Savannah Martial Arts Academy
MMA classes and competitions in Savannah GA
Our Instructors
Sensei Abe Stem
Born: May 8, 1984
Began Martial Arts: October of 2001
Position: Owner / Head Instructor
Current Ranks: Black Belt in Zanshindo; Purple Belt equivalent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
"I came to Beaufort in 1993 at the age of 8. Over the years, I became interested in sports and played football in high school but became interested in martial arts after being introduced to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In beginning my martial arts quest, I looked at Aikido as well as Tae Kwon Do, but I was interested in grappling and submissions. A friend from school and I found McCullough Submission Fighting and decided to try a free class and I was instantly hooked. Over the next year and a half I came to every class possible and gave everything I had to learning the techniques and values of McCullough Submission Fighting up to the point of my Black Belt Testing. That has been one of the most proud moments of my life. I have since been able to award others with their own Black Belt which is a very rewarding experience for me as an instructor. I fully love teaching martial arts and seeing children and adults take the instruction and have it work for them.
I bought McCullough Submission Fighting in March of 2003 with my sister and her husband. Eventually, they sold their portions of the business to me and are now teaching self-defense classes at their college in Waxahatchie, Texas, just south of Dallas. I currently teach and own my school in South Carolina called Beaufort Martial Arts Academy. I decided to open a school in Savannah as well in order to reach a more diversified clientelle including more dedicated fighters, college students, and women. I was interested in Savannah for quite some time and began teaching classes in August of 2006.
I love teaching classes and the students and instructors that share in this experience with me including my wife Brittany and our son. If you have any other questions for me, please email me at abe@savannahmartialarts.com."
Sensei Brittany Stem
Born: August 14, 1985
Began Martial Arts: June 1, 2004
Position: Assistant Instructor
Current Ranks: Black Belt in Zanshindo, Blue Belt Equivalent in BJJ
"I moved to Beaufort, SC in 2004. Before I moved, I wanted to join some kind of karate school. I didn't want to do it alone though. I looked into Tae Kwon Do but I wasn't impressed with the forms. I wanted something more of a challenge. When I started dating Abe, he always talked about Submission Fighting. I thought it was too violent for me. I decided when I moved to South Carolina that I would try the class. I enjoyed it immensely and it was just the challenge I was looking forward to trying. Since I started I have been working with the youth students that are a part of Beaufort Martial Arts Academy. I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from teaching others especially younger people how to do what I do. It is so rewarding when the children are pleased with themselves and satisfied. I enjoy being able to teach adults what I know: it is just as rewarding. I love being able to work side by side with Abe and being a team. I am currently a second degree brown belt and I am working towards my black belt. My ultimate goal in martial arts was to reach black belt level, but since I have reached that level, I hope to continue to teach adults and children including my son."
To contact Brittany, please email her at brittany@savannahmartialarts.com.
