More Than a Martial Arts Gym
Welcome to Southern Soul Academy
Southern Soul Academy was built on a simple idea: martial arts should change lives—not just teach techniques.
When we first stepped onto the mats, we discovered something bigger than Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We found confidence, resilience, friendships, and a community that pushed us to become better people both on and off the mats. We knew we wanted to create that same experience for others.
Today, Southern Soul Academy proudly serves families and individuals from Mary Esther, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, and throughout the Emerald Coast. Regardless of whether you're walking into your very first martial arts class or you've been training for years, our goal is the same: help you become the best version of yourself.
What Makes Southern Soul Different?
There are plenty of places to learn martial arts.
What makes Southern Soul Academy different is our culture.
We're intentionally building an academy where beginners feel welcome, experienced students continue to grow, competitors are challenged, and families feel at home. You'll find hard training, high standards, and teammates who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
We celebrate victories together, support each other through setbacks, and believe that everyone—regardless of age, experience, or athletic ability—deserves a place to belong.
Our Mission & Values
-
Our Mission & Values -
Our mission is to build stronger people through martial arts.
We believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about much more than learning submissions or earning belts. It's about developing discipline, humility, confidence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges both on and off the mats.
Every class is an opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person.
Our Values
Our values guide every class we teach and every decision we make.
Empowerment
Growth & Personal Development
Inclusivity & Respect
Excellence
Collaboration & Teamwork
Lifelong Learning
Fun & Enjoyment
Our Team
Professor Shane has been training since 2005 and brings nearly two decades of experience to every class. His technical instruction and passion for helping students grow have made him an invaluable part of Southern Soul AcademyShane Lees
Kevin is a U.S. Air Force veteran who believes martial arts should be challenging, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. He enjoys helping beginners discover what they're capable of while mentoring students of all experience levels.Kevin Rutkowski
Lexi Rutkowski
Lexi began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as an adult and understands exactly what it's like to walk into a gym for the first time. She is passionate about creating a positive environment where kids and adults alike can build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships through martial arts.Why “Southern Soul”?
People often ask us where the name Southern Soul Academy came from.
To us, "Southern Soul" isn't about where you're from—it's about how you make people feel.
We've all met that person with a true Southern soul. The one who greets you like an old friend, even if you've never met before. They make you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door. They know your name. They celebrate your wins, encourage you through your struggles, and always leave you feeling like you belong.
That's the kind of academy we set out to build.
We wanted Southern Soul Academy to be more than a place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We wanted it to feel like home—a place where beginners aren't intimidated, families grow together, competitors are challenged, and everyone is welcomed with kindness and respect.
Whether you're five years old or fifty, whether it's your first class or your thousandth, our goal is the same: when you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like part of the family.
That's what Southern Soul means to us.
Ready to Experience Southern Soul?
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or simply finding a community you'll love being part of, we'd love to meet you.
Come try a free class, meet our coaches, and see why so many families throughout the Emerald Coast have chosen Southern Soul Academy as their home.