Checkmat Charleston has been an incredible gym home for me over the past 4 years. Windson and…read moreJacque Ramos provide world-class instruction on a daily basis and the rest of the team make this the premier BJJ training location in the Lowcountry. Whether you're in town for a visit or wanting to learn some self-defense, this is the place to be!

best instruction in the State with authentic lineage husband and wife black belt team with over 10…read moreworld championships between the two of them including trips to Abu Dhabi, worlds, more.. the individuals of any class on the schedule can give you whatever you're looking for from basic introductory roles, to highly competitive grappling matches at a world-class level. very professional warm and inviting, you immediately feel at home and in good hands once the class starts. come give it a shot and if you're looking for a place to visit look no further.

I had an incredible time at Devine JJ in Charleston! Space was clean and the instruction was great…read more Thank you Jeff and Mike for letting me train with your guys and for the awesome rolls. I highly recommend anyone interested in jiu jitsu or looking for a place to train while traveling to visit this gym!

Great gym with excellent instruction and friendly members. You'll learn, sweat, and improve. Can't…read moreendorse this gym enough.

My husband and I both go to Houzin-- he trains BJJ and we both utilize their amazing wellness…read moreprogram, which includes access to their state of the art sauna and Morozko ice bath. This healing space has been transformative for me in learning to regulate my emotions and surrender to discomfort. I am so grateful to have this sanctuary to go to. Wannessa and Rafaelo own and run Houzin. They both are knowledgeable, personable, and inspiring individuals with great taste (just come look at the gym, it feels more like a spa), who work super hard to uplift others through bjj. What a cool family run business.

I've trained with Rafaello off and on for the past 5-6 years. I've been the most consistent in the…read morenew facility and love being there. It's conveniently close to my work, but I went to classes even when I wasn't working close. He and Wanessa have created a wonderful environment where everyone is welcomed with excellent quality instruction.

As someone who has had the privilege to live in a few major cities and travel to smaller ones for…read morework, I have trained at many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms across the United States. Generally speaking, each gym will vary in instruction quality, class availability, mat space, and student dynamics. After a year of training at Folly Jiu Jitsu, I can safely say that this gym excels in all four areas. The instructors here come from various backgrounds and have complementing skill sets. It's your first day and you have never set a foot on the mat before? Perfect. You want to get better at judo? Say no no more. Wrestling? Easy. Leg locks? Maybe even easier. Every instructor here has a knack for communicating and is well-equipped to teach you at whatever stage you are in your BJJ journey with a genuine smile on their face. Class availability is one of FJJ's strong suits: you can attend classes as early as 6am or late as 6pm, whatever works best for your schedule. The great part about this set up is you can easily join another class in the event you miss your typical session or if you are just looking to switch things up. Having a diverse set of talented instructors available throughout the day helps to keep your grappling mind and skills fresh. The gym used to be a former firehouse, which allows for an incredibly large mat space (one of the biggest I've personally trained on), and is kept meticulously clean by the staff. The overhead honeycomb lighting is a nice artistic touch and the gym is equipped with locker rooms and showers. As someone who has trained in a few crowded small gyms, having all of this space to move around in is incredible. As an extension of the instructors, the students here are very welcoming and all are at different stages of their jiu jitsu journey. There is a healthy mix of beginners, intermediate, and advanced practitioners in any of the classes one might attend; more importantly, everyone is looking to learn and help each other learn day in and day out. All in all, this gym has a lot to offer to anyone at any chapter of their jiu jitsu journey. From the casual beginner to the seasoned competitor, there is always something for someone to learn here. Whether you are looking to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time or just visiting Charleston, swing by Folly Jiu Jitsu and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Since I started training at PWBJJ, I went from knowing essentially nothing about Brazilian…read moreJiu-Jitsu to competing in tournaments in less than a year. The environment is welcoming to people who are new to martial arts, want to improve their strength and cardio, competitors, and anyone who wants to learn practical self-defense techniques. They offer both gi and no gi classes and the other students are welcoming and always willing to help each other learn for the love of the sport. In addition, for the quality of instruction that you get at this gym compared to others in the area, the prices can't be beat. Coach Robson and Coach Brenda truly have a love for teaching their craft of jiu-jitsu, which can be felt with their passion for every class. As a woman practicing jiu-jitsu, you won't find another female black belt to train with with nearly as much talent and knowledge as Coach Brenda. She cares about the evolution of all the students and is helping to grow the sport for women.

