We have 3 daughters taking classes here since January and I'm so impressed with how they teach each…read moreclass and skill. They have learned so much and the instructors are so patient and skilled. The fact that it is also affordable for our larger family is an extra blessing!

Our family began training with Columbia Self Defense in December of 2019. We initially started with…read morejust our older boys, but after seeing what they were learning, we enrolled our daughters in classes as well. When our oldest graduated to the adult class, my husband and I began training too. The skills we've acquired and friends we've made along the way have been priceless. Over the course of five years, we attended classes at all levels and can only say positive things about the gym and instructors. The instructors train each student on their own level, while pairing them with partners who will help them grow and keep them safe. Our daughter has developmental delays and ADHD, and they have been amazing with her! Safety is always a priority at the gym. Thank you, Shayne, Traci, and Joe, for all you have done and continue to do at Columbia Self Defense.

Very rude and disrespectful instructor... he abuses the fact that he can talk to you however he…read morewants once he's got your "non refundable fee. I'll spend my money elsewhere when I renew.

From the owner: We specialize in Concealed Weapons Permit Training Classes for the private citizen. We also offer…read moremulti-state concealed firearms permit training classes to include Florida and the highly sought after Utah non-resident concealed firearms permit. Instead of my Instructors and I listing our extensive list of credentials and achievements in teaching firearms training to thousands of civilians,both in law enforcement and private life as well as over 26 years teaching combat leaders in all light weapons of the Infantry, our primary concern is now about you and your family. The very BEST information I can offer you is for you to "ASK one of the persons who took our classes".

I've recently moved into the area and needed a place to continue my learning rather than trying Tai…read moreChi out for the first time. If you're looking to REALLY learn Tai Chi and not just go to a class or try out a new thing for exercise then this is the place. It would also be great for beginners to get a great foundation here. Just make no mistake, these are is not casual classes to quickly try out something new or drop in every so often. The location is small & training is very good. Sifu Adams is very knowledgeable and seems to have a good system of instruction. The curriculum rotates though the material. Just as you begin to get the hang of something it becomes time for something new. It keeps the learning fresh and makes you responsible for your own progress. After a time it comes back around again so you can work on details and improve on it. Instruction has a direct and traceable lineage backing the methods used. Sifu Adams has been at this location about 9 years and I believe about 20 years experience himself. Certainly NOT new to what he's doing. Philosophy is health & well-being based, NOT a "fight-school", although you will learn the martial side of the art. Prices are slightly higher than I've seen elsewhere (and slightly higher than a gym), but unlike other similar school it is all inclusive. No sock it to you costs when you are ready for rank testing. Great for someone on a fixed income. The school and space are small but adequate. Training room, changing room, single bathroom, office, storage, and a waiting area. Limited parking, but more is available nearby at Rosewood Market & Publix across the street. Classes offered 6 days a week. Tai Chi Yang-style empty hand form, Tai Chi Weapons, Qi Gong, Kung Fu. Kids classes soon too.

The reason you see so many good reviews and flyers is because you're required to do a certain…read moreamount of marketing when you enroll. If you're looking for gentle, meditative, relaxing movement, this is absolutely not the place for you. If you require any sort of special accommodation, this is also NOT the place for you. Went to get active and also as therapy for my anxiety disorder. Despite my hearing difficulties, I was out at the back of the class next to a very loud a/c unit. Then when I was listening to some instruction, the assistant instructor came up behind me and slapped my arm because I had crossed my arms, which is a sign of disrespect (apparently). I complained to the Sifu Adams and was told that that's just the way that particular instructor does things, and I needed to get used to it.

Awesome spot to learn some self-defense martial arts for all ages, young and old, the instructor is…read morefriendly and well versed in the styles he teaches, the space you train in is convenient and safety is a primary concern. Definitely the best option around if you're looking to begin training in martial arts or a long time practitioner looking for something new or continuing. Highly recommend giving it a shot if you're even slightly curious!

