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Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charleston, South Carolina
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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 charlestonkravmaga.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 225-5425
Hours
| Monday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Dave always strikes the balance of taking self defense training seriously but also providing levity to an often triggering topic.”
“Someone with little to no experience can come here; and, you will be welcome, you WILL LEARN and you will leave more confident, in better shape, and with a usable skill.”
Other martial arts here
“People may feel intimidated to come to an MMA gym!”
“I have been to many world class wrestling camps and seminars and the coaching and what you will learn here is the best you will find anywhere.”
What members say
“There are tons of classes with knowledgeable instructors.”
“Someone with little to no experience can come here; and, you will be welcome, you WILL LEARN and you will leave more confident, in better shape, and with a usable skill.”
“Charleston Krav Maga is staffed with professionals that have created a welcoming atmosphere for the beginner right up to the experienced.”
“The experience my wife and daughter had through their ladies training program left both of them with more confidence in the ability to protect themselves.”
“The experience my wife and daughter had through their ladies training program left both of them with more confidence in the ability to protect themselves.”
From the reviews
Charleston Krav Maga is staffed with professionals that have created a welcoming atmosphere for the beginner right up to the experienced. After the first initial visits, you quickly start feeling like part of a family. Your not just a number, everyone knows everyone. Everyone also helps out whenever possible.
I started jiu jitsu here over a half a year ago and am getting ready to spend some time away from Charleston, my only regret is that I did not start the sport sooner in life. The atmosphere here is great and the culture in the gym is perfect.
I took the Women's Empowerment class and had such an incredible experience. The coaches were all so genuine and helpful. I learned so much and now walk with more confidence knowing I can protect myself if ever necessary. Thank you all!!
Absolutely loved the 6-week Women's Only Empowerment series. Mr. Dave was AMAZING to work with, explained everything very well, and gave us adjustments along the way. He made everyone in the class feel more than comfortable and was encouraging throughout the entire process.
New to BJJ? Start at Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ 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.
Your first BJJ class at Charleston Krav Maga & BJJ
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.
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