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Smoky Mountain Martial Arts
Martial Arts for Body and Soul
Full-spectrum self-defense—including weapons work, multiple attackers, and protection of others—comprises the practical core of our training, while the holistic aim is to strengthen Body and Soul through engaging and supportive training sessions emphasizing Movement, Breathing, Relaxation, and Structure.
Beginners welcome.
Sundays • 5–7 PM • Jackson County Bicentennial Park • Keener Street • Sylva, NC
Please register at least one day in advance to attend class.
Comfortable pants or shorts recommended. Dress for the weather. Bring water.
In the event of rain, we will use a sheltered training area nearby after first meeting at the covered gazebo at the park.
Loading days...
2 hr
50 US dollars
Hello and welcome! My name is Shon, and I'm the Instructor at Smoky Mountain Martial Arts. I primarily teach Systema, which means "The System," and am certified to teach by Chief Instructor Vladimir Vasiliev of Systema Headquarters.
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Systema developed its modern character within the demanding world of 20th-century Russian and Soviet military combatives. Among the important figures in this development was Alexey Kadochnikov, an engineer, researcher, and military combat instructor who approached fighting through physics, biomechanics, leverage, efficient movement, psychological conditioning, and adaptability rather than reliance on fixed techniques, physical force, and aggression.
The Systema tradition taught at Smoky Mountain Martial Arts comes through Colonel Mikhail Ryabko, a veteran military commander and security instructor, and Vladimir Vasiliev, who brought the art to North America. The approach emphasizes natural movement, breathing, relaxation under pressure, adaptability, psychological resilience, and practical self-defense for unpredictable situations.
These methods developed within a culture of pragmatic military combatives: training people to remain functional, adaptable, and psychologically composed when circumstances become chaotic and dangerous. In our tradition, rooted in the faith and teachings of Jesus Christ, this practical foundation is joined to a holistic emphasis on psychological and spiritual development, helping us grow in self-knowledge and become more capable of serving our family, friends, and neighbors.
Please see the videos at the bottom of this page for a deeper look.​
Training is offered regularly on Sundays from 5–7 PM at Jackson County Bicentennial Park, 122 Keener St, Sylva, NC. It's a beautiful little secluded park.
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Please register here or below.
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​​​​​​​​​​I'm also willing to lead seminars and specialized group trainings elsewhere, so if you're interested in that, please contact us through the Contact Form and we will follow up.
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I strive to create an uplifting experience for people of all levels in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect.
Here is what our students have said about their experience: Testimonials.
Based in Jackson County, North Carolina, in the Great Smoky Mountains, we offer sincere martial training in indoor and outdoor settings.
With over 20 years of continuous martial arts experience in various martial disciplines and over a decade teaching, I tailor training to meet individual needs, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.
We welcome you to discover the joy and empowerment of martial arts in a supportive environment.
We currently offer a weekly Systema class.
When: Every Sunday from 5-7 PM. Class starts promptly at 5 PM, so be on time, which is to say, early.
Where: Jackson County Bicentennial Park at 122 Keener St, Sylva, NC. Click the link above to open the location in Google Maps.
Register now — class size is limited.​​​​​​
Systema Martial Art Class
$50
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.
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 commitment 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
$50
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