Shawn Steiner  

Mr. Steiner hails from Illinois and served in the United States Air Force for seven years as a communications specialist. After an honorable discharge, he worked in the information technology industry before following his passion for martial arts and firearms. Combining his military discipline with a profound passion for martial arts, he embarked on a journey that would define his life’s work when he opened his first school in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1997 and became the owner and chief instructor. 

His journey into the world of martial arts began during his tenure in the United States Air Force, where his commitment to excellence was evident from an early age. He has studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tenshi Gojo, Shaolin Kempo, Shinkendo, American Chuán Fa, and Kyusho, showcasing his versatility and comprehensive understanding of martial arts principles. In 2007, he started hosting the Midwest Budo Camp, an annual martial arts training event showcasing instructors from many styles of martial arts. His martial arts experience blended into his own style of Steiner’s Chuán Fa, where he was awarded an eighth-degree black belt in 2024. He has trained with martial arts masters from around the globe and taught at international seminars.

In 2005, he invited Dr. Ron Chapél to Omaha to teach American Chuán Fa; this was a defining point in his martial art career, and he subsequently became a personal student of Dr. Chapél. Mr. Steiner has dedicated himself to the art of American Chuán Fa, a discipline he holds dear to his heart. His journey in martial arts has been marked by continuous learning and mastery, earning him recognition as a leading authority in American Chuán Fa as a certified black belt instructor by Dr. Chapél for the Martial Science University, where he is ranked as a second-degree black belt. 

Mr. Steiner is also a certified master firearms instructor who teaches various CCW and other firearms courses. He started teaching firearms in 2009 under the banner of Steiner Academy of Firearms Training. He has trained with many top-level instructors, including Larry Vickers, Massad Ayoob, Tom Givens, Fred Mastison, Craig Douglas, Scott “Jedi” Jedlinski, Gabe White, and many others. 

In 2020, he was recognized as a top shooter at the weeklong RangeMaster™ Master Firearms Instructor Certification taught by Mr. Tom Givens. His expertise in firearms training further enhances his ability to empower individuals with the skills needed for personal protection and self-defense. 

As an instructor, Mr. Steiner’s commitment to his students’ growth and development is unparalleled. He approaches teaching with a blend of technical precision, profound insight, and unwavering dedication, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and guidance on their martial arts journey. 

Beyond his role as an instructor, Mr. Steiner is deeply committed to expanding his own knowledge and understanding of martial arts and firearms training. He holds instructor certifications in various disciplines, including American Chuán Fa, Kyusho Jitsu, Shinkendo, defensive tactics, firearms instruction, and Shaolin Kempo, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted expert. 

Mr. Steiner’s growing legacy in the world of martial arts and firearms training is one of dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through his academy and teachings, he continues to inspire and empower countless individuals on their path to mastery in both martial arts and personal protection. It is his mission to ensure that everyone who attends Steiner Academy of Martial Arts is given the opportunity to grow as martial artists and as individuals.