06/15/2026
Master Wes Sutton
Sabumnim / Dojunim Sutton
5th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido IHF
Master Wes Sutton is the owner and chief instructor of Mu Yong Kwan Marshall County Hapkido Academy (also known as Benton Self Defense Academy) in Benton, Kentucky. With over 27 years of dedicated martial arts training and ranks in four different arts, Master Sutton brings a wealth of real-world experience to his students of all ages — from children to adults.
A combat MEU(SOC) Marine, Master Sutton served with both the 24th MEU(SOC) and the 26th MEU(SOC). He deployed with Hotel Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (Hotel 3/12) during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He later served as a Military Police officer in the Michigan Army National Guard. This multi-generational legacy of service runs deep: his grandfather was a Judo and knife-fighting instructor in the Marine Corps, his aunt also served as a Marine, and his mother became proficient in Judo under her father’s training.
His military background, combined with his lifelong commitment to discipline, resilience, and practical self-defense, shapes his teaching style. He specializes in effective joint locks, throws, striking, and weapons training (including short stick and riot baton), emphasizing techniques that work under real stress.
Master Sutton founded the academy to provide the Marshall County community with honest, no-nonsense self-defense training that builds confidence, fitness, and mental toughness. His program welcomes everyone — kids learning focus and respect, teens building discipline, and adults seeking practical skills for real life. Recent promotions and special offers (including free uniforms with sign-ups and two-week trials) have helped grow the school with motivated new students.
Outside the dojang, Master Sutton is a 100% Permanent & Total disabled veteran who manages service-related challenges through continued training and discipline. He lives in Benton, KY with his family and enjoys raising his juvenile female bearded dragon in a custom bioactive enclosure. A fiscal conservative and social liberal with strong traditional values, he draws on biblical principles of leadership, family, and personal responsibility.
Whether you're looking to build unbreakable self-confidence, improve your fitness, or learn skills that could one day save your life, Master Sutton and the Mu Yong Kwan team are ready to welcome you to the academy.
Train with purpose. Live with strength.
