Effingham Combat Academy stands tall in the heart of Springfield, Georgia, offering premier training facilities for wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu. We’re an unwavering martial arts school built on the pillars of old-school American values, creating a no-nonsense training environment where we nurture dedicated students. Our gym exists to push every student to attain remarkable heights in physical discipline and combat prowess, ensuring they emerge from our doors with an indomitable spirit ready to face life’s challenges. We invite you to join our academy and unlock your full potential.
Coach Boog, born in 2006, is an enthusiastic martial arts instructor, specializing in both striking and Jiu Jitsu. He has been training in martial arts for over 9 years. He is constantly working on improving his wrestling skills and has achieved remarkable results in recent competitions. In his last two Jiu Jitsu fights, Coach Boog has won 1st place in the Gi category. Furthermore, he demonstrated his impressive MMA skills by securing a TKO victory in just 18 seconds during his most recent MMA bout. Coach Boog’s dedication to his craft and his remarkable achievements make him a valuable asset to ECA.
Coach Santos is a proud father of 2 children and has been married for 13 years. Santos has been practicing Jiu Jitsu with Team 3 since 2023 and is committed to creating a safe and effective training environment for practitioners of all ages and skills. With over 14 years of service as an Infantry Officer in the Georgia Army National Guard, including multiple overseas deployments, Santos brings a disciplined approach to training on the mats. He is currently assigned to the Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB) at Ft. Benning, GA where he plays an integral role in advancing hand to hand combat skills within his unit. Santos is an accomplished amateur endurance athlete, completing 27 full marathons and more than 20 half marathons, constantly challenging himself both physically and mentally. Outside of the military and off the mat, Santos is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. He currently practices Physical Therapy in the Statesboro and Savannah areas. His multidisciplinary background in healthcare, fitness, and military leadership shapes his approach to training and mentorship in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Many men purchase a sports car during their mid-life crisis, but in 2015 – at 43 years old – James became one of Carson’s first BJJ students at Pooler Karate. Although, starting later in life than most BJJ beginners, James developed a passion helping kids and adults improve their BJJ principles and techniques. He grew up in Weaverville, NC and has lived in Savannah since 2012. James has been married to his wife/best friend Michele and they have 2 amazing sons – Connor and Garrett. He works for Kraton Chemical in Savannah as the Supply Chain Manager
Coach Cruz has proudly served his country since 1999. A dedicated husband of 20 years and father of three, Julio values family above all else. In January 2022, he began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his blue belt in 2024. When he’s not spending quality time with his family, you can find him honing his skills on the mat. Julio’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu and commitment to personal growth make him a valuable part of our community. See you on the mat!
A Native of Deerfield, NH. Joe Bouchard entered the United States Army in 2000, attending One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Ga as an Infantryman, and immediately following attended the United States Army Airborne School, and the 75th Ranger Regiments Ranger Indoctrination Program earning the right to wear the beret.
With over 12 years of wrestling experience and more than a decade of coaching under his belt, Coach Terry brings a deep passion and competitive edge to every mat. A 3-time NCWA SEC Champion and 3-time NCWA National Qualifier, he’s no stranger to high-level performance and discipline. Beyond wrestling, he has over 3 years of experience coaching various fitness modalities, including fitness boxing, abs classes, HIIT, and beginner fitness training. Known for his energy, drive, and ability to push athletes to new heights, Coach Terry is dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential—both physically and mentally.
Thomas “Tex” Grissom’s journey in martial arts began at just six years old with Taekwondo. Within a few years, he had earned his Junior Black Belt and was already drawn to the deeper discipline and challenge martial arts offered. Inspired by the UFC, he began exploring other fighting styles, eventually training under respected coaches like Juan Martinez (jiu-jitsu/judo) and the late Leon Aragon, who coached numerous professional fighters including Paul Buentello.
As Tex immersed himself further into combat sports, Muay Thai quickly became a foundational part of his training. He was drawn to its raw intensity and the way it demanded both physical grit and technical precision. Before launching his professional career, Tex competed in sanda, kickboxing, grappling, smokers—and incorporated traditional Muay Thai into his striking game to prepare for the cage. His professional MMA journey began at just 20 years old, earning “Submission of the Night” in his debut fight. He went on to compete in ten fights, finishing with a 7–3 record. At the height of his momentum, he was being groomed for the UFC.
But after a series of injuries and five surgeries, his fighting career was halted. Doctors told him he’d never fight—or even train—again. Still, despite the odds, he eventually found his way back to the sport that had shaped his identity.
In 2017, after a long hiatus, he re-entered the world of martial arts in Lubbock, TX, training under Coach Anselmo Martinez. He soon found himself teaching, mentoring fighters, and even competing again in grappling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai matches. Tex credits his growth not only to victories but especially to his losses—calling them his most valuable fights.
Now living in Springfield, GA, Tex serves as a firefighter for Effingham County Fire Rescue and coaches Muay Thai at Pooler Karate. For him, martial arts isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong path that has shaped his character, his resilience, and his purpose.
For over 35 years Tex has trained in: Taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, Muay Thai, wrestling, and kickboxing.
