United Thai Boxing & MMA
“I feel like the community at this gym really took me in and helped me develop not only physically but as a person.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Durham, NC
15 gyms listed · 13 in Durham · 8 open weekends · 14 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Triangle Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Went to roll but learned some judo throws in the process hehe loved it”
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Bull City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Plenty of space to sit and it's comfortable for siblings who aren't training.”
Modu Martial Arts School
“I got so excited watching my boys light up with joy that I decided to sign up myself.”
Gracie Durham
“I hope you never need to deploy the tactics we learned today, but if someone has nefarious intentions for you, there are ways to get away safely”
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Jiyú Holistic Wellness
“I was attended to and walked away feeling better than when I walked in.”
The 15 gyms listed for Durham, NC 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: Durham, NC
13 of the 15 gyms we list are based in Durham; the other 2 serve Durham from Chapel Hill (8 mi). The gyms on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 765 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 14 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 7 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 5 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 10 websites of the gyms on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 13 of the gyms on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 10 list a public email and 2 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 Durham show a timetable online?
13 of the 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.
Tkfmma
“My kids just started attending here, and they've been having a lot of fun!”
Carolina Martial Arts Center
“Even in a busy class with lots of kids he's able to seamlessly support one kiddo while giving directions or doing a drill with another.”
Shaw's Karate
“Great dojo to learn the craft and skillset, as well be exposed to a more authentic experience versus most commercialized karate businesses.”
JMA Taekwondo
“Doing Taekwondo has really helped with my physical activity and my confidence.”
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NC Systema
“Even a few sessions (private, workshop, and group classes) of NC Systema have been incredibly helpful for both of us —middle-aged mom and young teen— in increasing our self-confidence and awareness, and just having fun.”
Scorpion's School of Martial Arts
Deep River Aikikai
“Whether age 7 or 70, you'll get attention and training at your level of experience.”
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Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense
“All the coaches are so good with kids and it's a very good balance of teaching skills and discipline while understanding they are still young kids and have a lot of wiggles to get out.”
Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate
“It's a rewarding and practical activity with real-life applications, making it a fantastic way for families to connect and grow together.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms in Durham
- “My son has been taking classes here for two years and it has been so good for his discipline, self-esteem and social skills.” — from a review of JMA Taekwondo
- “The structure, the discipline, the expertise of the sensei, and the community of the students is all exceptional and really enjoyable.” — from a review of Shaw's Karate
- “Classes are welcoming and friendly, and there is an attitude of helpfulness among participants rather than competitiveness — Systema is a practical discipline, not a sport.” — from a review of NC Systema
- “Pasquale facilitates wonderful workshops! Accommodating of all levels and backgrounds, he shared concepts that could be explored at various skill levels and applied across many disciplines.” — from a review of Jiyú Holistic Wellness
- “Every time we have been there, I have been so impressed with their ability to manage multiple belt levels & testing requirements, all while managing to provide individualized instruction (even within large classes).” — from a review of Modu Martial Arts School
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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