NXG Combat Sports & Martial Arts

A Pioneer of Martial Arts in America and a pre-MMA era mixed martial artist in his own right, my father began his martial arts journey in the 1950s. 

He would go on to train with the Republic of Korea Army and to teach Allied Forces in Vietnam. 

Unique in his time, he earned recognition in Karate, Hapkido, Judo and Western Boxing in addition to being an American pioneer of Taekwondo which he introduced to Alabama in 1968. Throughout the next decade he would train thousands of civilians, state & federal law enforcement officers, and soldiers. 

He retired from the public eye to raise a family and pursue pastoral & mission work, while continuing as an advisor for the majority of his life.  

When I began my training the world had forgotten him, but to me he was a shining example of a man even when our family went through a long period of uncertainty. However, as a young man trying to find my way I wandered far from his teachings.

I found myself displaced and looking for "home"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 

God placed many mentors along my path and used  their cultures to provide me community when I was lost. He ultimately brought me back to Montgomery looking for familiarity and still trying to find my way... 

My brothers and I looked to martial arts but what we found seemed more like daycare centers providing entertainment not education and there was no real community or environment for adults to train. 

I was discouraged because structure helped guide me and community provided my anchor of support.

This set us on a course to re-introduce real martial arts with true structure and a means of creating community without regard for race, religion, or origin. 

With my family's support, Bateman Taekwondo & Combat Sports was opened in 2009 to provide high-quality, functional martial arts in an environment that created a sense of belonging and provided children and adults with strength & support through unity. 

This new generation carried the torch of our father's legacy, and Team NXG began competing in Taekwondo, Kickboxing, BJJ & MMA to build our name.

Montgomery was introduced to something new - Modern MMA built on a foundation of Tradition.

In time, the vision gained clarity, and my wife and I saw the direction God had chosen for our academy.

 NXG Combat Sports was officially established in 2016

Since its inception our academy's culture continues to grow in popularity throughout Montgomery and beyond as it provided the values of traditional martial arts with the function of modern combat sports.

With the addition of an international affiliate, satellite programs, and a strong connection to our local community we are blessed to continue forging our space in Montgomery's martial arts history. 

All Glory to God, and respect to the legacy of those who came before us. To every teacher, culture and art that contributed to our journey, we are grateful.

Love and respect to  

 Korea Taekwondo Oh Do Kwan

 Kru Som Muay Lao

Tsunami Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Join us in continuing the mission to build unity, strength, belonging, and purpose in our community!

 In  Memory of C. M. Bateman (1947-2016)

"THIS WE'LL DEFEND" - I love you Daddy!