Functional fitness center offering jiu jitsu, kickboxing, and self-defense training, plus personal training.
Comprehensive training programs for all ages and skill levels - from beginners to elite competitors
Flexible training programs with special discounts for our community members
Must compete at least 5 times a year
Valid student ID required
3+ family members training together
Police, Fire, EMS, Military personnel
Prepaid package pricing available
For members of other gyms training with us
Our gym is designed to meet the needs of people of all ages, abilities, genders, and body types. We recognize that everyone's fitness and martial arts journey is unique, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels valued and respected. We offer classes and programs to suit everyone's interests and fitness levels, including martial arts classes, MMA, jiu-jitsu, nogi grappling, kickboxing, small group and 1-on-1 personal training, strength training, boot camps, and cardio workouts.
Our coaches are skilled in adapting exercises to accommodate individual needs, and they work closely with members to create personalized plans. At Hero, we are a community where members can connect and support one another in their journeys.
Focused on skill, safety, and steady progress for everyone
BJJ & MMA Coach
Jason is a 1st-degree black belt jiu-jitsu instructor at Hero Athletics, awarded his black belt on December 1, 2021 by Dr. William Murphy (4th-degree black belt). He began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2010 and has earned multiple accolades including gold at the NAGA Pan American and Sarasota Grappling Championships. A proponent of integrating wrestling with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he teaches a fluid system of attacks and counters and customizes instruction to enrich each student's unique game.
BJJ Coach
Chris is a black belt jiu-jitsu instructor who began training in 2001 under Pedro Sauer and earned his black belt in 2021 under Lucas Lepri. An analytical coach with clear, practical insight, he focuses on what will help each athlete develop effectively.
Owner • Fitness / BJJ / MMA Coach
Shamir is a Native American professional athlete and the owner of Hero Athletics. She has coached athletes ages 3–86 in combat sports and functional fitness for over 15 years. Starting with Roller Derby in 2007, she began martial arts in 2012 and fighting in 2014, completing 9 amateur and 3 professional fights (pro debut in 2018). In BJJ, Shamir is a purple belt under Jason George, has medaled at IBJJF, won NAGA Midsouth at white belt, and recently earned gold, silver, and bronze at ADCC. She advanced to day 2 at the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials, ending the season ranked #2 in her divisions and #11 overall. She is also the Carjitsu Women’s Champion. With extensive experience in training and nutrition, Shamir tailors her coaching to meet you where you are.
Muay Thai Coach
Jhovanna is a Muay Thai practitioner and instructor with a diverse background in movement, martial arts, and scientific research. She began training at Steel MMA in California and also cultivated skills in dance, informing her precise and fluid teaching style with emphasis on rhythm, body awareness, and technique. Beyond martial arts, Jhovanna has contributed to projects at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Her blend of physical skill, artistic movement, and scientific rigor shapes her approach to coaching, helping students of all levels develop confidence, mastery, and control.
Assistant Coach
Ken emphasizes safe mechanics, partner work, and scalable conditioning to support all training goals.
Ready to start your martial arts journey? Call or email us.
11214 Outlet Dr
Knoxville, TN 37932
(865) 640-6611
Heroathleticsknoxville@gmail.com
