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Capital Karate
“All of these are things that can be traced directly back to the influence of Capital Karate because they encourage the development of the all-around individual beyond the karate skills.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Columbia, SC
24 gyms listed · 12 in Columbia · 11 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
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Legacy Martial Arts
- Discipline
- Summer Camp
- Parents
“My daughter attends and loves the class n the coaches…The coaches really take time to really teach the students…My daughter is learning so much from them!!!”
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Spartan Academy Mixed Martial Arts
- Learn
- Feel
- Atmosphere
“If you want your kids to be in a friendly but structured and disciplined atmosphere where they can be physically challenged and learn valuable skills from world-class instructors, this is the place to be in Columbia, SC.”
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The Karate Dojo
“It's a clean, safe, and secure environment and whether you are an adult or child taking classes, you will feel welcome and challenged in all the right ways.”
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Lycan Mixed Martial Arts
- Atmosphere
- Tournament
- Culture
“Coach Nader knows everyone by name and gives everyone the same energy when he's coaching whether you're visiting, a higher ranked belt even down to the newest white belts.”
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Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu
- Learn
- Belt
- BJJ
“They were extremely down to earth not to mention they had a had full of black belts along with a handful of brown with some purple blue and white sprinkled in...”
The 24 gyms listed for Columbia, 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: Columbia, SC
12 of the 24 gyms we list are based in Columbia; the other 12 serve Columbia from towns including Lexington (18 mi), Irmo (17 mi) and Lugoff (18 mi). The gyms on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,674 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these gyms on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (90%), quality (82%) and communication (78%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 11 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 7 websites of the gyms on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 2 are family- or locally-owned and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 20 of the gyms on this page; 18 publish a contact page; 17 list a public email and 6 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.
Are weekend martial arts classes listed for Columbia?
11 of the 24 gyms put weekend times on the listing. Saturday morning is usually junior classes and an open mat for anyone who wants extra rounds; Sunday is rarer. If your shifts move, ask whether a weekday class you miss can be made up on the weekend.
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Balance Martial Arts
- Skills
- Teach
- Health
“Whether I'm looking to de-stress and wind down for the day with Tai Chi or if I'm looking to put in a good work out and learn self-defense through Kung Fu, I am always excited to go to class.”
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Tiger Rock Martial Arts Of Columbia
- Lessons
- Mom
- Skills
“There is an opportunity to participate in competitions which basically prepare your kids to compete.”
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Wing Chun
“His instruction is priceless and informative.”
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Wellwithin Martial Arts
“I love that my husband and I are also able to participate and become confident in our skills, coming into a dojang for the first time in our mid thirties.”
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Yim's Tiger Tae Kwon Do Academy
- Environment
- Taekwondo
“Master Yim is instilling great values for the students that align with what we teach at home.”
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Seidokan Aikido of South Carolina
- Learn
- Sensei
- Dojo
“This is an EXCELLENT dojo - even though I came in as a complete newbie and was unable to attend regularly, I felt like I learned a great deal at every lesson.”
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M. C. Kim's Taekwondo USA
“The Kyup (Kiai in Japanese) is a little weak since it's not coming from the diaphragm from the youtube videos I've seen over the past year in 2014/2015 so they can use a little work understanding where the breathing and spirit energy comes from when ...”
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TNT Martial Arts & Fitness
“Having known them for several years now and trained with them consistently I can tell you Tim knows exactly what it takes to maximize your goals and teach you what is handedly the best practical use martial arts in existence.”
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Carolina Family Karate
- Belt
“My nine year old has not only grown his knowledge of martial arts and improved his physical health, he has also gained patience, improved his focus, and grown socially.”
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West Wateree Tae Kwon Do
“Great place!!!”
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Columbia Martial Arts and Fitness
“The owners Tonya and Mark care so much about the children who come through this program—both the ones in their martial arts program and the afterschool/summer program.”
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Black Tiger Tae Kwon Do
“Im so glad to have found this place because of bullying at school I wanted my kids to learn respect, how to handle situations and to be able to protect their selves.”
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Vitali Family Karate
- Son
- Smiling
- Respect
“My kids tend to be on the reserved/shy side and we're pretty nervous about starting karate but the instructors are so welcoming and patient and kind…it really makes all the difference.”
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Universal School of Karate
- Learn
- Confidence
- Environment
“As a mother of 4 I never thought I would be able to afford the classes, but he always said that it's about teaching and not about getting money (so the classes are super affordable).”
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington
- Course
- Skills
- Sensei
“I was a frightened person before, and I still don't want to fight anyone, no belt of any color, but I've gotten my confidence more today, than when I was a youngster!”
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Powerhouse MMA
- The Environment
“The environment of the gym and its members is such a great community, very encouraging and supportive, and won't let you get stuck in your comfort zone.”
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Genova Family Karate
“Our boys had a great time learning martial arts there, but they also learned respect, responsibility, and work ethic lessons that have persisted long beyond the instruction itself.”
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Columbia Self Defense
- Confidence
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Train
“Valente Brother black belts, Jack, Shayne, and Nick are all fantastic instructors that work very well together to make CSD a very well-rounded self-defense focused jiu-jitsu school for all ages.”
Martial Arts Training Services in Columbia, SC Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$90
Maximum cost
$453
National Average
$144
Avg Per Hour Rates
$60
$120
$179
Typical price range is based on 471 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms in Columbia
- “For families in the area, I highly recommend this gym and the way it builds focus, confidence and discipline for kids!” — from a review of Capital Karate
- “As amazing as the training is, as important to me is the confidence, discipline, and work ethic they learn from training here.” — from a review of Spartan Academy Mixed Martial Arts
- “The Seidokan Aikido of South Carolina dojo has some of the most patient, kind, and dedicated people I've known.” — from a review of Seidokan Aikido of South Carolina
- “Nader is a very knowledgeable black belt, and their gym has a great sense of community.” — from a review of Lycan Mixed Martial Arts
- “Legacy Martial Art is excellent! The instructors are highly skilled and knowledgeable, providing top-notch training in a variety of disciplines.” — from a review of Legacy Martial Arts
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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