Our History
National Karate MMA began as National Karate Institute under Marc Deschenes in March 1986. Coach Drew began his own martial arts journey at National Karate Institute in October 1988, starting a relationship with the school that would eventually span decades.
In 1997, Coach Drew moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he continued his training and teaching at Spartanburg Martial Arts under Rick Lee and Nikki Lee.
In 2012, Coach Drew returned to Summerville with his business partner, Coach Brian Plempel, to take over the school and continue the National Karate legacy as National Karate MMA.
Today, National Karate MMA has two locations serving families throughout the Lowcountry: National Karate MMA in Summerville and National Karate MMA in West Ashley, under the leadership of Coach Nate Windsor.
Throughout the years, National Karate MMA Summerville has been about much more than martial arts training. We have had the privilege of meeting countless students and families, building lasting relationships, and creating a community of friends who we are proud to consider family.
