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Smoky Mountain Martial Arts
Martial Arts for Body and Soul
Hello! My name is Shon, and I'm the Instructor at Smoky Mountain Martial Arts.
Full spectrum self-defense and protection of others comprise the practical core of our training, while the holistic aim is to strengthen the Body and Soul through engaging and supportive training sessions, emphasizing Movement, Breathing, Relaxation, and Structure.
I teach Systema Russian Martial Art, which means "The System".
Systema has its origins in medieval Russia, its modern development in the 20th century through Soviet combat science, and its spiritual rebirth in the Orthodox Christian faith in modern Russia through Founder Mikhail Ryabko and Chief Instructor Vladimir Vasiliev as a Martial Way modern and full-spectrum, while emphasizing the empowerment, healing, and continual development of our bodies and souls, in accordance with the Orthodox Christian purpose of theosis - the process of growth and transformation in union with the Divine Light.
Please see the videos at the bottom of this page for a deeper look.
Training is offered regularly on Sundays from 5-7pm at the Chapel of the Burning Bush in downtown Sylva, NC, at 609 Mill Street, Sylva, NC.
These classes are donation based.
Please register here or further below.
I'm also willing to lead classes and seminars elsewhere, including outdoors or in any environment whatsoever. Please contact us through the Contact Form if this is your interest and we will follow up.
I strive to create an uplifting experience for people of all levels, uniting in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect.
Here are some Testimonials to that effect.
Based out of Jackson County, North Carolina, in the Great Smoky Mountains, we bring sincere and expert martial arts training to various venues, inside and out.
With over 20 years of continuous martial arts experience in various martial disciplines and over a decade teaching, instruction and training is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.
We welcome you to discover the joy and empowerment of real martial arts in a supportive environment.
We currently offer Systema Martial Art Class weekly.
When: Every Sunday from 5pm-7pm. Doors open at 4:30. Class starts exactly at 5pm, so be on time.
Where: Chapel of the Burning Bush, Sylva, NC at 609 Mill St, Sylva, NC. Click the link above to open in google maps.
Register Now as class size is limited.
Systema Martial Art Class
Donations Welcome
Carlos Guzman
- Systema Instructor -
- US Army Veteran -
“I’ve known Shon for years and can confidently say he’s a skilled martial artist with a deep understanding of Systema. He brings a calm, grounded presence to his teaching, along with real-world experience and a genuine passion for helping others grow. Shon has a natural way of connecting with people, meeting them where they are, and guiding them toward better movement, awareness, and confidence. Anyone training with him is in good hands.."
Rene Betencourt
- New Student -
"Hey, I just want to say — wow. Training with Shon was an incredible experience. He’s my Systema teacher, and I was honestly blown away by his unique perspective and approach to the art.
"Right from the start, I got to learn some really effective hand holds and techniques - drawing directly from Aikido - and even got to bust out the chains.
"It was a very eye-opening and powerful session.
I highly recommend training with him if you ever get the chance. Looking forward to the next time!"
Scott Church
- Martial Artist -
- USAF Veteran -
"I have known and trained with Shon for five years. I can unequivocally say he is the best martial arts teacher I have ever known and learned from. To put that in context, I wrestled competitively from ages 12-21, with elite level collegiate coaches who helped me win multiple championships.
"When I commissioned into the Air Force, my intelligence unit embedded with the army and I trained in an MMA style with Survival, Resistance, Evasion, and Escape instructors whose job it was to teach other instructors how to train. I have attended multiple Brazilian Jiu-jitsu dojos in the past decade to learn and train. In every case, Shon’s demeanor with his students, his patience, his demonstrable martial skill, and his committment to martial arts in body, mind, and spirit surpassed everything I have seen."
What is Systema?
FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN WHEELER - SYSTEMA
Systema Martial Art Class
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