This section lists martial arts studios offering dedicated self-defense instruction for adults and specialized women's safety courses. Programs range from single-day weekend workshops covering practical escape tactics to ongoing weekly classes focused on situational awareness and physical response. Before booking, confirm whether the curriculum focuses on scenario-based real-world defense or standard sport martial arts techniques.
Columbia 4
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Wing Chun
1801 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201-3578
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Black Flag Training Group
2901 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29204-1437
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Zen Shotokai Karate at WF
1055 Market Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
Monday & Wednesday: 6:30 pm
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Tiger Rock Martial Arts
9557 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223-4305
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington
1216 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072-2453
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Carter's Academy of Self Defense
1216 North Main, Lexington, SC 29072
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Nihon Goshin Aikido Yudansha-Kai
1216 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072-2453
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Vitali Family Karate
108 Scarborough Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
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Carolina Karate
104 Mauldin Rd Ste B, Greenville, SC 29605
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Carolina Karate & Fitness Center
2015 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607-2914
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Black Belt Attitude School
3935 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC 29615-6624
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Osupure Karate
295 Seven Farms Dr, Charleston, SC 29492-8001
Thursday, July 23rd 7-9pm
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Charleston Shotokan Karate Club
1620 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407-4968
Florence 2
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Competitive Edge Combat Sports
111 Technology Place, Florence, SC 29501
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Ozone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1735 S Irby St, Florence, SC 29505-3414
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Martial School Combative Concepts
2308 W Georgia Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680
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Black Belt Attitude School
664 Fairview Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680-6708
Monday 02:00
Elgin 1
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Genova Family Karate
130 Pontiac Business Center Dr, Elgin, SC 29045
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Team Martial Arts
214 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445-2974
Greer 1
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Donjitsu Do Dojo
1291 Milford Church Rd, Greer, SC 29651
Monday and WednesdaysВ atВ 5:00
Mauldin 1
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Black Belt Attitude School (Butler)
1140 E Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29607-6187
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Jeet Kune Do Charleston
3301 Stockdale St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
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Budokan South Martial Arts Academy
889 Garden City Con, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Tuesday 6pm
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The Karate Studio
3260 Holmestown Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
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Sun & Moon Martial Art Studio
3147 Argent Blvd. Suite 2, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm
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Summerville Family Martial Arts Center
620 Boone Hill Rd, Summerville, SC 29483-2817
Sumter 1
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Academy of Martial Arts
504C Miller Rd, Sumter, SC 29150
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Ciraco's Okinawan Karate
1407 US-17 S, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-6040
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Guardian Self Defense
3 Benton Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690-2168
York 1
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Black Tiger Martial Arts
2 Congress St N, York, SC 29745-1529
Monday-Friday 3pm
Also in South Carolina
- Traditional Martial Arts Schools202
- Kids Martial Arts Classes177
- Boxing Gyms134
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools117
- MMA Gyms59
- Karate Classes for Children and Adults30
- Family Martial Arts Classes and Academies22
- Kickboxing Classes for Beginners and Adults12
- Martial Arts Schools with Fat Loss Programs9
- Tai Chi and Qigong Classes for Seniors and Adults7
- Filipino & Historical European Martial Arts Schools5
Good to know
How much do self-defense classes usually cost?
Single-day workshops typically cost between $25 and $75 per participant for a 2-to-4-hour session. Ongoing monthly membership programs range from $100 to $180 per month, often including access to regular martial arts classes.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No, beginner self-defense courses require zero prior martial arts or combat experience. Instructors teach simple, high-leverage movements and situational awareness concepts designed for people of all fitness levels.
What should I wear to my first self-defense class?
Wear flexible athletic clothing such as a t-shirt, athletic pants or leggings, and clean sneakers. Remove all jewelry, watches, and hair accessories with sharp edges before training to prevent injury during practical drills.
How to lose body fat percentage?
Reducing body fat percentage involves maintaining a moderate energy deficit while engaging in strength training and high-calorie combat sports. Regular practice in disciplines like MMA or Muay Thai builds lean tissue while driving down overall body fat. Users in South Carolina can browse 30 verified martial arts academies offering structured weight management programs.
How to drain fluid from ear?
Draining fluid from an ear—often caused by trauma such as cauliflower ear in grappling—requires sterile medical aspiration using a syringe followed by a compression wrap. Performing this procedure at home without medical expertise carries a severe risk of infection and permanent cartilage deformity. Practicing martial artists in South Carolina should consult qualified medical professionals or ask coaches at one of the 30 listed local academies for proper sports health protocols.