From the owner: The Dark Horse Eskrima Academy teaches unique forms of martial arts from Cebu Philippines and…read morevarious locations in and around Indonesia. The chief instructor has over 40 years of experience in a variety of martial art disciplines that include the aforementioned arts along with Chinese systems such as Praying Mantis and the Five animal style of Kung Fu. Why choose the Dark Horse Academy? The Dark Horse Academy focuses on practical self-defense where you fight as you train. Have you ever watched a martial arts tournament and saw martial artists demonstrating beautiful katas or forms and then watch them compete against an opponent and use none of the techniques displayed during the forms demonstrations? This is usually because the original applications of the techniques in the system have been lost over time and the instructors main focus is to teach forms and fighting as separate entities with no relationship between the two. The Dark Horse Martial Arts Academy differs in that what you learn in the forms and drills are exactly what you use in self-defense applications. This is because the arts of Southeast Asia maintain a strict tradition of fighting competencies which have been passed down successfully from teacher to student for over two thousand years. For more information visit our school at 1801 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201.

This is the best Jiu Jitsu school in the state of SC. I've trained at several schools over the…read morelast 20 years. Rigan Machado, Gerson Sanginitto, Henry Akins (Rickson Gracie's third black belt), Cindy Omatsu (the first woman outside of Brazil to earn her Black Belt in BJJ). The attraction for me is that this school is run and owned by a couple, two Black Belts, Danilo and Jessica Cherman. There aren't many women Black Belts in our area and to have the opportunity to train and learn from one was an opportunity I couldn't overlook. She is a legit accomplished, talented, loving, compassionate, fierce fighter. He is a brilliant knowledgeable grappler as well, recently winning double gold (his event and the open event) at the IBJJF Charleston Fall competition just a couple of weeks ago. The school has a mix of white belts from the Irmo area, and color belts from their school in Connecticut. They had a successful program in CT and a strong women's team. They've been open since January and in 10 months, less than a year, they won 1st place at the IBJJF Fall event in Charleston. This is an academy that anyone in the greater Columbia area should attend. If you're looking for a BJJ school, this one has it all - a great youth program, great adult classes, even a striking class. Classes are Monday through Saturday. I'm so grateful to have found this place, I could go on and on. A real gem of a BJJ school. Danilo and Jessica are great school owners and BJJ practitioners and instructors.

Amazing coaches! By far, the best Jiu Jitsu gym in the Columbia / Irmo / Lexington area. I've been…read morelearning Jiu Jitsu since 2012, moved around quite a bit due to my tenure in the Army, and have never had a Professor teach the way Professor Danilo teaches. He breaks the techniques down in ways that make it easier to grasp and understand. Jitsu Academy is truly a family environment also, my kids train also and have both made tremendous improvements with their techniques and game.

At first I was genuinely impressed. The staff was very friendly, helpful and supportive and for…read morethat I am grateful. I got a helluva workout. However, at the end of the class I had so much sweat pouring down my face with a remainder of bug spray on my head even after washing my head earlier.The sweat and repellent mixed and got in my eyes. I set down my eyeglasses which were pretty expensive next to my other things to go to the restroom and wash my head and face again. To my surprise, my glasses were gone. Someone had picked them either by accident or maliciously. I looked everywhere to no avail. Some staff even helped me look. Again, nothing. They said an announcement was made but I'm not sure how much of it I believe. When I brought up the idea that someone may have done it on purpose, the lady got offended. I thought that my eyeglasses would be safe. I usually take them with me but my eyes were burning so much that I left them. I went back again and no one admitted to taking them. From that time onward, my trust was broken. I haven't been back since.

From the owner: TITLE Boxing Club Sandhill is a full-body, authentic heavy bag workout designed to build your…read morefitness, control your breathing, and clear your mind. You won't just learn how to punch, but how to box in an accessible, no-judgment environment. Over everything, we are dedicated to showing people of all ages, shapes, and abilities that there is no feeling like ripping a heavy bag!

