HomeSouth CarolinaCharleston › National Karate MMA

National Karate MMA

5 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Charleston, South Carolina

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 5–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule westashleysamurais.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 843-556-4144

Hours

Monday 12–7:30 pm
Tuesday 12–8:30 pm
Wednesday 12–6:30 pm
Thursday 12–8:30 pm
Friday 12–6 pm
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 National Karate MMA, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 33 mentions

“My daughter is on her second year with the National Karate after school program and it has been a saving grace to us and our tiny girl.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“He really focuses on respect, listening skills & ofcourse self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA 6 mentions

“We found National Karate MMA in West Ashley this summer and tried out some classes to see if our boys (ages 5 & 8) would be interested.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“He really focuses on respect, listening skills & ofcourse 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 38 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“With over 30 years experience in martial arts, I can honestly say that Coach Nate is one of the best instructors and martial artist I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Our daughter LOVES taking martial arts classes here and absolutely enjoyed her experience at the Summer Camp.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions
💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“The price is also very affordable for a dual home income & worth every penny.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 13 mentions

“We are thrilled that the coaches reinforce our philosophies of showing respect and living with honor and integrity both inside and outside of the studio.”

From the reviews

This Karate School is amazing! Our son has been attending Karate Camp there this summer and they are awesome! He loves the staff and all of the activities they plan! I really love their extra careful handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Masks and temperature checks for all of the kids really help my peace of mind!

★★★★★ — Constance, Jul 2020

We love our karate studio!! My daughter has been attending NKMMA/ West Ashley for a few years now for karate, after school care and Summer Camp! We couldn’t be happier and she has been exposed to so many wonderful people!

★★★★★ — Britt, Nov 2022

Coach Nate is amazing. My son started in the Lil Ninjas and now he is in the Dragons class. He loves going here and sometimes I have to beg him to go home. The afterschool program is incredibly helpful. My son does his homework with the help of the staff. Their summer program is great too.

★★★★★ — Ashly, Feb 2020

Coach Nate is the best karate instructor I’ve ever seen. He teaches the kids self defense and great discipline! Yet he always seems to make it fun for the kids. All the staff are very nice and help you in the best way they can. I would very highly suggest you enroll your kid.

★★★★★ — Peyton, Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 38 reviews →

Your first Karate class at National Karate MMA

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 National Karate MMA

1119 Wappoo Rd Ste k, Charleston, SC29407

Get directions Facebook

More Karate dojos near Charleston

Charleston Shotokan Karate Club

5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

1620 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojoactive competition / tournament team

under a mile away

Japan Karate Institute

4.8 ★★★★★ 44 reviews

1954 Ashley River Rd Ste. B, Charleston, SC

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseiwelcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojo

under a mile away

Japan Karate Institute James Island

5 ★★★★★ 18 reviews

915 Folly Rd Ste R, Charleston, SC

Ages 3–13

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojobuilds confidence, discipline & respect

5.3 miles away

All Karate dojos in Charleston, SC →

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.