ancient city martial arts
As fellow parents, we at Ancient City Martial Arts understand you have choices when it comes to martial arts instruction for your child. First, thank you; we are honored to be considered in your group of choices.
Master Michael Plott, head instructor at ACMA’s St. Augustine Location, has practiced his craft for over 30 years. Originally a Utah native, Master Plott relocated to South Florida in 1993 and trained under the direction of Grand Master John Pelligrini. In 2002, Master Plott opened his first martial arts studio with just a handful of loyal students. Today, Master Plott has a roster of over 70 students and has a premier studio located at 23 Marion Street in Saint Augustine, Florida. Extensive training in weapons combat training, including knife, stick, and gun, have added to his already impressive arsenal of traditional martial art forms. Master Plott has earned:
- Co-founder of KajuKenbo Hapkido (endorsed by Grand Master Jay Vera)
- 7th Degree Black Belt, KajuKenbo
- 4th Degree Black Belt in Combat Hapkido
- 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
- Black Belt in Chiryoku Riikiji Karate
- 1st Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Defensive Tactics Instructor for local law enforcement and U.S. Customs Border Patrol
- Jiu-Jitsu Ground Combat Instructor for local law-enforcement
Master Plott is also employed full-time as a Deputy Sheriff for the St. Johns County Sheriff Office. He also serves as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Michael Brennan has over 34 years of experience in the Martial Arts, including Cuong Nhu, Shinjimasu/Shaolin Goju, and Kung Fu.
He continued his training under Grand Master Jay Vera in the styles of Kajukenbo, Aiki-Jujitsu, and Penjak Silat.
He was actively involved in SKI/NBL tournaments as a Judge and Referee. He continued training in Upkudo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Currently he holds the following ranks:
- 8th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo under Grand Master Jay Vera
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Marcello Bergo
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Goju
- Volunteer Defensive Tactics Instructor for St Johns County Sheriff Department
Professor Stuart “Stu” Maddox, co-lead Jiu Jitsu instructor at ACMA, has been a dedicated practitioner for 13 years. He began his Jiu Jitsu journey for a short time in 2008, before setting the art aside to focus on wrestling. 4 years later at 21 years old - and ironically through wrestling - he was reintroduced to Jiu Jitsu.
Stu returned to Jiu Jitsu in the summer of 2012 and earned his blue belt in March 2013 under Fight Sports black belt Todd Cutler. By the end of 2013, Stu had relocated to north Florida for college, realized his passion for Jiu Jitsu, and looked to elevate his training by transitioning under 8th degree black belt (red and white coral belt) Master Luiz Palhares. Stu received his purple, brown, and black belts in April 2014, June 2016, and December 2018 respectively, and the first degree on his black belt in December 2021 all from Master Palhares.
Stu began cross-training at Brazilian Top Team Jacksonville on the weekends in 2017, and it was through that connection and mutual friends that Stu met Mike Plott in the summer of 2019. Two years later, Stu approached Mike about starting Muay Thai lessons with him. A few months after beginning their training together Mike invited Stu to teach BJJ as a guest sporadically, which eventually led to Stu being brought on as the co-lead instructor for the Jiu Jitsu program at ACMA, alongside Professor Plott.
In the summer of 2023, Stu became the Associate Kids’ Program Instructor behind Mike Plott.
Professor Stu is an accomplished competitor across all belt levels, with numerous championships to his name.
- Blue Belt:2x IBJJF No-Gi Pan-American Champion 2x IBJJF Miami Open Champion
- Purple Belt:9x IBJJF Atlanta Open ChampionNo-Gi Pan-American Champion6x IBJJF New York Open ChampionIBJJF Miami Open Champion
- Brown Belt:2x IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion5x IBJJF New York Open ChampionIBJJF Miami Open ChampionIBJJF No-Gi Pan-American Open Class Runner-Up
- Sapateiro Invitational 14 Runner-Up
- Black Belt:5x IBJJF Orlando Open Champion2x IBJJF Nashville Open Champion
- IBJJF Pan- American 3rd Place
- IBJJF Houston Open Champion
- IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion
Stu was a 3-time All-American collegiate wrestler for the University of North Florida in the NCWA 235lb division, placing 6th, 2nd, and 1st from 2013-2015. Stu also holds an amateur May Thai record of 3-1.
5th Degree Black Belt, has studied martial arts for 20 years. Her background is a mixed style of TaeKwonDo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, Krav, and Hapkido. Stephanie also has a Masters in Social Work and was a child and family therapist. Because of her background she has focused on teaching children and instructing Ladies Self Defense Classes. Stephanie owned her own school in Northern Virginia, but is now a Floridian forever. She currently teaches Homeschool Martial Arts Classes and travels domestically and abroad teaching Ladies Self Defense.
Megan Brubaker, head trainer and owner of the Training Loft, holds four NCCA accredited training certifications and has experience working with a diverse client base. The passion she has for health and fitness stems from the years spent as a competitive gymnast. She quickly learned how commitment, dedication, and discipline can positively impact one’s life. Her fascination with fitness combined with her background in business marketing, eventually led to the opening of the Training Loft.
Megan strives to help others achieve their individual health and fitness goals through customized personal training programs. “Fitness is not one-dimensional. It has to be challenging, yet fun and enjoyable. Programs need to have balance and speak to the unique needs of each client.”
She continues to pursue her education and is currently enrolled in the University of Alabama’s Distance Dietetics Program. She also hopes to complete her Masters in Exercise Science in the very near future.
Martial Arts . Fitness . Personal Training
Ancient City Martial Arts (ACMA) offers a range of classes for various levels and age groups. We offer more than Martial Arts, we also provide fitness and personal training. We encourage you to read the descriptions of our classes and check our schedule to find out more about our programs. We invite you to visit us and meet with us to discuss your training goals.
Contact Us Today!Martial Arts . Fitness . Personal Training
"Master Plott is an awesome instructor. He teaches offense and defense for every move. He lives and breaths martial arts. He has zero arrogance and loves teaching children. I am very grateful to have found him to teach my son jujitsu."
Stacey C.
