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The best karate dojos in South Carolina
Ranked by the members who actually train there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 2,979 reviews of South Carolina dojos. Minimum 20 reviews to qualify, real karate dojos only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 The Karate Dojo
4.9 ★★★★★ 232 reviews · West Columbia, SC
“Amazing facility. He staff and people are friendly and welcoming. The owner/sensei Brian Pena is amazing. He genuinely cares for everyone that he teaches. Going to this Dojo will t…” — Tricia
#2 Capital Karate
5 ★★★★★ 200 reviews · Columbia, SC
“At first I was timid in this activity because he is special needs and has Down Syndrome. Enrolling my son into Capital Karate has been one of the greatest decisions his father and …” — Waltina
#3 Karate World SSB
5 ★★★★★ 156 reviews · Murrells Inlet, SC
“The staff at karate world are amazing. My son has grown so much this year and I am so proud of him . Everyone is very understanding of him but also they show him alot of structure …” — Nicole
#4 Upstate Karate Family Martial Arts Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 152 reviews · Simpsonville, SC
“A truly world class martial arts gym. They have everything you could possibly think of in a martial arts gym. They have a family environment, world class instruction for group or p…” — Joe
#5 Vitali Family Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 99 reviews · Lexington, SC
“If I could give 10 stars I would!! Mr. Rick, Mr. RJ and Mr. Connor were absolutely fantastic for our two boys that took classes there. They were patient, helpful, and even with a d…” — Benjamin
#6 Mount Pleasant Family Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 76 reviews · Mt Pleasant, SC
“I really can’t say enough good things about this place! We recently had my son’s birthday party here and they were absolutely fantastic to work with. My son and his friends had a b…” — A
#7 Genova Family Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 58 reviews · Elgin, SC
“If you want your children to learn self respect, respect for others, discipline, positive attitudes and more, then you'll want to sign them up for karate at Genova Family Karate. M…” — Yasmeen
#8 Japan Karate Institute North Charleston
4.9 ★★★★★ 57 reviews · North Charleston, SC
“When we moved to the area, we were hoping to find some kind of activity for our children to meet new friends and try something fun. We have been beyond thrilled with our experience…” — Samantha
#9 Ciraco's Okinawan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews · Surfside Beach, SC
“The discipline, courage, character, and other invaluable lessons taught at this dojo are like none other. The instructors are fantastic with kids, and encourage their young black b…” — Ryan
#10 Scota Karate Academy
5 ★★★★★ 43 reviews · Taylors, SC
“Scota Karate Academy is a great place to learn martial arts. All of the instructors are friendly and welcoming and care about their students. Training there teaches you proper tech…” — Matthew