Bio
Stefan “SJ” McRae’s journey in martial arts spans over 43 years and multiple disciplines, shaping him into a decorated veteran of the sport and a visionary entrepreneur. As a 100% disabled Navy veteran who served in the first Gulf War, SJ embodies discipline and resilience. In 2008, he was honored as the “USA Coach of the Year” by the World Organization Martial Arts Athletes (WOMAA) and later served as WOMAA’s “Germany U.S. Military Director.”
A true pioneer, Stefan co-authored the book Elite Black Belts Who Cook, further showcasing his diverse talents and dedication to martial arts culture. However, the idea for Crush Global Kombat (CrushGK) was born from a deeply personal turning point in his career. While excelling as a point fighter in Texas, he faced a tough decision due to medical concerns—continue fighting and risk his health or step back from the ring. He chose the latter, but his passion for martial arts endured.
In 2003, while pursuing graduate studies, Stefan’s professor challenged the class to create a business plan instead of writing a traditional thesis. Drawing on his love for martial arts and the popularity of Texas sports bars, Stefan drafted a plan that fused live MMA fighting with entertainment. Ten years later, Crush Global Kombat LLC was officially established in Austin, Texas, with a European headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
CrushGK is not just another MMA promotion. Stefan’s vision revolutionizes combat sports by blending mixed martial arts with traditional point fighting. Unique features like full traditional uniforms, hydration tests to eliminate dangerous weight cutting, and a real-time electronic scoring system set CrushGK apart. These innovations aim to simulate real-life combat scenarios while creating a safer and more engaging experience for fighters and fans alike.
Stefan also tackled significant challenges in bringing CrushGK to life, including funding, broadcasting, and operating in Germany under NATO status. Leveraging his 36 years of technology expertise, he embraced advancements in live streaming to broadcast events globally at minimal cost. To manage expenses, CrushGK approaches its events with a tournament-style format where every fighter receives compensation, but the main purse follows a winner-takes-all structure, reducing costs while preserving the competitive spirit.
Despite setbacks like COVID-19 and economic hurdles, Stefan’s persistence and network of martial arts professionals have kept CrushGK on the path to success. With over four decades of martial arts expertise and a forward-thinking approach to sports promotion, Stefan McRae is poised to redefine combat sports and bring a fresh, authentic experience to fans worldwide.
As a two-time UMA Texas State Champion in sports fighting and a UMA Texas State Champion in forms, SJ brings not only his expertise but his fighter’s spirit to every event CrushGK will produce. His passion and vision ensure that Crush Global Kombat is more than a company—it’s a movement ready to take the world by storm.
