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Charleston Self Defense - West Ashley
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Charleston, South Carolina
Plan your first class
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 1–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My kids have a blast attending classes here.”
“Excellent women's self defense class- led by women.”
“It is a beautiful facility with Olympic level instructors.”
“Absolutely love Charleston Selfdefense Martial Arts Studio!”
“Felt supported as a beginner and genuinely welcomed into the community.”
Other martial arts here
“Highly recommend school for judoka or jiu jitsu practitioners of any experience level !”
“Absolutely love Charleston Selfdefense Martial Arts Studio!”
What members say
“The owners, Rob and Lisa, do a great job creating a welcoming atmosphere.”
“we have come to think of this place as an extended part of our family,and have made so much personal growth here!”
“I was always getting submitted in my previous school, but a technique taught here truly changed my view, i was able to submit higher belts in India.”
“Very clean and well kept facility with amazing staff.”
“This is just an amazing self defense class for women.”
From the reviews
Wow this place is going to be epic! The premier sports location for the Charleston Area! Their Judo program is why I come but there are so many amazing programs and highly credentialed instructors.
This is just an amazing self defense class for women. The instructors were well prepared and knowledgeable. The tips and demonstrations are very useful for me. I will likely attend more advanced classes in order to learn new techniques.
Amazing school. What makes unique is they go both Judo and jiu Jiutsu as both are equally important. I was there for 2 months and truly enjoyed. I didn't even realise how much better I was in jiu Jiutsu till I went out and applied it.
Absolutely love Charleston Selfdefense Martial Arts Studio! The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and truly care about each student's progress. The classes are well-structured, with a perfect balance of technique, fitness, and practical self-defense skills.
New to judo? Start at Charleston Self Defense - West Ashley
Charleston Self Defense - West Ashley 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 - West Ashley
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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