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Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Charleston, South Carolina
Certified school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized Krav Maga certifying organization (think Krav Maga Worldwide, IKMF, KMG or Krav Maga Alliance). If certification matters to you, ask which organization they're certified through and what certification level their instructors hold.
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
- Women's self-defense dedicated women's self-defense classes — a welcoming, no-pressure space to learn practical skills and build real confidence
- Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
- LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule charlestonkravmaga.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 843-225-5425
Hours
| Monday | 12–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12–8 pm |
| Friday | 5:30–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I am 17 and before the 6 week ladies self defense class I knew no self-defense.”
“Two of our grandchildren have begun lessons.”
“Someone with little to no experience can come here; and, you will be welcome, you WILL LEARN and you will leave more confident, in better shape, and with a usable skill.”
“Being a military member, you know the importance of this after having to deploy and walking right back into the family.”
“Dave always strikes the balance of taking self defense training seriously but also providing levity to an often triggering topic.”
Other martial arts here
“People may feel intimidated to come to an MMA gym!”
“I started jiu jitsu here over a half a year ago and am getting ready to spend some time away from Charleston, my only regret is that I did not start the sport sooner in life.”
What students say
“There are tons of classes with knowledgeable instructors.”
“Someone with little to no experience can come here; and, you will be welcome, you WILL LEARN and you will leave more confident, in better shape, and with a usable skill.”
“Charleston Krav Maga is staffed with professionals that have created a welcoming atmosphere for the beginner right up to the experienced.”
“Someone with little to no experience can come here; and, you will be welcome, you WILL LEARN and you will leave more confident, in better shape, and with a usable skill.”
“The experience my wife and daughter had through their ladies training program left both of them with more confidence in the ability to protect themselves.”
“Dave was AMAZING to work with, explained everything very well, and gave us adjustments along the way.”
From the reviews
Charleston Krav Maga is staffed with professionals that have created a welcoming atmosphere for the beginner right up to the experienced. After the first initial visits, you quickly start feeling like part of a family. Your not just a number, everyone knows everyone. Everyone also helps out whenever possible.
I started jiu jitsu here over a half a year ago and am getting ready to spend some time away from Charleston, my only regret is that I did not start the sport sooner in life. The atmosphere here is great and the culture in the gym is perfect.
I took the Women's Empowerment class and had such an incredible experience. The coaches were all so genuine and helpful. I learned so much and now walk with more confidence knowing I can protect myself if ever necessary. Thank you all!!
Absolutely loved the 6-week Women's Only Empowerment series. Mr. Dave was AMAZING to work with, explained everything very well, and gave us adjustments along the way. He made everyone in the class feel more than comfortable and was encouraging throughout the entire process.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a self-defense class, 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 athletic to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build the fundamentals (stance, movement, and core self-defense techniques) over weeks, and controlled pressure-testing eases in gradually so every drill stays safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or Level 1 class time so your first session is alongside others who are also just starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Krav Maga class at Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
Nervous about walking into a Krav Maga school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling a few core techniques with a partner — controlled and at your own pace, not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — there's no uniform or special gear you need to buy to get started. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — most schools have everything else you'll need for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call what to bring. Pressure-testing eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid — you won't be sparring hard on day one. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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