Instructors & Staff - Pooler Karate

Our Team

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Tang Soo Do, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors. Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students.

Karate Instructors

Carson Fortner

Owner & Master Instructor

Carson Fortner started his training in 1994 under Charles Prescott in Sylvania, Georgia. In 2005 he received his first-degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do under the American Tang Soo Do Alliance. In 2007 he received his second-degree Black Belt, and in 2011 he received his third degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do. He earned is 4th degree in December of 2014 earning him the title of Master. Mr. Fortner recently tested for his 5th degree Black Belt in November of 2019. He has always had a passion for teaching children and enjoys watching them develop into amazing young people. It has always been Mr. Fortner’s dream to have a martial arts school and to create a home for his own students.

Angelina Grant

Head Instructor

Angelina is someone who makes the extra effort to step up when she is needed. She is a hard worker and it shows as she continues to train for her 3rd Degree Blackbelt. Angelina has recently been promoted to Pooler Karate's Head Instructor.

Joe McNamee

Senior Karate Instructor

Mr. Joe has been involved with Martial Arts for over 30 Years. He is a veteran Black Belt and has shown great leadership since the day he showed up with his son Garrett and his loving wife Victoria. He is a 4th Degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do.

Robert Panati

Karate Instructor

Mr. Robert is a 4th Degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do and is testing for his 4th Degree in November. Mr. Robert assists with lower ranking Jr. classes. His daughter Italia is also a black belt in our school.

Heather Aguilar

Karate Instructor

Heather Aguliar is a dedicated and skilled martial artist with a 1st degree blackbelt in American Tang Soo Do. She has been an integral part of our team for the past 4 years, bringing her expertise and passion to every class. For the last 2 years, Heather has successfully managed our afterschool program at Savannah Christian, earning the respect and admiration of both students and parents. We are thrilled to have her continue her exceptional work at our new Effingham Martial Arts location.

Miguel Lopez

Karate Instructor

Miguel is a 3rd Degree Blackbelt in American Tang Soo Do and is currently working towards his Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Miguel is always willing to help and is a very hard worker on and off the mat. Miguel is finishing out his Senior year of high school before he starts instructing full time. When he is not teaching martial arts, you can find him working on cars or hanging out with his friends and family.

Krav Maga Instructors

Joseph Bouchard

Chief Krav Maga Instructor & General Manager

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. Military Assignments: • Anti-Tank Assistant Gunner • Anti- Tank Gunner • Gun Team Leader • Fire Team Leader • Rifle Squad • G37 Training NCO • Instructor of Military Science DMI (WestPoint) • Theater Security Cooperation NCOIC (U.S. Army Central) • Operations NCOIC (U.S. Army Central FWD KU) • Observer Controller/Trainer, 188th IN BDE, Fort Stewart, Ga Military Course Completion: • U.S. Army Infantry School • U.S. Army Airborne School • 75th Ranger Regiments Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P.) • 75th Ranger Regiment Pre-Ranger Course • U. S. Army Ranger School • Expert Infantry Course • 75th Ranger Regiment Team Leaders Course • Modern Army Combative Program Level I & 2 • Equal Opportunity Leaders Course • NATO Peace Support Operations • NATO Partner Staff Operations • Joint Medical Planner • Anti-Terrorism Officer Level II Specialized Training: • 2nd Dan Blackbelt in Krav Maga under the American Krav Maga Federation (AKMF) • Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Sergio Machado • Chief Force Instructor (American Krav Maga Federation) • Special Operations Krav Maga Instructor (S.O.K.M.) • Special Operations Combative Program Instructor (S.O.C.P.) • Kalah Combat Systems Lv1 Instructor • Sig Sauer Master Pistol Instructor • Sig Sauer Master Rifle Instructor • Sig Sauer Master Shotgun Instructor • Sig Sauer Active Shooter Response Instructor • Assault Readiness Couse Instructor (A.R.C) • Krav Maga Lv1 Knife Instructor • Krav Maga Lv1 Pistol Instructor • Krav Maga Lv2 Pistol Instructor • Jerry Barnhardt Tactical Shooting Technologies Course • Special Operations Close Quarter Combat Course • Basic Breacher Certification • Advanced Structural Breaching • Regimental Master Breacher Certification • AM General Battlefield Damage Assessment and Repair Course • Battlefield Interrogation Course • Falcon View GPS Tracker Course • Ranger First Responder Course • Emergency Medical Technician–Intermediate • Krav Maga/ Combat Pistol Lv1&2 • Krav Maga Lv1 • Krav Maga Lv2

Stormy Davis

Krav Maga Instructor

In the early summer of 2020, Stormy stepped onto the mat to train in Krav Maga. She is currently a 1st Degree Black Belt and loves the empowerment and confidence she has gained. During her time as one of the original Savannah Derby Devils, she discovered she had a strong affinity for aggressive sports. After her glory days on the rink, she began exploring training methods that pushed her physical and mental limits; she greatly enjoys the challenge. In late 2020, she began the program 75 Hard. She says that the self-directed program of 75 Hard, combined with Krav Maga, has greatly changed her life. She is a mother of three spunky children who all train at Pooler Karate in Tang Soo Do and Jiu-Jitsu. Pooler Karate has become her family's home away from home.

