The Next Element

- Martial Arts Academy -

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't"

Learn from the areas only International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation & USA Boxing certified facility in the Grand Strand, The Next Element. Whether your goal is to learn self defense, compete, lose weight, or give your kids an activity to do after school The Next Element has something for you. The benefits of martial arts are limitless! We will help you learn martial arts and grow your self-confidence, patience, discipline and mental toughness. We work with adults and kids of many ages and offer classes suitable for all walks of life. Contact us today to hear about our special offers!

Meet your Professor

Derrick Kennington has been teaching Martial Arts/Self defense for over 13 years. He has dedicated his life to Martial Arts & is skilled at working with a wide range of ages and abilities. He served in the United States Air Force for 12 years as a Technical Sergeant and combatives instructor for joint military forces including the USAF Phoenix Ravens. Professor Kennington is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under UFC veteran Kurt Pellegrino and is a certified USA boxing coach. In January of 2018 Professor Kennington retired from professional fighting with over 20 pro fights and now dedicates himself full-time to teaching others.

What We Offer

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

A grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

A grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit (in a kid friendly version).

*this program is currently full*

Muay Thai

This discipline is known as the "art of eight limbs" as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins

Kids Striking

This class is a combination of Muay Thai and Boxing. Kids will learn discipline as well as technique.

*this program is currently full*

Boxing

Boxing is a sport predominately about a concept rarely, if ever, heard known as “disciplined aggression.”

Wrestling

Wrestling is a combat sport involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“You'll immediately see the pride he takes in what he does. What you'll also see is his humble nature. Balancing pride and humbleness is no easy task but learning how to balance them both is only one of the many advantages of becoming part of coach DK's family.”

— Jimmy K