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Shield Systems Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · BJJ 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 levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shieldsystemsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (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
“I had many holes in my Jiujitsu game before coming here and I feel like Ben and Amy Coleman have helped me build a more solid foundation.”
“Amy also teaches a women's BJJ class which is especially great for women who are new to the sport.”
“If you’re looking to compete in BJJ or MMA there track record speaks for itself.”
“If you are looking to train for self defense purposes.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, the classes cater to all levels, providing thorough instruction and challenging yet rewarding workouts.”
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.”
“If you're looking to get into and or back into Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing or MMA, definitely come try out Shield Systems.”
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.”
“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported by the passionate instructors and friendly members.”
“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’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 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 BJJ? 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 rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all 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, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Shield Systems Academy
Nervous about walking into a BJJ 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 basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals 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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