MMA, Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu in Soldotna, Alaska
Coach Seth Stacey
Founder and head coach, AK-49 Martial Arts
Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Sterling
Hey, Coach Seth here
AK-49 Martial Arts started in a garage in Kenai. Today it's a full MMA gym in the Peninsula Center Mall, and I've been the one opening the doors since 2012.
I've been training for more than 17 years. I hold a black belt under world champion kickboxer Duane Ludwig and spent a year and a half as his assistant coach, working corners at the UFC and Glory Kickboxing. I'm a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt.
I've coached fighters from the local circuit all the way to the UFC. I also teach kids seven and up and adults who've never set foot on a mat. Same coach, same system, whatever you came in for.
Credentials
Who's coaching you
Certified rank under one of the most respected striking coaches in mixed martial arts.
A year and a half supporting daily instruction and fighter development.
In fight coaching in front of live crowds and broadcast cameras.
Glory 56, Denver. Getting ready to walk out as the corner.
Coached from a Kenai garage to a four fight UFC contract.
Victor's TKO win at AFC 157 for the Alaska Fighting Championship belt.
The striking curriculum behind every class at AK-49 Martial Arts, built on western boxing.
Active rank.
In the corner
Corners I've worked
When the cage door closes you get about a minute between rounds to say the right thing. I've done that job at the top of the sport, and I bring the same calm to every class.
Victor "Vicious" Rodriguez
From a Kenai garage to the UFC
Before AK-49 Martial Arts had a building, it had a garage. That's where Victor Rodriguez and I started training, a Skyview High graduate from Soldotna with a big goal and nowhere fancy to chase it.
I built his fight camps: five rounds of five minutes twice a week with 45 seconds of rest, plus kickboxing and jiu jitsu classes on top. Every day I'd text him the same question, who are you. By the time he walked into AFC 157 he knew the answer.
He took the Alaska Fighting Championship bantamweight title with a second round TKO, and eight months later he signed a four fight contract with the UFC. The Peninsula Clarion called it hitting the big time. Every class at AK-49 Martial Arts runs on the same system that got him there.
It's been an earned dream of ours for eight yearsCoach Seth to the Peninsula Clarion, October 2020
- 1Around 2012Training in a garageCoach Seth and Victor start together in Soldotna.
- 2February 26, 2020AFC 157 bantamweight titleTKO over Jared Mazurek at 3:33 of round two, Alaska Airlines Center, Anchorage.
- 3October 20, 2020Four fight UFC contractAlaska's top ranked bantamweight signs with the UFC.
- 4October 2020UFC Fight Night 181UFC debut against Adrian Yanez.
Photos
Part of My Journey
Every photo here is someone who shaped how I coach. What they taught me comes with me to every class.
UFC
Glory
AFC
Coaches and Mentors
In the Room With
For parents and beginners
Training at AK-49 Martial Arts
What that means for you
I've been training for over 20 years, and I was an assistant coach under Duane Ludwig. I've cornered fighters at the UFC, Glory Kickboxing, AFC and WBC, at the highest level of MMA and kickboxing. Every kickboxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu class at AK-49 Martial Arts gets that same coaching, from your very first day.
The room stays safe
The number one priority is your safety and your partner's safety. Not everyone who walks in here is looking to fight. Some people come for fitness, some for fun, and some for competition. Whatever your goal is, we keep the room safe.
Built for your kid
I built our kids program from my 20 years in martial arts. We work on leadership and confidence, and we push every kid to bring out their best. We keep it safe and fun while they learn real martial arts skills.
Never Trained Before? Beginners Welcome!
Our programs cover all levels and beginners are always welcome. Our programs work for children, adults, men and women. Your goals are our goals. We want to see you succeed.
How I coach
Control and safety come first in every class I teach. The hard work comes after that, and it comes at your pace.
Beginners are always welcome. You set the goal, and I'll help you get there.
No experience needed, no ego required
Come train with me
Your first class is free. Bring your kid, or come try it yourself.
Claim your free class pass 👉