KDA Karate is the absolute best Martial Arts school in Columbia. They offer Wing Chun, Dangsoodo,…read moreJapanese Sword, Taijutsu as well as a Ladies Martial Arts class. The instructors: Sifu Mosher, Dan Bernardo, Tina Lewis and Ryan Wineland are the most knowledgeable martial arts and self defense teachers in the area. The price is beyond fair and much lower then you would expect for the expert level of instruction. Also, there is no long term contracts, which is great. There are other schools in the area that offer these arts but don't waste your time. Especially if you're interested in Wing Chun. I can say without a doubt this is the only school offering quality Wing Chun instruction in the Columbia and Lexington area. Sifu Mosher is astounding. Dan Bernardo teaching Dangsoodo and Japanese Sword is a true old school martial artist who is beyond knowledgeable on the history and application of his art. Ryan Winleand's Taijutsu is beyond impressive in it's fluidity and effectiveness. I think he may actually be a ninja. Tina Lewis's will have any lady prepared for the fight and ready to go. Try it out. You won't be disappointed.

From the owner: We currently offer: Classical Dangsoodo "唐手道" - the Korean…read moreexpression of old school Okinawan Karate. It translates literally to "The Way of the Chinese Hand". Our head instructor is the Vice President of the Korea Dangsoodo Association, an international organization with schools all over the world. Wing Chun "詠春" - a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilising both striking and grappling while specialising in close-range combat. Most will recognize this art as the only art Bruce Lee formally studied. Iaido "居合道" - a Japanese sword art centering on the applications of drawing and cutting with the sword. We practice "koryu" or old school Iai rather than a modern style.

If you are looking to really learn the martial art of Tai Chi (not just try out a quick fix…read moresolution, or drop into a different exercise class), then this is the place to come. The form taught here has a clear lineage handed down from masters to students through multiple generations. You can improve your health, balance, and fitness doing this. You can do this without hurting yourself, even if you haven't exercised in years. Make no mistake that you will get immediate results. It is not the latest fad. It is not a simplified form taught to the masses. It is not your typical exercise class that you can get the hang of quickly and zone out. The location is small and training is very good. Sifu Adams is very knowledgeable and has a well thought out system of instruction. The curriculum rotates through the material from basic fundamentals, energy work, advancing through the form, and on to learning forms with weapons. Just as you get the hang of something it becomes time for something new. It keeps things fresh and each person advances at their own pace. After a few classes that part of the form, walking, or energy work comes back around so you can work on details and improve on it. The philosophy here is health and well-being based, not a "Fight-school" although you can learn the martial applications of the art. Prices are a bit higher than a gym, or some schools I've been to, but unlike those it is all inclusive. No sock it to you costs for advancing or leveling up. The school is small, but adequate. A couple of classrooms, bathrooms, and a waiting area. Parking in front is a bit limited & shared with Battle Boxing Gym, but there is more alongside and behind the building on gravel. Classes in Tai Chi & Kung Fu several mornings and early evenings. This school follows some traditional practices of respect, but it is not strict or rigid - easy going and welcoming. We already have a good community of students and an experienced Master Instructor. Some students have been practicing Tai Chi for years, others several months, and always new students just beginning their journey. We get together outside of practice occasionally. Especially when we celebrate Chinese New Year as a school.

20 days ago I walked into Barre and asked to try a class - this is very out of character for me bc…read moreI've never been a workout person. The entire intro experience was welcoming, fun, and less intimidating than expected. My first class I was shocked at how quickly we went into an upbeat, music-synced aerobic routine - very much like what we called an "energizer" in school: easy to follow and fun to do in unison with a group. There were small reps with provided stretchy bands, light handheld weights (I went with 2 lbs for my first class), and these squishy playground-type balls. This all sounds easy, but halfway through class, my legs were uncontrollably shaking and I had sweat visibly dripping off of my face onto the floor. The next day I could barely move my legs. Low impact, high reward! I've now been back 10 times this month and don't plan on stopping! Highly recommend!

I highly recommend Barre 3 to anyone looking for a great workout class! I took several classes at…read morethis studio and loved every minute of it. The hour long sessions go by quickly and are a great combination of traditional barre workouts while incorporating cardio and light weights (2-3 pound). I had taken classes at another barre chain in town and never felt like I was truly working out, but Barre 3 will make you sweat and feel like you're time was well spent with an effective, fast-paced workout. The instructors were very helpful and offered modifications for beginners, intermediates, and those who were experienced during the classes.