Meet Our Martial Arts Experts

Youth Programs Director, Assistant Instructor

• 3rd Kyu Brown Belt Combat Kinetics
• 4th Kyu Purple Belt Modern Arnis
• Muay Thai
• Kickboxing

Matthew Karshna has been taking kickboxing and Muay Thai since 2019.

Matthew was introduced to martial arts in 2018 while working at a job in-between his high school and college career, and right from the jump, found something he loved to do. Rolling into 2019, he practiced Muay Thai and kickboxing at Full Throttle Fitness in Gainesville GA under Kelly Leo.

In 2021, Matthew transferred to the University of Georgia, where he finished his college career and trained in Muay Thai and kickboxing at X3 Sports in Athens GA under Jakar Oropallo.

Matthew graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in the spring of 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, putting those skills to work as the newest member of the Alliance Kinetics and Vitality team as Community Engagement Director. In the summer of 2023, Matthew married his beautiful wife and with her, came to Asheville NC with the Alliance family to start his professional career under Sensei Kevin Phillips, of whom he is now a vigorous student. He is excited to expand his martial arts knowledge into new territory, building on his current skills in order to grow even healthier, stronger, and competent.

Matthew is proud to serve Alliance Kinetics through helping others turn their martial arts goals into a reality and to help them reach a level of health and fitness that also trains them in the dynamic ways of self-defense basics. 

“I am committed to the health, wellness, and skills training of each and every student who steps foot on the mat. When we are on the mat, we are here to learn from each other and to grow in the beautiful martial arts that make us more honorable, respectable, and strong.”

~Coach Matt