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United Thai Boxing & MMA
- Name
- Striking
- Intimidate
“They'll push you far past what you thought your limitations were as long as you are consistent and they've given me sound advice every time I've sought it out.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Durham, NC
24 gyms listed · 13 in Durham · 18 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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Triangle Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Royce Gracie
- Self Defense
- Mat
“The coaches are awesome - I have trouble deciding how to work my schedule around training with several of them because they all bring something cool and different to the table-- err, mat.”
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Modu Martial Arts School
“We are excited for it as it truly is an accessibly priced after school program that offers a wide range of activities for the kids as well as inlcuded T Aquondo!”
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Bull City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Learning
- Train
- Knowledge
“Being a gym of a relatively small group of people, I reach out to either instructor any time I need and spar with the advanced until I could do no more.”
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Tkfmma
- Classes
- Learn
- Self Defense
“If you are looking for just a place where you want to hang out with a buddy and possibly get injured sure be my guest try someplace else but if you really want to learn and get one hell of a workout then try it out”
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Gracie Durham
- Environment
- Self Defense
- Son
“He encourages questions, is able to break down the reasoning behind is answers, which I believe, allows a Jiu Jitsu practitioner to eventually make the art their own.”
The 24 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 24 gyms we list are based in Durham; the other 11 serve Durham from Cary (14 mi), Raleigh (18 mi) and Chapel Hill (8 mi). The gyms on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,281 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these gyms on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (92%), quality (84%) and communication (72%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 17 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. 7 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 14 websites of the gyms on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1999. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 23 of the gyms on this page; 21 publish a contact page; 17 list a public email and 3 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?
23 of the 24 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.
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Shaw's Karate
- Teaching
- Skills
- Discipline
“I've been associated with some outstanding instructors over my quarter century plus of training - and was really pleased to find a dojo in Durham that meets and exceeds my expectations.”
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Carolina Martial Arts Center
- Belts
- Patience
- Martial Artists
“If you are considering taking martial arts, or are looking for a great school for your children, please come to Carolina Martial Arts Center and see for yourself - you won't be disappointed!”
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Carolina Karate Academy
- Skills
- Black Belt
- Self Control
“I would highly recommend Carolina Karate Academy to anyone looking to learn to defend themselves, build strength, develop foundational character traits or just to simply have a blast!”
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Jiyu Holistic Wellness
- Injury
- Martial Arts
- Breath
“He's dedicated to the health and wellbeing of his clients, always makes me feel comfortable, and is willing to try a variety of techniques based upon my needs.”
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JMA Taekwondo
- Discipline
- Individual
- Black Belt
“To Grand Master Ji, Head Master Eunae Ji and Instructor Lawrence Lee a heartfelt thank you for all that you do for my son to build his strength and confidence”
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NC Systema
- Meditation
- Fighting
- Skills
“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.”
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Scorpion's School of Martial Arts
“My youngest son was the first student when this school opened, and my middle son and myself took classes soon after.”
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Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts
“Through the pandemic, the staff has gone above and beyond to encourage students to continue training, and has provided SO many resources and opportunities for us to workout and continue to grow.”
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Peck's Taekwondo America
“My daughter is shy and we were not sure she would survive the sport; but the staff were very kind, supportive, and there was no pressure on her to compete.”
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Master Chang's Martial Arts
“It would have been easy and understandable for him to move right on by as I'm sure he was busy but he stopped and spent several minutes to help show them how to put the gear on and worked with them.”
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Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate
- Learned
- Sensei
- Train
“Sensei Ligo has put his heart and soul into creating a dojo with the same spirit as his dojo in Japan and strives to offer the best teaching to his students.”
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Hometown Martial Arts
- Environment
- Skill
- Technique
“The students are also pretty cool people who just want to learn some martial arts, and you will see most students trying to help their teammates become better.”
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G13 Brazilian JIU Jitsu HQ US: Martial Arts
“I'm Brazilian, 5th Black Belt in BJJ, and I have lived here, in the US, for more than seven years and I've never found an academy that had the level of teaching and commitment of G13.”
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Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
- Plan
- Class
- Humor
“We were not forced to do anything that might make us feel uncomfortable and the point was made several times to speak up if anything we were doing did make us feel that way.”
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Master Chang's Martial Arts Preston Corners
- Seo
- Confidence
- Parents
“These classes multiple times a week and whole heartedly appreciate Amanda for her hard work and dedication to the parents, kids and promoting this amazing program out to the community”
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Irongrip Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Environment
- Knowledge
- Culture
“IRONGRIP JIU JITSU is an excellent martial arts studio that anyone seeking to learn new skills, develop old ones, or simply find a constructive challenge can benefit from.”
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Kalari Adimurai
- Classes
- Individual
- Traditions
“I am a working professional and learning kalari Adimurai has helped a lot to improve my flexibility , boost my confidence and improve both mental and physical health .”
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Beacon Mixed Martial Arts
- Muay Thai
- Skills
- Culture
“Coach Kirby shines as an instructor - his ability to break down and articulate complex BJJ concepts is remarkable, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable.”
Martial Arts Training Services in Durham, NC Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$93
Maximum cost
$468
National Average
$148
Avg Per Hour Rates
$62
$123
$185
Typical price range is based on 274 cost profiles
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
- “Mr. Chris, the sensei is a very well disciplined instructor with full energy and is always there to help young students.” — from a review of Carolina Karate Academy
- “If you have goals in mental discipline, cardio pulmonary conditioning goals, fitness goals, or want to get a good work out without doing the same thing every day, this is a great place.” — from a review of Tkfmma
- “We love it for the discipline and the instruction with heart, kindness and affection.” — from a review of Shaw's Karate
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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