Robert Albert Briggs

Robert Albert Briggs, better known as, (Grand Master Briggs) age 63, born October 29, 1958, left his Earthly home to see Jesus on April 4, 2022.  .

Memorial Services for Robert will be held on 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 23, 2022, at The Church of Christ in Indian Land, SC with a martial art demonstration immediately following the service.  The family will receive friends after the service.   Flowers can be sent to Tim Mastenbrook at 2305 Carson Dr. Waxhaw, NC 28173 which will then be taken to the Church of Christ and memorials can be sent to the Church of Christ in Indian Land (635 Jim Wilson Rd. Fort Mill, SC 29707).

Robert was a Martial Arts Grand Master, one of the last who studied with Black Belts associated with Bruce Lee. God gifted him with a passion and dedication for Martial Arts & teaching others, especially children, this art of defense, discipline, and confidence building. He taught in Fort Mill at the Robert Briggs School of Martial Arts from 1983 to 2020. He was a sensei of Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Escrima-Arnis, American Kenpo, JuJitsu, and American Kickboxing, as well as, a well versed historian of these arts.

Robert was born in Charlotte, NC to A.J. & Eleanor Briggs & was the youngest of four children. He grew up in East Charlotte and attended Midwood and Cochran Schools.

He was preceded in death by his father, A.J. Briggs; mother, Eleanor Green Briggs; brother, Phil Briggs; nephew, Jake Briggs; and his first wife, Debbie Briggs. He is survived by his son, Dustin Briggs of Rock Hill, SC; sister, Elizabeth B. Matthews (James) of Effingham, SC; brother, Peter Briggs (Beverly) of Matthews, NC; three nephews; two nieces; his beloved Teddy Bear dog, Boo Boo; best friends, Tim Mastenbrook, Keith Williamson, Carl Blue, & his last love, Linda Windell.

He attended the Church of Christ in Indian Land and was experiencing a new growth with Christ, his Savior.

He loved exploring flea markets, antique stores, and yard sales and was a collector of blades, ships, knights, animal figurines and art, African, Asian, and American Indian art and wares, and Bruce Lee and Elvis memorabilia using these motif themes in his home and school decor.  He was a true athlete, with a dedication to a daily exercise regime including a walk with Boo Boo along with his martial art routines at his school. He admired both Bruce Lee and Elvis Pressley for their life’s accomplishments and was a historian of both.  He loved singing Elvis’s songs, especially gospel ones. Two of his favorite ones sung by Elvis were “Where No One Stands Alone” and “I’ve Got Confidence”. These will both be used at his service. He was a unique one-of-a-kind man who made a positive impact on his community.

RIP Master Briggs! You will be missed!