and structure are baked into every class. You’ll hear “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am,” and see straight lines and synchronized drills. Inferno is designed to prepare people—kids and adults alike—not just for competitions or tournaments, but for real-life situations.

Real Self-Defense: Teaching Kids to Be Safe, Not Just Tough

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was Kaleb’s perspective on functional self-defense—especially for kids. Yes, kids learn punches and kicks, but more importantly, they learn how to handle themselves when things get real.

Kaleb broke it down like this: “You don’t want your kid trying to pull guard and attempt a triangle choke if someone’s trying to drag them into a van. You want them to kick, punch, elbow, scream, and get out.” That’s the kind of thinking that sets Inferno apart. It’s not about theory—it’s about reaction, confidence, and muscle memory.

As a dad, hearing that hit home. You don’t want your kids to freeze in a moment of fear. At Inferno, they’ve already been there—under controlled conditions. They’ve practiced getting pinned, escaping holds, and defending themselves hundreds of times. It’s not just a drill—it’s real preparation.

Martial Arts Is for Everyone (Even in Your 40s)

If you’re reading this thinking, “Well, that’s great for kids, but I’m way past my martial arts prime,” think again. Inferno has seen a surge in adults—especially those in their 40s and 50s—joining their Jiu-Jitsu programs. Why? Because it’s not about being the fastest or strongest. It’s about technique, timing, and intelligence.

They even have what Kaleb calls the Masters Class, filled with executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who use training as an outlet. It’s about community, staying in shape, learning something new, and doing something meaningful with your time.

You don’t need to be a future UFC fighter. You just need to want to grow. And at Inferno, there’s a place for you.

Law Enforcement Training & Community Impact

Beyond kids and families, Inferno plays a major role in training local law enforcement officers. Over the last 15 years, Kaleb has helped develop programs that give officers better tools for de-escalation, self-protection, and control. And the results speak for themselves—fewer lawsuits, safer interactions, and more confidence in the field.

What’s more, Inferno offers a scholarship program for officers to train regularly, making sure that these vital skills aren’t reserved only for those with deep pockets or free time. It’s one more way the gym is investing in the safety and well-being of the entire community.

Discipline + Humor = The Inferno Culture

Make no mistake—while Inferno is highly disciplined and serious about technique, it’s also a place full of laughter, camaraderie, and good stories.

Case in point: One of our favorite stories involved a hopeful student named “Dragon” who showed up in a black primer Caprice with a hand-painted Batman logo on the hood. While his confidence was strong, the cardio, not so much. Still, Kaleb treated the moment with humility and humor—because, as he said, “We’ve all been Dragon at some point.”

That mentality—lead with humility, learn from failure, and keep showing up—is the core of Inferno’s training philosophy. Whether you’re a kid, a parent, a cop, or an aspiring UFC fighter, it’s a place where you can leave your ego at the door and get better, one class at a time.

What You’ll Learn (Besides Kicking Butt)

At Inferno, the benefits go well beyond what you might expect:

  • Confidence: Kids and adults alike walk taller after learning to defend themselves.
  • Fitness: Classes are high-energy and full-body workouts.
  • Discipline: Straight lines, structured classes, and respect are the foundation.
  • Real-world skills: From eye-gouges to groin strikes (yep, we went there), you’ll walk away with techniques that can truly protect you or your loved ones.
  • Family involvement: Whether you’re training yourself or just cheering your kid on, it’s a bonding experience.

Getting Started: How to Join the Inferno

The good news is that you don’t have to have a mohawk, be a ninja, or own a Batmobile to train at Inferno. Classes are affordable, and there are options at multiple locations depending on what you’re looking for—smaller class sizes, specific disciplines, or different schedules.

  • Monthly memberships typically range from $125–$160/month.
  • That gets you access to up to four classes per week.
  • Class sizes range from 6 to 40 depending on time and location.
  • All levels are welcome—from 3-year-olds to seasoned adults.

Check them out online at InfernoMMA.com, or just drop by the Bentonville HQ on 102, across from the new Walmart Home Office.

Step Into the Fire

Martial arts isn’t just about fighting. It’s about facing resistance head-on—in your body, in your mind, and in life.

Inferno teaches kids to stand up for themselves, trains law enforcement to protect our communities more effectively, and gives adults a place to reconnect with their own strength. Whether you're 6 or 60, walking through those doors means you're ready to grow—and that’s where the fire starts.

So what are you waiting for?

Step into the Inferno.