Profound Martial Arts Training in the Smoky Mountains

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 core aspects of our training, while the holistic aim is to strengthen the Body and Soul through engaging and supportive training sessions.

I teach Systema Russian Martial Art, which means simply "The System". Systema has its origins in medieval Russia, its development in the 20th century through Soviet Spetsnaz (Special Forces) and Soviet sports and 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 both eminently 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.

Please see the videos at the bottom of this page for a deeper look and to see some of the "work", as we call it, in action.

We train every Sunday 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 though so I know how many people to expect.

I'm also happy 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 have quite a bit of experience teaching single day seminars as well that give great empowerment and enjoyment to people of all martial skill levels, including basically none, and up to lifelong martial artists.

Systema is good for everyone.

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.

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With over 20 years of continuous martial arts experience in various 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.

Join us on this transformative and potentially life saving journey.

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. and knowledge of how many training that day helps me prepare the class.

Systema Martial Art Class

Donations Welcome

Carlos Guzman

- Systema Instructor -

“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.."

Jonah Powsner
- Martial Artist -

"Shon is very knowledgeable in the ways of martial arts and skilled at applying his teaching to beginners and experienced students alike. His teaching is very flexible and tailored to whoever the student is, really meeting them at their current skill/ability level and working from there.
Practicing with Shon is why I love and appreciate Systema and Aikido as much as I do. "

Rene Betancourt

- New Student -