Benji CarterMy childhood dream of becoming a black belt in karate didn’t last long, as the closest I got to training was slow-motion kicks in our living room and imitating movie sound effects. One broken vase later, and just like the piece of porcelain, my dreams were shattered into pieces.
I wanted to share this because I recently got back into martial arts and realized there’s no better time to take up a discipline like today! My team suggested tons of martial schools in Charlotte, equipped with excellent facilities and instructors, and we’re glad to share them with you!
Just like my life coach always says, it’s never too late to get started. So, whether you want to get into martial arts yourself or want to enroll your kids to discipline them early, keep on reading to check out Charlotte’s top martial arts schools!
What is the average cost of martial arts schools in Charlotte?
Martial arts schools typically charge $100 to $150 per month, depending on the discipline, number of classes, inclusions, class size, and instructor experience.
1. Fuzion Martial Arts
Classes: Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling
Location: 8035 Providence Rd #390
Contact: +1 704-425-6660
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fuzion Martial Arts is one of our top picks despite limited public feedback, largely due to the person at the helm. The lessons are mostly led by Coach Justin Revak, whose background includes black belts in five different disciplines and 20+ years of teaching experience.
His black belt status in five disciplines also allows the school to offer a wide selection of programs, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling. Furthermore, the classes also range by age group, specifically, youths, teens, and adults.
We also admire the school’s welcoming environment. Students we spoke with shared how their jitters immediately went away as soon as they entered the school, as coach Revak and the rest of the students maintain a positive and respectful training atmosphere.
The school is also an excellent choice for those who plan to take their skills to the next level, as it’s affiliated with Solecki Jiu-Jitsu. This network will allow students to gain access to competitions and even higher-level training.
The support is real and genuine
“Mr. Revak, Jessica, and all the staff really succeed in making this a community for not just my son and his improving skills in jiu jitsu and kickboxing, but also for all of us as a family.
The support is real and genuine and is invaluable. I cannot recommend the Fuzion team enough. Thank you!”
Julie Gallo, Google Review
Incredibly welcoming
“We are so happy we decided to train at Fuzion. The staff is incredible, always available for questions and to provide guidance and education to both the students and parents. It’s an incredibly welcoming facility.
Communication is ideal! The training is fabulous, my young child is gaining skills, learning perseverance, and becoming incredibly proud of themselves and their accomplishments. The staff is always present and ensures that the participants’ safety is paramount.
All the participants are respectful and understanding that there is variability amongst the students’ knowledge and training skills.”
Lindsey Hoffman, Google Review
2. Charlotte Martial Arts Academy
Classes: Martial arts, karate, self-defense
Location: 3420 St Vardell Ln, Suite E
Contact: +1 704-333-4155
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
When we looked into Charlotte Martial Arts Academy (CMAA), the first thing that caught our attention was their multidisciplinary approach.
While most gyms in the area stick to a single style, we found that CMAA integrates Jeet Kune Do, kickboxing, wrestling, and taekwondo into a unified self-defense program. With this variety, students can learn efficient striking, kicking, coordination, disarming, and more.
The academy’s lineage also impressed us. It’s helmed by Sensei Michael Price, who has been practicing since the late ‘80s. More importantly, we verified his direct lineage to Richard Bustillo, one of Bruce Lee’s original students!
We’ve spoken to parents who enrolled their kids here, and they shared that their children became more confident and had better emotional regulation skills within just a few months.
They added that the most important thing is that they’re having fun and making friends. Overall, we could see that CMAA does well at balancing rigorous discipline with a fun, friendship-focused environment.
Learned so much while making friends and having fun
“My son has been attending classes for years. We LOVE it. He has learned so much while making friends and having fun.
Not just karate or workouts, but it helps with his focus at school, he has gained confidence, leadership skills, and how to be a good person. Sensei and his staff are amazing! They give their best every day, every class.”
I’mMelissa Weed, Google Review
Very welcoming and incredibly friendly
“My son has been a member now for over 2 months as part of the Little Dragons. This has been an awesome experience! From the moment we started with the first complimentary class, my son has loved every moment.
There is a great focus on character development and discipline, not just on martial arts. The coaches really care about the kids, and we have received handwritten notes as well as video messages praising the students’ hard work!
All the staff have been very welcoming and incredibly friendly. I highly recommend this place, it’s been a very positive experience.”
Daniel Bar, Google Review
3. ATA Steele Creek
Classes: Karate, Muay Thai, krav maga, taekwondo
Location: 12910 Walker Branch Rd #200
Contact: +1 704-587-9696
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
ATA Steele Creek stands out for its adherence to the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) standards.
They strictly separate classes by both age and rank, giving beginners a significant advantage, as it removes the intimidation factor. This setup also helps students so they aren’t comparing their progress to those with years of experience.
What we found particularly compelling is how the curriculum treats soft skills like respect and self-control as formal requirements for advancement. When we spoke with some of their students, many credited this approach for helping with their personal growth.
The students also highlighted the instructors’ ability to translate complex techniques into easy-to-understand instructions, which is a rare find in many high-intensity schools these days.
The only thing we’re iffy about is their slightly limited operating hours. They’re closed on Fridays and only operate for four hours on Saturdays, which could be a deal-breaker for busy individuals.
100% bully-free environment
“My son has played soccer and basketball in the past, but he has never had as much fun as he’s having at ATA Steele Creek. The energy and vibes here are amazing.
Everyone—from Mr. Esposito and Mr. Wallace to the other instructors and students—is happy, respectful, and incredibly helpful.
It’s a 100% bully-free environment that emphasizes respect and the pursuit of your full potential. The instructors are patient and encouraging with every student, regardless of their level.
