Our Martial Arts Story

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

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

Unique in his time, he earned recognition in Kyokushin Karate, Hapkido, Judo and Western Boxing in addition to being a Western pioneer of Taekwondo which he Introduced to Alabama in 1969. Throughout the next decade he would train thousands of civilians, state & federal law enforcement officers, and soldiers. This continued until 1979 when he retired from the public eye to raise a family and pursue pastoral & mission work. He continued offering private instruction and consultation for the remainder of his life.  

In the mid 80's I began my training under his watchful eye and was later joined by my younger brothers. We would go on to earn our Black Belts and Instructor Certifications in different arts thus beginning a next generation of students for my father's lineage!

Inspired by my father's diverse training, in addition to Taekwondo, I also studies Muay Thai under Kru Som (Muay Lao) as well as wrestling and Kosen Judo under Brandon Love throughout the late 1990's.

By the turn of the millennium, my brothers and I were actively competing and offering seminar instruction where we noticed a diminishing standard and also a visible lack of diversity in most gyms across the region. This set us on a mission to re-introduce our father's teachings, and the inclusion of our own skills without regard for race, religion, or national origin as my father had done decades earlier. 

Coining ourselves "Team NXG" as the Next Generation who would carry our father's legacy,  we ultimately reached an international platform in Taekwondo, competing in world level events including the Inaugural International Goodwill Championships, and the Taekwondo World Pioneer's Cup. 

We opened Bateman Taekwondo & Combat Sports (2009) with "Team NXG" competing in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in additional to striking events.

With over 30 years of my own martial arts experience, and with my Dad's blessing, our academy expanded to more fully express the totality of our knowledge and mission to serve future generations.

In as much, NXG Combat Sports was born!

Later with the addition of an international affiliate and a satellite program, our Montgomery location is now the administrative headquarters of the

 NXG COMBAT SPORTS ASSOCIATION. 

We continue on our mission to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for us, and to give respect to each culture and art that blessed our journey.

Love and respect to  

 Korea Taekwondo Oh Do Kwan

 Kru Som Muay Lao

Tsunami Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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

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