Female MMA fighter wants to make Knoxvillians superheroes

Shamir Peshewa Jackson is smashing stereotypes with her brute strength.

She has a blue belt in jiujitsu, has competed in Spartan Races, fought in nine amateur mixed martial arts fights and holds bronze, silver and gold medals from dozens of Brazilian jiujitsu tournaments. She is looking to go pro within the year.

These accomplishments are more than some fighters see in a career, but for Jackson, it is just the beginning of her story.

“I have been fighting for three years and training for five,” says the 31-year-old. “I absolutely love competing. Fighting for me is about learning how to overcome obstacles and beating my own performance.”

Now, after realizing she can tackle her goals as a fighter, she would like to instill that feeling in others.

“I want everyone in the world to know that they can do anything they set their mind to,” says Jackson. “To be considered the best at something is all choices, habits and elbow grease.”

Jackson is scheduled to fight Natalie King in a bantamweight bout on the card for Valor 47 at the Civic Coliseum on Jan. 6.

With the encouragement of her coach and mentor Eric Turner, as well as that of her husband, Tim Jackson, she quit her day job to begin training others. Marvel My Fitness, a training program operating inside Knoxville Martial Arts Academy on Martin Mill Pike, was born.

“The mission of Marvel My Fitness is to break the stereotype of what fitness looks like,” says Jackson. “To empower each person to be their own superhero, no matter their size, age or ability.

“After being an athlete and trainer, I saw a hole in normal personal training and I wanted to create a community, not a ‘gym’” says Jackson. “I quit my regular job after finishing college and developed a comprehensive program to help a beginner become an athlete – to be healthy, happy and excited to create goals and learn how to get more out of life.”

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She has seen the benefits of training and knows the impact it has on her own life. She says she lives as if she is a Top 10 athlete, and that mindset makes her stronger.

“I think lifting and being able to transform your body gives you a lot of discipline and power,” says Jackson. “I work out three times a day with lifting, cardio and technical work. I also follow my nutritionist Eddie Reymond’s instructions to keep my performance at its peak.”

Her advice for someone who may be considering getting in shape and becoming stronger is something absolutely anyone can do.

“Just start,” she says.

“It doesn't matter where you are, how much you weigh,” she continues. “It just matters that each day you make a valid choice to create a healthier lifestyle. If you don't believe me, come see me. We’ve created a community of people empowering themselves.”

Those interested in her personal training can find Marvel My Fitness on Facebook and Instagram. You may also contact Jackson at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy by calling 865-771-9775. The best way to find out what her training is all about is to simply stop by and see her in action.

If you do become her student, you can expect to gain more than just muscle. The gains come in many other ways, according to Jackson.

“Confidence. Power. Healthy habits. The ability to change your own life,” says Jackson. “We are not a regular gym, we are a community striving to continually grow both mentally and physically.”