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Black Label Martial Arts

4.8 ★★★★★ 106 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charleston, South Carolina

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule blacklabelmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (843) 561-4848

Hours

Monday 3–9 PM
Tuesday 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM
Thursday 3–9 PM
Friday 3–9 PM
Saturday 10 AM–1 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Black Label Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 8 mentions

“Her genuine love for all the kids, parents, and students is palpable, making Black Label not just a place to learn martial arts, but a truly special and unique community.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“Awesome school for training and getting prepped for any tournament or real life self defense situation.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Awesome school for training and getting prepped for any tournament or real life self defense situation.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Visting Charleston for the first time and wanted to train at a local gym, the reviews said that Black Label was a great place to go and they weren't lying!”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Black Label Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai 3 mentions

“Definitely worth the visit if you are interested in learning jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, or MMA!”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“A special shoutout to Sarah, who went above and beyond to help me pick out the perfect MMA gloves.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥊 Boxing 2 mentions

“Definitely worth the visit if you are interested in learning jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, or MMA!”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 106 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Phenominal instruction, Professor Friedman and his team were amazing.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“Visting Charleston for the first time and wanted to train at a local gym, the reviews said that Black Label was a great place to go and they weren't lying!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 18 mentions

“Black Label Martial Arts is the top gym in Charleston for anyone looking to train in a welcoming yet challenging environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Our daughter lacked confidence and it’s amazing how much she has grown since joining.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“Awesome school for training and getting prepped for any tournament or real life self defense situation.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“That personalized direction made all the difference, and the discipline I've gained has been huge.”

From the reviews

Black Label Martial Arts is honestly a fantastic place to train, and you feel a real sense of positive energy as soon as you walk in. Sarah is a big part of that welcoming vibe.

★★★★★ — Erik, May 2025

Black Label Martial Arts is the top gym in Charleston for anyone looking to train in a welcoming yet challenging environment. The instructors are phenomenal, and the community is incredibly supportive. A special shoutout to Sarah, who went above and beyond to help me pick out the perfect MMA gloves.

★★★★★ — Vedant, Nov 2024

Black Label is hands down one of the best places to train. Sarah’s warmth and dedication are a big part of what makes it so special she really cares about the people here and puts her heart into creating a positive environment. Coach Corey is amazing for Muay Thai.

★★★★★ — Stellamaris, May 2025

We are very grateful for finding Black Label Martial Arts. Our son has found so much confidence participating in their Jiu-jitsu classes. He has learned alot of from the coaches. They create a positive atmosphere in the gym! This gym is truly a family, especially when we compete in tournaments!!

★★★★★ — Emily, Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 106 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Black Label Martial Arts

Black Label Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, 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 flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Black Label Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches 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 basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Black Label Martial Arts

1850 Wallace School Rd Ste C, Charleston, SC29407

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.