Announcing...an Inspiring Martial Arts Program in North Charleston, SC for The Entire Family!

Our dynamic Martial Arts Program in North Charleston, SC has something for everyone. Children gain rock solid self-confidence,  build unshakable self-esteem, and hone razor sharp focus, while adults get fit, improve flexibility and quickly eliminate stress!

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Your First Class Is Free

SELECT A PROGRAM

Which Program Are You Most Interested In?

  • Tiny Dragons (Ages 4-6)
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 7+)
  • Judo (Ages 7+)
  • Kempo Karate (age 6+)
  • Private Lessons Available!
  • Judo
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 
  • Private Lessons Available!
  • Boxing
  • Kickboxing
  • Private Lessons Available!
  • Summer Activity Camp
  • Tiny Tots Tumbling (Ages 4-6)
  • Tumbling (Ages 7+)
  • Xtreme Hip Hop Step with Tay
  • Small Group Fitness Training
  • Private Lesson Avalaible

Welcome to Charleston Self Defense Academy!

Hi! My name is Robert Gouthro Sensei, and I’m very PROUD that hundreds of families all over the North Charleston and Charleston area are singing the praises of our programs and telling their friends and neighbors how much of a positive impact it’s having on their lives. (You can see some of these stories for yourself on the “Reviews” page!)

Our students are surprised by how easy it is to get started, and delighted that they don’t have to be “already in great shape” to truly enjoy their new classes. Parents who enroll their children are amazed at how patient and genuine our instructors are, and how quickly their child makes observable improvements in their level of focus and confidence!

But the best way to see if our program would be a good fit for you or someone in your family is to try it for yourself.

Get started now with one of our WEB SPECIALS and find out how you can be healthier, happier, and more confident with Charleston Self Defense Academy training!

Physical and Mental Development

Our members tell us that our school is more of an institution of self-improvement, physically and mentally, rather than just a gym or some “activity.” It feels like a family. We concentrate on building the whole person: Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.

I pride myself on helping our adult members safely build lean muscle, quickly burn fat, gain flexibility, and relieve stress in a FUN, positive, and injury-free environment!

And for the children, parents all over the North Charleston area give my martial arts classes credit for increasing their child’s ability to focus in school and at home, building their self-esteem, and igniting a passion for self- improvement they never would have expected.

Charleston Self Defense Academy is So Much More than “Kicking & Punching”

The martial arts are not “just” about self-defense!

In reality, the physical “kicking and punching” are really just tools that I use to teach the more important, and MUCH more valuable lessons about yourself and life.

By practicing physical self-defense skills, you will follow the proven path for successful living based on discipline, focus, and perseverance.

Take us up on our WEB SPECIAL offer, and see the benefits of my North Charleston martial arts program for yourself!

Charleston Self Defense Academy reviews

KZ Russ
KZ Russ
2020-11-11
I absolutely love this gym. It has such a homey and family friendly vibe; it's made me feel a lot less homesick after I moved here. I've done the boxing, judo, jujitsu, and self defense classes and I'm never disappointed. The instructors are all well spoken and very knowledgeable (both within the specific classes and in general questions regarding techniques and muscle development & pain management). I love the idea that they had to use the day time as a child care/virtual schooling area and another thing that really stood out to me is the care that they take regarding safety in the kids classes. One specific example being how the instructor (Rob) was checking the technique on their falls and while doing the throw, it was both slow enough for the child's size and he also supported their head/neck throughout the movement then provided feedback on how they could improve. Lisa and Rob have a really good crew and do a great job with the gym! Covid: They do take temperatures and record them at the door. I've also seen them stream classes for some people that weren't comfortable coming in, though that may be something you have to ask for specifically. I'm not 100% sure.
St Sebastian
St Sebastian
2020-09-02
Best game in town for Boxing, Judo, BJJ and Wrestling. Also HIIT and Xtreme Hip Cardio step classes.
Manuel Valderrama
Manuel Valderrama
2020-07-04
Great gym, great instructors, so much fun and everyone is nice
Aaron Hawk
Aaron Hawk
2019-09-17
I have known the instructor here for many years and I have a ton of respect for him. He teaches the best krav maga classes in the area. The gym is set up very well with lots of space to move and very safe and clean. I highly recommend them!
Felicity Patrick
Felicity Patrick
2019-05-24
This place is great! Our daughter is doing the judo class and she loves it. The instructor is amazing and is great with the kids! Keep up the great work!
Jazimen Wiggins
Jazimen Wiggins
2019-04-27
Great space and atmosphere me and my two kids and husband attended this gym we love gives us things to do outside of work plus it’s a great workout for all of us we love this place I would recommend kids and adults to sign up ASAP
Sondra Urton
Sondra Urton
2019-02-04
These guys are awesome with children. My 4 year can't stop talking about her classes.
Crystal Urton
Crystal Urton
2019-02-02
My four year goes here! This place is just amazing! They are very good when it comes to the children! I love how great they work and teach the children exspecailly the younger children!! I'm very glad that I allowed my child to go this center! They are amazing people here!!
Moe G
Moe G
2019-01-17
Great professional place!!!! So glad I found them!!!
Jenna Kpack
Jenna Kpack
2019-01-03
The gym has some great instructors who are very knowledgeable about the programs they offer! The program that I favor is the kids and adult judo class. The instructors are all very well versed in what they teach and are versatile with the variety of age groups they work with (young children up to adults). They also make it feel more like a community than just a fitness/self defense class. It is nice seeing how they come together to teach the art and culture, and how to do things the right way to avoid injury. The only thing I dislike about the gym is that some classes aren’t consistent with the staff members. Even in those cases, they all are on the same page and very skilled. Otherwise it’s a pretty good gym! The owner knows just about every student’s name and makes a fairly welcoming atmosphere.

Charleston Self Defense Academy

Although many people think the martial arts are just about fighting, the truth is that the physical “kicking and punching” are really just the tools that I use to teach the more important, and MUCH more valuable lessons about yourself.

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