The Wheeler Academy
Who We Are
The Wheeler Academy is one of the state’s longest traditions in the Martial Arts. Celebrating 40 years of excellence, we are proud to have served thousands of students over that time. Whether you’re a parent of a four year old or 64 years old, we have a wide variety of classes, all of which can change your life. Our classes are tailored to age, ability and skill level in Martial Arts, Self-Defense, Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu. We aim to build character, integrity and courage in all of our classes with all of our students. Every class students will work on core techniques and principals required for each belt level. We don’t rush our students through belts, we test regularly to ensure mastery of all skills needed to earn stripes and belts. Our students work hard and are instilled with a great sense of achievement when receiving stripes and belts, because they have truly earned them. In addition to our core classes, we have open mat sessions weekly and host various special programs like our Kid’s Combat Cup, and host several tournaments throughout the year. Private instruction is also available upon request. Learn more about our classes on our class page. If you’re looking for a Martial Arts program to enrich you or a family member’s life, please give us a call at (865) 947-8703 or via our website form.
Our History
The Wheeler Academy (formerly Wheeler’s School of Karate) was founded by the late Allen Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler was one of the first Martial Arts instructors to really show the importance of a family/Christian Martial Arts School. The academy has been an icon in the Powell community that has adopted the motto of “Changing lives, one student at a time, since 1973. Now under the leadership of Chuck Reynolds, The Wheeler Academy continues the commitment to the community and to their students. Developing character is a foundation in our Martial Arts programs, we teach integrity, discipline and courage with every lesson, and is repeated in the Wheeler Creed, which is recited prior to every class. There is a difference between a winner and a true champion, and that difference is attitude. Our approach encourages everyone and reinforces a great attitude. We truly care about each and everyone of our students, which is why the Wheeler Academy has been around over 40 years and have taught thousands of students, and why many of those students stay with us from early childhood, right through adulthood.
Programs
Martial Arts / Self Defense
We teach martial arts as a means to develop physically, mentally and spiritually; striving to develop not just physical prowess in our students, but also self discipline, mental focus, integrity and respect. We have classes for students of all ages and experience, from age 4 to adults.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self defense system that focuses on grappling, especially ground fighting. We have programs for different skill levels and age groups.
Kickboxing
Our Kickboxing program integrates traditional Kickboxing, Muay Thia, and modern fight training methods. The class is a great environment for the amateur kickboxing student, as well as the person that just wants to get in good shape. We have a very positive, upbeat, and non-intimidating atmosphere that is good for just about any teen or adult.
Wheeler Academy Team
Chuck Reynolds
Owner/Chief InstructorOver 30 years of experience
7th Degree Black Belt
Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
James “Monster” Mullins
Chief InstructorOver 20 years of experience
3rd Degree Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Owner / Monster Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Danny Potts
Chief Floor InstructorOver 20 year of experience
4th Degree Black Belt
Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jami Schmid
Floor Instructor30 years of experience
4th Degree Black Belt
Purple Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Chief William Purvis
Self Defense InstructorOver 40 years of experience / Multiple Systems
Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Landon Reynolds
Floor Instructor20 years of experience
2nd Degree Black Belt
Chuck Edwards
Weapons Instructor15 years of experience
3rd Degree Black Belt
Blue Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Garrett Nokes
Floor Instructor14 years of experience
2nd Degree Black Belt
Customer testimonials
After I turned 40… I have to say ….One of the best things I have EVER done for myself was to join the combat fitness class at “The Wheelers Academy”…The workouts are hard..but fun..Instructors are all in all just amazing caring people!!! The friends & the memories I’ve made over the past 11 years are priceless!!!!
I feel very BLESSED to be part of the such an amazing “family”…who truly CARE!!!!!
For 5 years, the staff at Wheeler Academy has invested in our son and daughter. Our kids have benefited from the focus, strength, self-control, perseverance, and character emphasized in their training. We have great respect and admiration for this well-run program and for the caring, quality instructors. We highly recommend Wheeler Academy!
-Louis & Krista Mavroff
We started Emma in karate because she thought it would be fun. She didn’t realize how much work and discipline it would take. She has had to push herself hard and she has stepped up to the challenge. We are so proud of the discipline, respect, and physical skills that she has gained through her time at the Wheeler Academy.
– Kortney & Robin Jarman
