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Holy City American Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Goose Creek, South Carolina
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 Karate classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule holycityama.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 628-8644
Hours
| Monday | 12–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–6 PM |
| Thursday | 12–6 PM |
| Friday | 12–6 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They make sure all kids are respectful, inside and outside of Holy City MMA, if they want to advance in belt testing which makes great incentive for me as a mom.”
“Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she has also made some wonderful friends along the way.”
Other martial arts here
“Starting with MMA classes and then into sparing with classmates as they have advanced with Coach Maddie has been amazing to see.”
“Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she has also made some wonderful friends along the way.”
What students say
“They make sure all kids are respectful, inside and outside of Holy City MMA, if they want to advance in belt testing which makes great incentive for me as a mom.”
“Holy city has been a place for my kid to thrive, grow confidence, and make tons of new friends!”
“High level of professionalism, really great price, offers daycare, summer camp, and even virtual learning assistance.”
“They make sure all kids are respectful, inside and outside of Holy City MMA, if they want to advance in belt testing which makes great incentive for me as a mom.”
From the reviews
My daughter has been attending for the past 6 years. Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she has also made some wonderful friends along the way. The instructors create an environment where kids can have fun, build confidence, and learn the importance of respect and discipline.
I can't brag on this studio enough! High level of professionalism, really great price, offers daycare, summer camp, and even virtual learning assistance. My girls take classes and from day one they were learning. I've already noticed a boost in their confidence. They absolutely love it here! Highly recommend!!
These people are amazing people. I worked with the owner at the hospital and my son loves to come here. They know what they’re doing. Plus you get to learn some karate during the summer and fall years! These people have great hearts and work hard to make everyone happy.
My son has been going here since September 2025. The experience has been nice he has made friends and really seems to enjoy going here. The staff is nice. What sold it for me was that they offer karate twice a week for the kids. And that my son loves the most!
New to Karate? Start at Holy City American Martial Arts
Holy City American Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, 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 the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Holy City American Martial Arts
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.
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