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.

Love Finest! My daughter is her most confident self here! Master Mike and Kristi created a…read morewonderful community! Stop by and try a class, you won't regret it!

From the owner: Come train with Master Mike, 5th Dan black belt who has trained and competed around the world . We…read moreoffer classes from ages 4-100!! Family discounts available, great atmosphere for all! While learning Taekwondo you will not only absorb an amazing martial art, but you will build confidence, self esteem, learn self defense, discipline and so much more!!

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.

The very best in Krav mega training regardless of your experience level. The training is at your…read moreown pace and there is plenty of one on one training to help you learn Krav Mega correctly. Both women and men in classes and the atmosphere is always fun and friendly. I highly recommend you try this school first.

The instructors at Absolute Self Defense have several decades of experience. The owner and primary…read moreinstructor trained in Israel. He had over thirty years experience in law enforcement, NCIS, and High Value asset protection. These classes are FUN! They are conducted in a very intimate setting allowing for a great instructor to student ratio. They offer training for children, young adults as well as seniors. They are great about working around your physical limitations. One of the instructors is an actual Physical Therapist! great place! great people! come and give them a try!

This location is a bit smaller than other locations, but it'll do in a pinch when you need a quick…read moreworkout. It is attached to a doctor's office, so fortunately if you go a little too hard, then you'll be in a good place. The facility is well maintained and clean. The staff is very nice and inviting, and the patrons are usually in a somewhat good mood. The only real negative, for me at least, is that there aren't overhead fans, so there's low air circulation during a hot run. Overall I enjoy dropping in to burn off some calories.

Nice Staff! A great gym, that meets my goals. Parking is nicer, than busier locations!read more

This is no-frills full training experience that will get you in shape (and the fitness combat…read moreclasses do a GREAT job of that) with SUPER knowledgeable staff. Already a 5 star experience! But Jeremy's kindness and patience and dedication to his craft is what made me need to review. Given the Delta variant surge, and the ability for vaccinated people to be carriers...I'm not in the best position to participate given my baby niece's immunocompromised status (who, as an infant, isn't vaccinated), and Jeremy worked with me to find a solution that helps me make sure my niece is safe and looked after, but making sure I knew the door stayed open for my own training. God bless TDT and their staff, and their members who go out of their way to motivate and encourage. If you need a gym routine that shakes up the old and in an exciting way, get on the mat and have some fun!!!! I personally can't wait to go back .

These guys run a great class The concentration is on pragmatic self defense in everyday…read moresituations. For adults, this is what you need. The first 15 mins or so of the class is fitness. Getting the blood pumping. The rest is technique. You will learn a lot of great stuff to use should you have to. Takes a while to get used to especially if you've never done it before, but you leave each class feeling exhilarated and more confident. Classes are offered 4x a week but you can set your own schedule so there is plenty of flexibility. Give it a shot

After relocating to Charlotte with years of martial arts experience, I did extensive research to…read morefind a gym that realistically covers all aspects of self-defense. That search led me to Ryan Hoover and Fit to Fight--and it exceeded every expectation.This isn't just a 5-star review; it is an open letter of appreciation. Here is what sets them apart: World-Class Leadership: Ryan, Amber, and Riley Hoover are incredible, highly accessible coaches who frequently teach classes themselves. Elite, Consistent Coaching: Every single coach and Black Belt is exceptional. There is no such thing as a bad class here. Complete Combat Curriculum: They train you for reality--covering everything from de-escalation and kickboxing to grappling, street-scenario jiu-jitsu, and weapons defense. Evolving & Relevant: The curriculum updates constantly to address ever-changing, real-world threats. Inclusive Community: You will train alongside everyone from teenagers to impressive 70-year-olds in an environment where everyone knows your name. Genuine Care: They truly care about your safety, growth, and well-being.Though I recently had to relocate back to the West Coast, Fit to Fight remains the gold standard. I fully plan to return for their intensive workshops. To Ryan and the entire coaching staff: keep doing what you do. It matters.

I cant believe I have not reviewed this before. I have been going here infrequently since it opened…read moreor shortly there after. The reason for the infrequency is that it is a solid 25 min drive for me without traffic. Add in week day traffic and that turns into an hour. Otherwise, I'd be here all the time. The staff is super friendly. The bag classes are my favorite and a really tough workout. The intro classes are great as well. The first 15 mins of "warm up" is probably the toughest work out then it is on to learning basic skills. It's such a great work out and the training is great for self defense. They have another location in Gastonia if you live closer to there. I highly recommend them.

Looking for a way to help my child build self confidence and coordination skills when I came across…read moreSpeakeasy Boxing through google. My child has been going for a couple of weeks and it's made a huge difference in a short period of time. I see the relationship the coaches have with other students in attendance. I look forward to seeing my child's progress a year from now.

Best boutique gym in the upstate! Wonderful team and sense of community! No matter your starting…read morepoint, small classes means customization to where you are in your fitness journey! And if you haven't tried boxing as part of your fitness routine you're missing out! So much fun and a great stress reliever! And your first class is free!

Best MMA gym in the state! Jerome Robinson is far and away the best all around MMA coach I have…read moreever met. The gym and its equipment stay thoroughly clean and the staff is knowledgeable and professional. Very family friendly environment and you absolutely can't beat the price!