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Shield Systems Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Knoxville, Tennessee
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shieldsystemsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 865-214-7137
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–9:30 am, 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–9:30 am, 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son and I both train at this special place.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, the classes cater to all levels, providing thorough instruction and challenging yet rewarding workouts.”
“Their instruction techniques are based on proven methods which are blended into the curriculum and reinforced with positional sparring.”
“If you’re looking to compete in BJJ or MMA there track record speaks for itself.”
“If you're looking to get into and or back into Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing or MMA, definitely come try out Shield Systems.”
Other martial arts here
“If you're looking to get into and or back into Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing or MMA, definitely come try out Shield Systems.”
“If you're looking to get into and or back into Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing or MMA, definitely come try out Shield Systems.”
“There's a collective eagerness to support each other's growth in Jiu-Jitsu, with members generously sharing their expertise and favorite techniques without hesitation.”
“If you are looking to train for self defense purposes.”
What members say
“Ben and Amy are great instructors who know how to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, enjoys their time on the mats, and where all feel welcome.”
“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported by the passionate instructors and friendly members.”
“If you’re looking to compete in BJJ or MMA there track record speaks for itself.”
“You and your family will encounter a very friendly, clean and welcoming environment to learn BJJ.”
“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported by the passionate instructors and friendly members.”
“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported by the passionate instructors and friendly members.”
From the reviews
This is the best place to train BJJ and MMA in Knoxville. Ben Harrison and Amy Coleman are amazing coaches and they have created a very open and welcoming community.
Great atmosphere and has the best and very knowledgeable coaches around! If you're looking to get into and or back into Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing or MMA, definitely come try out Shield Systems. I know my skill level has Greatly improved since I started training here.
I began my Jiu Jitsu journey with Shield Systems almost 4 years ago. It simply changed my life! Shield Systems has a really professional and friendly staff. They really know their art. Your BJJ journey here will be complete; you will learn the arts of grappling, take downs, & kick boxing.
Hands down the best place I have ever trained. From day one the staff was welcoming and treated me like family. Everyone there is so kind and friendly. The knowledge and skill of the staff is levels above anything else you’ll find in the Knoxville area.
New to kickboxing? Start at Shield Systems Academy
Shield Systems Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Shield Systems Academy
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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