By Jasmine Stark
OKS Martial Arts and Fitness has been a part of the Forsyth business community since 1987 and has taught residents from three to eighty more than just punches and kicks. With deep roots in the local school system, festivals, and family life, OKS has become a hub where discipline meets compassion, and kids walk away with more than just belts.
You might’ve seen them performing at the Forsythia Festival or the Autism Awareness Festival last month.
Josephine Novosel at Forsythia Festival Demo.
Maybe your child came home talking about a karate class during PE or brought home a flyer for their summer camp or Easter egg hunt. OKS doesn’t just teach martial arts, they inspire the community and shape character.
“It’s about more than physical fitness,” says owner and head instructor Michael Brewster. “We’re teaching kids self-discipline, confidence, respect, and teamwork. Skills that will stick with them for life.”
From Ninja Turtle Fan to Sensei
Michael Brewster’s passion for martial arts began in 1993, sparked by a love of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. At just 13 years old, he started training in Kung Fu before quickly finding his place in karate, right at the same dojo he would one day own.
When his instructor relocated in 2000, Michael stepped up, purchasing the school and continuing its legacy alongside his wife, Cheryl.
In 2008, they expanded with a second location in Macon, where longtime instructor Jahtrell now leads classes.
Jahtrell holds a board for a young student at Macon OKS while Sensei Brewster cheers in the background.
Over the years, OKS has become a family affair. Cheryl helped instruct classes, even through pregnancy, working up until the week before giving birth and returning shortly after. Their three children—Ryan, Nicholas, and Emily—all grew up on the mats.
Today, Nicholas teaches regularly at OKS, while Emily has launched her own business teaching horseback riding at Brewster Farms, using leadership skills developed through years of martial arts training.
Leading By Example
OKS’s teen leadership program is one of the most impactful aspects of its curriculum. Young martial artists who’ve grown in the program are given the chance to guide newer students, attend life-changing seminars, and build skills that carry them far beyond the dojo.
“We’re not just creating athletes. We’re creating leaders,” Sensei Brewster says.
Each instructor brings their own passion to the mat.
Jahtrell loves working with adults, focusing on practical self-defense skills.
Nicholas connects easily with teenagers and the junior team, especially enjoying weapons training.
Nicholas Brewster teaching weapons techniques to the Elite team at Forsyth OKS.
And for Sensei Brewster?
“The Mighty Mights are my favorite,” he laughs, referring to the youngest age group of three to siz year olds. “They’re fun, they’re hilarious, and they can do way more than people give them credit for. I always say I wish I had started younger myself.”
Community at the Core
The Brewsters believe in giving back to their community. OKS partners with local schools for special classes and anti-drug talks, hosts parent nights out, and sponsors events like “Shop with a Cop.” They’ve donated school supplies and like to support the local library.
From halftime shows to teacher self-defense workshops, their goal is clear: to make the community safer, healthier, and more connected.
“Martial arts gives kids something positive and productive to do,” Brewster says. “It helps them focus, builds self-control, and gives them real confidence. And for adults, it’s a great way to stay fit while learning how to protect yourself.”
With locations in downtown Forsyth and off Zebulon Road in Macon, OKS Martial Arts and Fitness continues to grow while staying grounded in the values that started it all: family, service, and strength.
As Brewster puts it, “I want to make a positive impact and leave a legacy I can be proud of. For my family, my team, and the kids who come through our doors.”