From the owner: Finally a place to roll! North Mount Pleasant Area can now take advantage of high level Brazilian…read moreJiu-Jitsu taught by black belts Professor Robson Feitoza and Professor Brenda Oliveira. Park West BJJ offers a well rounded program with 9 weekly BJJ classes, one weekly adult kickboxing class, and a children's Self-Defense program. No gimmicks, just a family friendly environment, in an excellent location, in a facility with lockers and showers, and high quality instructors. Not to mention it is home for CrossFit Park West and members can take benefits of Fitness Classes combined with the Martial Arts program. Unlimited BJJ and Martial arts for $99 per month! We offer an intro class every Saturday. Come and try it out!

This place is a true gem of Mount Pleasant. As a former black belt in Tae Kwon Do in my formative…read moreyears, I wanted a more tangible skill set for my son. He has surged in his confidence and focus in all areas - quite noticeable at school and home. Alberto is a true sage teacher. My son reacts incredibly well to his humble patience, yet fatherly command of the class. Alberto demonstrates a sincere respect for the kids and masterfully identifies their strengths and gaps, which is evident in his individual instruction. This is a place to give your time and energy to. It's special.

NO WARMUPS. I was sold at zero warm-ups. No bowing to a picture of helio on the wall no weird stuff…read morelike calling the instructor Professor or sensie. This has by far the highest quality of students anywhere in Charleston. My last coach told me I was almost ready to get promoted and I was feeling cocky about my skills. I dropped into a class there one days and was getting submitted at will by thier bluebelts and some of thier whitebelts. It was then that I knew if I cared more about winning and being the best then I did about getting a blue belt it was time to change schools There is no bowing in or out of class which means the rolling stops when nobody can go any longer. They roll more here than any school I've ever been to. They have top of the line Fuji mats and the owner keeps the mats very very clean. If you want to get really good this is the school to go to. Just tonight we had a blackbelt from another school come here to train for his ADCC run with the purple belt here who medal at worlds last year. Best part is everyone here is cool respectful and pushes you to get better

Great gym, just moving into Charleston I was looking for something similar to my old gym a more…read morelaxed less formal type of gym that works both nogi and gi pretty even, I feel like these type of schools are very effective for learning and getting better. The Instructor I met was very down to earth and chill which I think also helps with the improvement of students. Definitely recommend if your a beginner or just looking for a different place to train -Robert

This is an excellent gym for learning mixed martial arts. It is led and owned by a veteran of the…read moreUS Navy who is totally committed to his gym, winning multiple awards and championships. This is A great locally owned business centrally located in Summerville.

The lowball reviews seem a little simplistic . I've known Dwight for a number of years now, and…read moretook his classes until I was in a wreck. He's an awesome instructor and knows how to run a business. He supports the community from law enforcement to women's defense, to fund raisers supporting the military. As with any business that has a monthly membership, it's assumed you're attending unless you cancel your membership in person. Even Planet Fitness requires you to cancel in person. Instruction-wise, he's had a number of students go on to win first place at the many competitions he requires his students to attend before being promoted to a new belt. You don't have to compete at all of the competitions, but you do need to compete at one. I'm good with this because a competition is the only place a fighter can fight a total stranger, which is usually the main reason a person wants to get into a self defense class in the first place. He teaches legitimate self-defense. This isn't an after-school self esteem building school for your kid. Whether you're a child or an adult, you're going to be fighting each other and learning how to put knuckles on foreheads.

Professor Joshua is incredibly knowledgeable in both Jiujitsu and Mauy Thai. With over 25yrs of…read moreexperience he is able to work with all levels, ages and sizes to obtain personalized goals! He has a straightforward and easy to understand teaching style, that makes the classes fun and informative. If you are looking for a True Martial Arts Academy, True North is it!!

Josh is an excellent instructor who received his Black Belt directly under Royce Gracie. The fool…read morewho rendered his business and Josh the "racist" and "bigot" remarks is a liar and is totally errant in his statement. There is not one ounce of bigotry in Josh's heart. Even on a local level, mob thought and oppression is running amok. We must stand up to the evil mob and preserve the Good.

Park Circle Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school that is run by ATT Lowcountry instructors…read more Professor Malachy is a Ricardo Liborio Black Belt so you know the instruction is first rate. Great respect for Coach Johnny and Coach Joseph too. Only hitch is this is a kids only martial arts school so adults have to go to ATT Lowcountry over the river in West Ashley. Send the kiddos either place. They will be taught the best martial art for self-defense. Only wish I started BJJ at age 5. If I could go back in time...