Since starting, we’ve both seen significant improvements in our coordination and fitness, and I’ve personally noticed a boost in my strength and flexibility.
Our experience has been so positive that when my son asked me to join him, I couldn’t say no! We’ve been training together for a few months now, and it’s been a wonderful bonding experience. We couldn’t have found a better place to learn Taekwondo.”
Raymond Goitia, Google Review
They really make you feel like family!
“This is my daughter’s 2nd year in taekwondo. Mr. Esposito and Mrs. Michelle are the BEST! They have really taught her so much and made her step out of her comfort zone, and now she LOVES it! Looking forward to the many years to come!
They really make you feel like family! #leadfromthefront
Update—
3rd year now and look at her NOW!! 1st Degree Black Belt!”
Tai Ksor, Google Review
4. Leadership Martial Arts
Classes: Kickboxing, boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, krav maga
Location: 9928 S Tryon St.
Contact: +1 704-532-3371
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
From what we’ve seen, Leadership Martial Arts (LMA) operates more like a professional leadership academy rather than a traditional studio. Derek Richardson, the founder, designed the martial arts curriculum to focus on character development.
Based on our conversations with some of the parents, this focus is paying off. Many noted that their children’s newfound confidence in the dojo translated directly to better leadership roles in their academics.
We also noted the breadth of LMA’s martial arts disciplines, which include Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing. With this multidisciplinary approach, students can navigate all ranges of an encounter, from stand-up striking to ground defense.
Their after-school program, which includes dedicated transportation from several local schools, is also worth highlighting. This makes them ideal for working families who need a structured, safe environment for kids between the end of the school day and the evening.
It’s worth noting that while they have adult programs, the schedule is largely dominated by youth sessions. This leaves fewer time slot options for adults compared to dedicated MMA gyms.
They have become an integral part of our lives
“The folks at LMA are fantastic! Our 9-year-old loves to come to each and every class. He has been able not only to learn Jiu Jitsu, but also to reinforce his good manners, work ethic, discipline, and to be respectful to his elders and his classmates.
His fitness has improved, as well as his confidence. They have become an integral part of our lives, and we are grateful for their teachings, guidance, and friendships. All of their instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and kind.”
Fernando Ycaza, Google Review
It’s not just about martial arts; it’s about personal growth
“Leadership has been an incredible experience for my daughter. When she first started, she was very timid and didn’t even want to go.
As a father, knowing she had been bullied in fourth grade, I wanted to put her in something that would not only teach her self-defense but also build her confidence. Leadership Karate did exactly that.
From the start, they pushed her just enough out of her comfort zone while still making her feel supported. Little by little, I saw her open up, engage more, and truly start to enjoy it. The instructors are amazing with kids, and their approach really makes a difference.
Now at 16, after several years of training (since she was around 12 or 13), she has grown so much that she’s now working with them, helping with classes and their after-school program. It speaks volumes that she went from not wanting to go to becoming a part of their team.
If you’re looking for a place to help your child build confidence, learn valuable self-defense skills, and be part of a positive, encouraging community, I highly recommend Leadership.
It’s not just about martial arts; it’s about personal growth, discipline, and forming bonds with peers in a supportive environment. Great program, great people, and an all-around great experience!”
James Brannon, Google Review
5. Top Martial Arts Charlotte (TMA Charlotte) – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Classes: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, judo
Location: 563-565 N Polk St.
Contact: +1 803-701-9801
Business hours:
- Monday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
While many schools in the area focus on character development and fitness, TMA focuses on technical mastery in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai.
Their class structure shows just that, as TMA separates their disciplines. If you sign up for BJJ, you spend an entire hour on the mat. If you’re there for Muay Thai, you’re focused strictly on striking.
The intensity level of these classes is noticeably higher than at a standard neighborhood dojo. From what we’ve observed, they’re more for students who are interested in competing.
We were particularly impressed by the pedigree of the coaching staff—world-class black belts who have competed in several national and worldwide tournaments. Having the luxury of these people as mentors immediately gives students an edge.
The best part for us is that, despite the strict training approach, the culture here is surprisingly inclusive. We reached out to parents who noted that while the training is rigorous, the coaches are exceptionally welcoming to every student, regardless of their skill level.
Made me feel welcomed
“I remember the first time I came to TMA when I was looking to get back into Jujitsu. I spoke with Amanda on the phone, and she made me feel welcomed and assured me that my past negative experiences at certain gyms would not be felt here.
She was completely right. In my first class, Coach Ahmed knew my name by the end of the night and had a genuine interest in getting to know me and pushing me to be the best BJJ athlete I can be.
Everyone else was coming up to me and getting to know me as well, and it felt very authentic. TMA cares about you as a person, which translates to a great big family as well as the best jujitsu school I have been to so far.
I used to quit because I felt like I had no direction and no interest from training partners in a teamwork progression – but TMA completely broke this pattern for me.
If you are looking to get really good at Jujitsu as well as have a family of people that care about you, TMA is the place to be. Thank you, Coach Jae, for such a great school!”
Lance Queen, Google Review
Highly suggest giving TMA a try
“Top Martial Arts Charlotte is the premier “GI” school in the Charlotte area. If you are serious about your Jiu-Jitsu journey, I highly suggest giving TMA a try.
You will be sharing the mats with multiple world-class Black Belts, all with their own styles, giving you a broad range of techniques and variety to choose from.
In addition to this, the advanced classes offer some of the most dynamic roles you can think of, a must for those with existing Jiu Jitsu experience.”
Robert Pelaez, Google Review
