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Charleston Self-Defense Academy & Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Judo dojo in North Charleston, South Carolina
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule charlestonselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 996-8498
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It’s going to be difficult to articulate how wonderful it has been to have Rob and Lisa teaching my son Judo.”
“The time that the kids class is offered is perfect and being a young adult he also participates in the adult class.”
“He has already had the opportunity to go to two tournaments with his team and done so well.”
“Charleston Self Defense Academy and MMA has awesome instructors to teach every level from never wrapped their hands beginners and up.”
“Charleston Self Defense Academy and MMA has awesome instructors to teach every level from never wrapped their hands beginners and up.”
Other martial arts here
“I am a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Professor Costa here consistently impresses me with his knowledge and is by far the most technical instructor I've seen.”
“I originally attended last year when the owners were kind enough to lend their space to my wrestling coach and our wrestling club.”
“Charleston Self Defense Academy and MMA has awesome instructors to teach every level from never wrapped their hands beginners and up.”
“Charleston Self Defense Academy and MMA has awesome instructors to teach every level from never wrapped their hands beginners and up.”
What members say
“Charleston Fit & Martial Arts is a great facility with very knowledgeable instructors who welcome you into their classes and run a very good program.”
“Charleston Self Defense Academy and MMA has awesome instructors to teach every level from never wrapped their hands beginners and up.”
“I brought my daughters before they studied abroad and she helped us with a family session on self defense.”
“Sensi Brad is the lead instructor and has a lot of techniques to keep the keeps engaged.”
“Jill the tumbling instructor has a lot of experience and my daughter loves working with her.”
“He has already had the opportunity to go to two tournaments with his team and done so well.”
From the reviews
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.
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.
It’s going to be difficult to articulate how wonderful it has been to have Rob and Lisa teaching my son Judo. They are patient and yet firm, pay careful attention to safety, and when you see them teach, it’s easy to tell that they have a heart for teaching kids martial arts.
This is a first class facility that reaches out and finds the most knowledgeable staff available. I am a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Professor Costa here consistently impresses me with his knowledge and is by far the most technical instructor I've seen. I look forward to continue learning from him.
New to judo? Start at Charleston Self-Defense Academy & Martial Arts
Charleston Self-Defense Academy & Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at Charleston Self-Defense Academy & Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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