HomeSouth CarolinaMurrells Inlet › Budokan South Martial Arts Academy

Budokan South Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 7 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule budokansouth.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 843-310-3166

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5–9 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Budokan South Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 4 mentions

“My son Aiden has been going here for a few months now and absolutely loves it.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I love the blend of traditional martial arts and practical self-defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Budokan South Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I love the blend of traditional martial arts and practical self-defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“He's a excellent teacher and martial artist.”

From the reviews

Budokan South is great place to train. I love the blend of traditional martial arts and practical self-defense. Whether you have a background in martial arts or none at all—you will learn something new every class. 100% recommended!

★★★★★ — Nathaniel, Nov 2023

My son Aiden has been going here for a few months now and absolutely loves it. Rick Jones is a very patient and professional instructor.

★★★★★ — Chris, Oct 2023

This is an amazing Martial Arts School. It's no black belt sales operation. It's the real deal. You get the perfect blend of old school Japanese Martial Arts but with a modern perspective and approach taught by a great guy.

★★★★★ — Craig, Feb 2019

My daughter has been a student here for almost a year and she has loved it! She started at age 5 and has made excellent progression under the expert instruction and guidance of Rick Jones.

★★★★★ — Joshua, Apr 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Budokan South Martial Arts Academy

Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects 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 stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side 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. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos 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 and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, 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 Budokan South Martial Arts Academy

889 Garden City Con, Murrells Inlet, SC29576

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 dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.