Thomas Johnson

Krav Maga Instructor

Air Force veteran from Hartford, CT. Thomas retired after working over 40 years for the Electrical Company of Hartford. Thomas served as a meter reader, cable splicer and retired as the Supervisor of Hartford Underground Lines Department. Married for 43 years, with two children (son and daughter) and two grandchildren (boy and girl). In addition to martial arts, I enjoy participating in bowling leagues, playing basketball. Thomas began his training in Krav Maga in April of 2016 and earned his Black Belt in November of 2020.

BJJ Instructors

Kelley Bouchard

Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Kelley is currently a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sergio Machado. She trains every day and works hard with our Junior BJJ program. Kelley is also a mother to three beautiful children who all train in Jiu-Jitsu and karate. Mrs. Bouchard also has a passion for physical fitness, she currently has clients all over Georgia and enjoys giving them personal training and nutritional health.

James Ellison

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

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 for 26 years and they have 2 amazing sons – Connor (23) and Garrett (19). He works for Kraton Chemical in Savannah as the Supply Chain Manager

Miguel Lopez

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Miguel is a 3rd Degree Blackbelt in American Tang Soo Do and is currently working towards his Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Miguel is always willing to help and is a very hard worker on and off the mat. Miguel is finishing out his Senior year of high school before he goes into the Army. When he is not teaching martial arts, you can find him working on cars or hanging out with his friends and family.

Sergio Machado

Affiliate Instructor

Sergio Machado, served in the US Army and unfortunately developed a back injury, causing surgery in 2006 prior to his 3rd tour in Iraq. He was at the top 5% of all recovering back surgery patients, which gave him a new outlook in life after overcoming this obstacle. On September 2007, Sergio decided to leave the military and pursue his new dream, a professional career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received his black belt from his friend and coach, Ricardo "Pancho" Feliciano. Sergio continues to train at other Checkmat schools, is highly active in the BJJ tournament scene, and a marathoner/triathlete. Just this year he's competed in Jiu-Jitsu World League, NABJJF, IBJJF, SubCon, and even did a Super Fight for the Fight to Win show. He won all but 2 of them, and even received double gold for some. Participating in marathons, especially one such as the "Ironman" (a 104.6-mile race), keeps him mentally strong with a "refusal to quit" attitude. But behind this very positive outlook, is his very supportive family which consists of his wife and daughter. Sergio is also a Police Officer. He told us, "After 10 years in the army, and 9 years of martial arts, I have prepared myself for this new life change. I am proud and honored to have been hired by an amazing police department and I can't wait to start serving the people of that city." It sure seems like nothing will get in the way of this man from achieving his goals and we're so proud to represent him! Sergio currently lives in California and is the Instructor that our program falls under.

Taylor Johnston

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Taylor started her martial arts journey 20 years ago! She earned a 3rd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo before taking a few years off. She started training BJJ at this location in September 2019 and currently has her purple belt. Since joining the office team, she’s started training in Tang Soo Do and Krav Maga as well, with the goal of being the first woman at the gym to have all three black belts. When she’s not at Pooler Karate you can find her hanging out with her wife and two furbabies, probably playing video games or watching The Office.

Office Staff

Molly Hammond

Office Manager

Molly serves as the Office Manager of Pooler Karate. Molly was a competitive gymnast for 9 years throughout middle and high school. When she is not working you can find her hanging out with friends and family, reading, and loving on her two kitties.

Brandy Cruz

Brandy Cruz is a homeschool mom of three wonderful children. As a special needs momma, she is dedicated to providing the best education and support for her kids. Being a military wife, she has learned to adapt and overcome challenges that come with a constantly changing lifestyle. In her free time, she enjoys learning jujitsu, which helps her stay active and focused. She is passionate about her roles as a mom, wife, and she strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her.

Tess Grant

Tess has been training at Pooler Karate since 2019 and currently trains in Karate and Jiu-Jitsu. She is currently a 2nd Degree in Tang Soo Do and is working towards her 3rd Degree. Outside of work she likes to listen to music, play video games, and spend time with her cats.

Special Kicks

Millie Orme

Special Kicks Executive Director

Millie is the sister of Carson. She is a level 3 certified Krav Maga Instructor. She is currently a Black Belt and working toward her goal to become a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga. Millie is also part of the office staff here at Pooler Karate. She has a passion for special needs students and currently serves as the Executive Director of our Special Kicks program. She is also an artist! Millie has a BA in Studio Art with a minor in Sociology from Georgia Southern University.

Michelle Beers

Executive Assistant

Jabari Tukes

Greeter

Jabari serves as greeter of Pooler Karate. He greets every student and guest with a smile and is an ambassador of Pooler Karate. Jabari is guaranteed to brighten your day. He also helps clean the school each day to keep things looking nice at our school!

Austin Smith