About Ohana Martial Arts: Where Every Student Becomes Family

From One Teacher's Dream to a Las Vegas Family Legacy

Twenty-two years ago, Master Durant was teaching martial arts at someone else's school when he noticed something that bothered him deeply. Too many students were being treated like numbers rather than individuals. Kids who needed extra encouragement were often overlooked, while others who could benefit from more challenge weren't being pushed to reach their potential. He watched talented instructors become distant once their classes grew larger, and he saw parents who wanted to be involved in their child's growth being kept at arm's length.

That's when Master Durant made a decision that would change hundreds of lives: he would create a different kind of martial arts school. A place where "family" wasn't just a marketing slogan, but a living, breathing reality. He chose the name "Ohana" because in Hawaiian culture, it represents something beautiful—the idea that family extends far beyond blood relations to include everyone who shows up with loyalty, love, and genuine commitment to each other's success.

When he opened the doors to Ohana Martial Arts in 2003, Master Durant made himself a promise: no matter how much the school grew, he would personally know every student's name, understand their unique challenges, and celebrate their victories as if they were his own children. Today, after watching thousands of students transform from shy beginners into confident leaders, that promise remains as strong as ever.

What makes Master Durant's story even more meaningful is witnessing the ripple effects of his vision. He's seen quiet three-year-olds blossom into confident speakers. He's watched anxious teenagers develop the courage to stand up to bullies—not with violence, but with unshakeable inner strength. He's helped busy parents rediscover their own power and potential while setting incredible examples for their children. These transformations happen because every class, every interaction, and every decision at Ohana is guided by one simple question: "How can we help this person become the best version of themselves?"

More Than Values—A Living Philosophy

Walk into most martial arts schools and you'll see inspirational posters about respect, discipline, and perseverance hanging on the walls. At Ohana Martial Arts, those same principles are woven into every moment of every class, but not because they're written down somewhere—because they're genuinely lived out by every instructor and embraced by every student.

Here's what we've learned after more than two decades of working with families: children don't just need to hear about good character; they need to experience it, practice it, and see it modeled consistently. That's why our approach focuses on creating alignment between what families value at home and what students experience in our dojo. When a child hears the same messages about treating others with kindness both from their parents and their martial arts instructors, those lessons don't just stick—they become part of who that child is.

We've seen this approach work thousands of times. Parents regularly share stories with us about their children becoming more helpful at home without being asked, showing patience with younger siblings, or standing up for classmates who are being treated unfairly. These changes don't happen by accident—they're the natural result of consistently practicing respect, responsibility, and genuine care for others in an environment where those values are lived out, not just talked about.

But here's what really sets our approach apart: we recognize that when a child joins our program, their entire family becomes part of something bigger. Parents aren't just dropping their kids off for an activity; they're partnering with us in one of the most important jobs in the world—raising strong, ethical, confident human beings. That's why we maintain open communication about each student's progress, celebrate achievements together, and work as a team to address any challenges that come up along the way.

🥋 Meet the Heart of Our Ohana: Master Durant

You know how some business owners become less involved as their companies grow? Master Durant chose the exact opposite path. After 22 years, he's more hands-on than ever, and there's a simple reason why: he genuinely believes that knowing each student personally isn't just nice—it's essential for helping them reach their full potential.

Master Durant's journey in martial arts began long before he ever thought about opening his own school. As a young man, he experienced firsthand how the right mentor could see potential in someone that they couldn't see in themselves. He had instructors who challenged him not just to become a better martial artist, but to become a better person. Those experiences planted a seed that would eventually grow into his life's calling: using martial arts as a tool to help people discover their own strength, both physically and emotionally.

What parents love most about Master Durant is how quickly he connects with their children and how well he adapts his teaching style to bring out each student's unique strengths. If you have a naturally energetic child who needs to learn self-control, he knows exactly how to channel that energy in positive ways. If your child is shy and hesitant, he has a gift for creating safe opportunities for them to step out of their comfort zone and discover their inner confidence. He's worked with children who have learning differences, kids who are dealing with bullying, teenagers struggling with peer pressure, and adults who haven't exercised in years—and somehow, he finds a way to help each one succeed.

But perhaps what's most remarkable about Master Durant is how his passion for helping others extends throughout our entire team. Every instructor at Ohana has been personally trained by him, not just in martial arts techniques, but in the art of seeing the best in people and knowing how to bring it out. This creates a consistent culture where every student—whether they're three years old or forty-three—feels genuinely valued, appropriately challenged, and truly celebrated for their progress.

7th-Degree Black Belt

Kevin L Durant

• Experienced Leader
• State Champion Sparrer
• Trained and Mentored Thousands of Students
  

Meet the Team of Junior Instructors

Our Black Belt Leaders

Supporting Master Durant in every class is a dedicated team of Black Belt Junior Instructors, each bringing enthusiasm, skill, and leadership to the dojo. These young martial artists have demonstrated not only technical excellence but also a commitment to mentoring others, helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, and a strong foundation in their training. Their energy and guidance create a positive and motivating environment for everyone on the mat.

Why Families Choose Us: Results You Can See and Feel

When families throughout Las Vegas, Enterprise, Southern Highlands, Henderson, Anthem, and Inspirada choose Ohana Martial Arts, they're not just selecting a place for their children to learn martial arts—they're choosing a partner in their child's character development and personal growth. Here's what makes that partnership so effective and why parents consistently tell us we're different from other schools they've tried.

First, there's Master Durant's personal involvement in every student's journey. In a world of franchise operations where the owner might visit once a month, our students have direct access to someone with over two decades of experience who genuinely cares about their progress. When you enroll at Ohana, Master Durant doesn't just know your child's name—he understands their personality, recognizes their challenges, and celebrates their unique strengths. This level of personal attention creates an environment where children feel truly seen and valued, which is often the foundation they need to build genuine confidence.

Our innovative Leadership program adds another layer of mentorship that parents absolutely love. Our junior Black Belt instructors serve as role models for younger students while developing their own leadership abilities in the process. There's something magical about watching a 12-year-old help a 6-year-old perfect a technique, or seeing a teenager naturally demonstrate patience and encouragement with a new student. These interactions teach leadership, empathy, and responsibility in ways that can't be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.

We also maintain intentionally small class sizes because we've learned that personalized attention isn't just nice to have—it's essential for real growth. Our optimal student-to-instructor ratios mean we can address each child's unique learning style, adapt techniques for different physical abilities, and provide the individual encouragement that helps every student succeed. Parents often tell us they're amazed by how quickly we identify their child's specific needs and how effectively we address them, whether that's helping an anxious child build confidence or teaching a high-energy child to focus their intensity in positive ways.

Your Family's Journey Starts Here

Choosing the right martial arts school for your family is about much more than finding a convenient location or affordable prices—it's about discovering a place where your child will be genuinely known, consistently encouraged, and appropriately challenged to become their absolute best. After 22 years of serving families throughout the Las Vegas valley, we've learned that the most important thing we can offer isn't just martial arts instruction, but a community where your child feels they truly belong.

If you're ready to give your child the gifts of confidence, character, and genuine community, we would be honored to welcome your family into our ohana. We invite you to visit our dojo, meet Master Durant and our team, and see for yourself the warm, supportive environment that has made us a trusted partner for so many local families. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step, and we're here to help you and your child take that important first step toward a stronger, more confident future together.