Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
“They make you feel welcome and work you something fierce.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Charleston, SC
15 gyms listed · 9 in Charleston · 11 open weekends · 14 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
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Charleston Self-Defense Academy & Martial Arts
“Highly recomended they let me train for a week for a decent price, the profesors were pretty good and the enviroment really friendly.”
Black Label Martial Arts
“The mats were clean, they had another matted room for muay Thai and a room with, what looked like a full size boxing ring.”
Japan Karate Institute
“Our son is 6 years old and has learned a lot and become more disciplined in the first few months that he's attended.”
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Folly Jiu Jitsu
“Instruction was unique in where live situations was paired with a debugging session prior to repeating the live.”
Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu
“Coming in from out of town and another great gym, Tom and company made me feel right at home.”
The 15 gyms listed for Charleston, SC teach martial arts and combat sports. Styles taught, kids' programs and class times come from each gym's own pages, with star ratings from public reviews.
Area overview: Charleston, SC
9 of the 15 gyms we list are based in Charleston; the other 6 serve Charleston from Mount Pleasant (9 mi) and North Charleston (9 mi). 14 of the gyms on this page have a rating, from 4.8 to 5.0 across 655 reviews; 4 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 10 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 3 websites of the gyms on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2006. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the gyms on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 4 take bookings online. We count these figures across the gyms on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the gym before you enroll.
Which gyms listed for Charleston show a timetable online?
All 15 gyms have a website on file. The useful ones name the instructor against each slot and mark which classes take beginners. A site built around the founder's rank and a contact form tells you nothing about the Tuesday night you would actually be standing in.
Japan Karate Institute James Island
“They not only teach self defense but they teach life lessons as well, discipline being the biggest lesson.”
Cool Hands MMA
“This is the place to be to get in shape, learn how to protect yourself and if you have aspirations of competing, there's no better place in the 843.”
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston
“I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn the sport of grappling or BJJ.”
Ocean Martial Arts
“The time I've spent training with Coach has not only been an amazing workout but I have learn a ton of technique and the reasoning behind it which is extremely helpful for me”
Charleston Muay Thai and Boxing
“Whether you already train, or are looking to start training, I would highly recommend checking this place out.”
Aikido In Charleston
Gracie Barra Charleston Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
“Great atmosphere - they even play great music from the 90s and early 2000s.”
Welead Martial Arts
“Great Instructor and has helped me get into great shape this year!!”
Mount Pleasant Krav Maga
“This was a great experience Master Klok is an excellent teacher, I will say that after my fist class I am tired and got my money's worth!”
Why these companies made our list
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