When people walk through the doors of our Kung Fu school in Bellevue, they quickly realize something is different. This isn’t just a place to learn punches and kicks. It’s a place to build character, confidence, and compassion, and that all starts with its founder, Sifu Mark Goblowsky.
Recently, local REALTOR Justin Ogburn visited American Academies of Martial Arts for a special interview with Sifu Mark and his son, Josh Goblowsky to share the story behind this long-standing Kung Fu school in Bellevue. What unfolds in the video below is a powerful story about service, resilience, and how the practice of Kung Fu continues to change lives.
🎥 Watch the full interview below:
From Air Force Veteran to Kung Fu Instructor
Before he was known as Sifu, Mark served nearly a decade in the U.S. Air Force. During his military years, he discovered the discipline and philosophy of Kung Fu and saw how its principles of patience and effort mirrored the mindset of service.
“Kung Fu literally means hard work over time,” Mark explains. “It’s not just about fighting, it’s about becoming excellent at something through effort and patience.”
When he returned from overseas, he wanted to continue his training without changing systems.
That determination led him to open his own Kung Fu school in Bellevue, creating a space where others could learn the deeper lessons of the martial arts.
What began as a small endeavor has grown into a community where students of every age discover how focus, humility, and self-discipline can transform their lives.
What Makes Our Kung Fu School in Bellevue Unique
While many martial arts programs focus on competition, our Kung Fu school in Bellevue emphasizes character development and personal growth. On the wall of the school are guiding words, modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Students learn to face challenges calmly, treat others with respect, and build the confidence to persevere even when things are difficult.
“We use physical training as a tool to build the person,” Mark says. “Kung Fu should make you stronger in every sense, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.”
Families across the Omaha metro come to the Kung Fu school in Bellevue for many different reasons. The biggest ones are that they see how it helps children focus better, adults relieve stress, and seniors stay active and balanced. From preschoolers to students in their seventies, everyone finds a home here.
Josh’s Story: Perseverance in Motion
Mark’s son, Josh Goblowsky, practically grew up on the mat. From the moment he could crawl, he was part of the energy and community at the Kung Fu school in Bellevue.
At age three, a tragic car accident left Josh with a traumatic brain injury, forever changing his physical abilities, but not his spirit.
Today, Josh is the author of two books, Josh’s World and Josh’s Friends, sharing stories of friendship, hope, and perseverance. His example reminds every student that Kung Fu is not about perfection; it’s about progress, patience, and heart.
“He’s shown an indomitable spirit from day one,” Mark says. “He reminds everyone that no matter what you face, you can keep moving forward.”
Josh’s courage continues to inspire both instructors and students inside our Kung Fu school in Bellevue. His story shows that true strength is measured by perseverance, not circumstance.
The Spirit of Kung Fu
For Mark, Kung Fu has always been more than a martial art, it’s a lifelong practice of becoming a better human being.
“Whether you’re a child building confidence or an adult learning patience, Kung Fu gives you a framework to overcome obstacles,” he says. “It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.”
That belief defines every class taught at our Kung Fu school in Bellevue. Each bow, stance, and technique carries a lesson in humility, gratitude, and focus. These are qualities that extend far beyond the training floor.
Visit American Academies of Martial Arts
Located at 25th & Cornhusker Road in Bellevue, American Academies of Martial Arts welcomes students of all ages and experience levels. Our Kung Fu school in Bellevue is more than a place to train. It’s a community that helps kids and adults build confidence, focus, and resilience through the timeless practice of Kung Fu.
If you’re ready to help your child grow in character or to challenge yourself in a supportive environment, we invite you to apply today and experience how Kung Fu can strengthen both body and mind.
👧 For Kids (ages 4–12): Apply Here
🧑🎓For Teens & Adults: Apply Here
To learn more about the philosophy that guides our training, explore our post on Yang Sheng: Nourishing Life Through Martial Arts. This provides a deeper look at how Kung Fu helps students cultivate balance, health, and a peaceful spirit both on and off the mat.
We can’t wait to meet you, welcome you to the mat, and help you begin your Kung Fu journey.
📍 American Academies of Martial Arts
25th & Cornhusker Rd, Bellevue, NE
🌐 www.martialartsinbellevue.com
📞 402-731-KICK (5425)
Want to know how it all began? Discover our school’s origin story in School Spotlight: The Journey That Built Our Kung Fu School in Bellevue, where Sifu Mark shares how a dream born overseas became the foundation for the AAMA community we know today.