Instructors

With 35 years of martial arts expertise and over 15 years in law enforcement, corrections, and security, Mr. Surrett brings an elite level of tactical knowledge to his students. Having trained alongside North Carolina’s premier instructors and practitioners, he has dedicated his career to protecting local businesses and government entities at every level. Currently, he specializes in training armed and unarmed security personnel and providing discreet, private instruction for those seeking a one-on-one environment.

Professional Experience & Public Service

Mr. Surrett’s career is defined by a steadfast commitment to his oath to protect the citizens of North Carolina and defend the U.S. Constitution. His professional trajectory includes:

  • City of Asheville: Currently Serving as Supervisor for Armed Contract Security.
  • Federal Protection: Former served as a Contracted Private Protection Security Officer for the Department of Homeland Security (Federal Protective Services).
  • Corrections: Former service with the Department of Public Safety as a Correctional Officer.
  • Dual Certification: Previously dual-certified and employed by two major security firms managing high-level local, state, and federal contracts.

Instruction & Martial Arts Philosophy

Beyond active protection, Sensei Surrett is a dedicated educator in the field of personal safety. He is the founder of the Sekkinsen Goshin Jitsu Karate System, a discipline engineered specifically for:

  • Practical Self-Defense: Real-world applications for personal safety.
  • Empowerment: Teaching others the skills necessary to defend themselves effectively.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Blending professional security tactics with traditional martial arts discipline.

Summary: Whether in uniform or in the dojo, Mr. Surrett’s life’s work remains the same: the defense of the public and the empowerment of the individual.

Certifications:

  • Founder of Sekkinsen Goshin Jitsu Karate Systems
  • Black Belt in Karate-Jitsu (hand to hand Combatives) over 35 years experience
  • Master Instructor Certification
  • American Kick Boxing Instructor
  • CPR, First Aid, AED Certification
  • Field Training Officer – (F.T.O.)
  • Substitute Teacher Certification – AB-TECH of Asheville 2003
  • FEMA Certification in Active Shooter Awareness
  • FEMA Certification in Incident Command System
  • Armed and Unarmed Certification from Private Protection Service Board of NC (2010 – 2025)

Former Certifications:

  • Federal Emergence Response Official
  • Former Correction Officer – Office of Staff Development NC Department of Public Safety (2019 – 2022)
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training – Asheville Buncombe Community College (2008-2009)

Our Programs:

  • Close Quarter Combatives – Age restrictions may apply
    •   *   Hand to Hand Tactics
    •   *   Edged Weapons Tactics
    •   *   Self Defense Tactics
    •   *   Improvised Weapons Tactics
    •   *   Baton and Ku baton Tactics
    •   *   Weapon Retention
    •   *   Use Of Force
  • Active Shooter Awareness
  • Weapon Safety
  • Women’s Self Defense
  • Youth Self Defense and Awareness

Current Memberships:

Mr. Surrett is a native of North Carolina, born right here in the mountains. Lived on a farm until he was 19 years, when Mr. Surrett started a public job with the city of Asheville. During the first 5 years Mr. Surrett also worked as a Part Time Park Ranger for the city of Asheville, Provided Security during soft ball, volley ball games and tournaments.

My journey in the martial arts started in 1987 at a Shotokan dojo, but my path truly took shape in 1989 when I joined a new school near my high school. There, I spent five years training under Sensei Bohannon in the Karakido System. While some traditionalists may overlook it, Karakido provided the practical self-defense foundation that I still use as my base today.

After the school closed and a period of private study with Sensei John Thomas, I began training in the Kwanmukan style under Carl Wilcox in 1995. This path led to my Black Belt promotion in 2007 and, eventually, opening my own dojo in 2011. My growth as a martial artist was deeply influenced by the Brotherhood of Martial Artists, where I’ve served on the Board of Directors since 2008. Meeting Dr. John Enger through the BHMA has been a turning point in my career, and I am proud to be part of the Shinja Buke Ryu System. My 15+ years in law enforcement and security ensure that everything I teach is grounded in real-world experience.

I Support the US Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire fighters
Clyde Surrett

With over a decade of experience, Officer Cody Surrett began his martial arts journey at age four. A former state champion and national silver medalist, he brings a lifelong dedication to sparring and self-defense to his role in law enforcement. Cody recently graduated at the top of his class from the Premier Training Academy and previously served on the City of Asheville Security Team, where he was dedicated to ensuring the safety of the local community.

 Certifications:

  • Brown Belt in Sekkinsen Goshin Jitsu
  • Level 1 Kick Boxing 
  • Orange Belt in Kwanmuzen-do-Kai
  • Armed and Un-Armed Security Certifications from North Carolina Private Protection Service Board.

With a solid foundation in weapon retention, active-shooter response, and room-clearing techniques, as well as women’s basic self-defense. Cody has helped me for years as my partner in class and as a good partner for those learning the martial arts.

Former Position:

Cody Surrett was a valued member of the Asheville Security Team.

Classes Thought by Cody:

  • Security Check Point Procedures
  • Assist with Weapons Retention
  • Negative Effect of Social Media in Society 2024 (Asheville Security Team)

Memberships:

Sekkinsen Goshin Jitsu Karate Federation

Note: I am not a legal professional. All information provided here is publicly available and intended for educational purposes only. Sensei Surrett is a skilled expert in karate and self-defense, but he does not have legal expertise.