Charleston Self Defense Academy & MMA
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Charleston Self Defense is your partner in reaching your personal fitness, sports, and self-defense goals. Our dedicated staff of experienced instructors provide individualized, high quality programs that will get you in shape, build self-confidence, and transform you into the person you always dreamed you could be.

Don't settle on "attending a class" or "hitting the treadmill." Join a community, have fun, and know that you have a team behind you. Are you "out of shape" or taking your first step into martial arts? We offer instruction in the fundamentals that will set you on the right path and show you immediate results.
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More than a martial art, this class will teach real world self defense. You will learn strikes, blocks, joint locks, pressure points, takedowns and weapons defense. No experience necessary! This class is designed for beginners and intermediates as well as those interested in learning how to apply combat sports to real life application.
Our After School Program was developed jointly by teachers and martial artists to provide children K-8 with the perfect blend of STEAM and Self Defense. While students from any school or home school program are welcome, we will offer after school pickup from Goose Creek Elementary and Howe Hall AIMS at this time.
Boxing earned its tough guy image for a reason. It makes people strong, both mentally and physically. In 2020, boxing isn't just for young men. Our boxing programs teach people of every age, gender, and fitness level to hold their head high, keep their chin down, and walk with confidence. Our beginning boxing classes teach the fundamentals in an inclusive, high energy environment.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest growing and most popular martial sports in America, and we agree it is something everyone should try. BJJ is a low impact, high energy sport that features grappling for both sport and self-defense. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolved from Japanese Judo in Brazil, and it moved away from the big throws and takedowns to focus on submissions and technical ground work.
Judo is the best kept secret in America. Judo is both a martial art and an olympic sport, and it has a dynamic and versatile set of techniques that will prepare you for any situation. Training in judo is a whole body transformation process: cardio, agility, balance, strength, reflexes and power. Will you learn to defend yourself?
Reviews (10)
Kz Russ
Kz Russ
Jan 09, 2021
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I absolutely love this gym. It has such a homey and family friendly vibe; it's made me feel a lot less homesick after I moved here. I've done the boxing, judo, jujitsu, and self defense classes and I'm never disappointed. The instructors are all well spoken and very knowledgeable (both within the specific classes and in general questions regarding techniques and muscle development & pain management).
I love the idea that they had to use the day time as a child care/virtual schooling area and another thing that really stood out to me is the care that they take regarding safety in the kids classes
Aaron Hawk
Aaron Hawk
Jul 08, 2019
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I have known the instructor here for many years and I have a ton of respect for him. He teaches the best krav maga classes in the area. The gym is set up very well with lots of space to move and very safe and clean. I highly recommend them!
Jenna Kpack
Jenna Kpack
Jul 12, 2018
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The gym has some great instructors who are very knowledgeable about the programs they offer! The program that I favor is the kids and adult judo class. The instructors are all very well versed in what they teach and are versatile with the variety of age groups they work with (young children up to adults). They also make it feel more like a community than just a fitness/self defense class. It is nice seeing how they come together to teach the art and culture, and how to do things the right way to avoid injury. The only thing I dislike about the gym is that some classes aren’t consistent with the
Dustin Turbeville
Dustin Turbeville
Jan 18, 2018
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Charleston Fit & Martial Arts is a great facility with very knowledgeable instructors who welcome you into their classes and run a very good program. A must for anyone looking for a good gym to start or continue their martial art or workout journeys. Highly recommend!!
Jeff Leinberger
Jeff Leinberger
Oct 17, 2017
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My son (10 years old) could not do a somersault when he started almost 8 months ago. Now he is flipping around all over the place. His confidence is stronger and he has developed some great friendships! They professors have been awesome I can't believe how much he has learned in just under a year. He has already had the opportunity to go to two tournaments with his team and done so well. Great alternative to your typical sports. Reasonably priced and flexible on your schedule.
Abadael Perez
Abadael Perez
Sep 12, 2017
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Everyone from the instructor to the students made it super easy to learn. I spent far too long thinking about joining a boxing class, don't make the same mistake. Dabble or immerse yourself in all the different fighting styles they have to offer. Nate, the boxing instructor, is knowledgeable and patient. Definitely helpful for anyone like me who has zero fighting or boxing experience.
Rebecca Johnston
Rebecca Johnston
Feb 04, 2017
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Charleston FIT and MMA is such an amazing place. I was looking for trainers that will motivate me and kick my butt because there's no way I'm working out at home for 30 minutes alone in front of a DVD player. They are so motivating, and understand when I need the push. Tim, Haley, Ricardo and Stephanie are rock stars and with one class of boxing under my belt, I will definitely be adding that to my routine. Do yourself a favor and join this place because it's awesome! And such a great location!
Randy Hale
Randy Hale
Jan 14, 2017
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Great place. Staff is friendly and helpful. I haven't trained BJJ since 01,but the class treated me like I had been with them for years.
They have weights and heavy bags to use anytime. That's cool because I don't need two gym memberships. I haven't done the other classes but it looks like everyone is enjoying the hard workouts. Highly recommended.
Rhonda Evans
Rhonda Evans
Aug 27, 2016
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My son has been attending Charleston Fit & MMA for about 4 months and he absolutely LOVES it! The time that the kids class is offered is perfect and being a young adult he also participates in the adult class. He enjoys his coach and classes so much that he even wakes up early on Saturdays to attend their 10am class. He's learned so much that he will be participating in his first tournament this weekend! I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for an MMA class.
Jacob Van Maanen
Jacob Van Maanen
Dec 30, 2015
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When I first joined it was like being welcomed into a family, they took care of me and walked me through step by step. The instructors at this gym are phenomenal, they provide top level instruction in their respective fields. Everything I learned here I will always carry on with me for the rest of my life, if you want to push yourself and become physically as well as mentally stronger every day then I would highly recommend this gym, you won't regret it.