Home › South Carolina › Spartanburg › Thomas Academy of Martial Arts
Thomas Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Spartanburg, South Carolina
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
- 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 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 thomasacademysc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 864-706-0037
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“When my daughter first told me she was planning on joining The Thomas Academy, I was a little apprehensive.”
“I highly recommend this Academy as a student of not only Tang Soo Do, but also Women's Self Defense training.”
“I highly recommend this Academy as a student of not only Tang Soo Do, but also Women's Self Defense training.”
Other martial arts here
“I highly recommend this Academy as a student of not only Tang Soo Do, but also Women's Self Defense training.”
What students say
“It's a fantastic studio with great instructors and a supportive community.”
“It is obvious from your first class that Mr.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive, and the facilities are well-maintained and equipped.”
“My daughter loves her self-defense classes at Thomas Academy, every lesson she learns a lot.”
“SC Tang Soo Do Academy combines tradition with structure, discipline and practicality.”
From the reviews
SC Tang Soo Do Academy combines tradition with structure, discipline and practicality. It is obvious from your first class that Mr.Thomas brings not only a lifetime of martial arts study, but also his knowledge and training as a former US Marine.
Zach Thomas is an incredible instructor. He has a passion for learning and teaching. He is in it to make an impact on his students, not just make a buck. So glad to be in his class.
Thomas Academy has afforded me the ability to have peace of mind. When my daughter first told me she was planning on joining The Thomas Academy, I was a little apprehensive. However when I learned that Mr.Thomas had not only a martial arts background but had been in the Marine Corp I felt a lot better.
Hey I’m a student at the tang soo do academy and my opinion is amazing I love this school the Price is so low and great community and what we do shows self defense and discipline I made so many friends and I have gotten closer to my dad he is the teacher and my opinion is u should join my dads tang soo do academy and…
New to Karate? Start at Thomas Academy of Martial Arts
Thomas Academy of 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 Thomas Academy of 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.
More Karate dojos near Spartanburg
Spartanburg Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Hurricane Martial Arts Center
5 ★★★★★ 202 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site