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Upstate Karate Family Martial Arts Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Simpsonville, 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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 upstatekarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 864-967-3930
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We like this place very much, it felt too many kids in the beginning but they have many senseis therefore everyone gets attention.”
“I have a 3 year old so I can't speak on adult classes.”
“They have classes for all ages from small children, teens, and adults.”
“They have a family environment, world class instruction for group or private training.”
“In terms of martial arts they offer traditional Karate, self defense, MMA, NoGi grappling, Gi Brazilian Jiujitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“We recently moved back to the upstate from Houston Texas, and our son was at a Gracie Barra, BJJ school there and we could not be happier with Upstate Karate!”
“In terms of martial arts they offer traditional Karate, self defense, MMA, NoGi grappling, Gi Brazilian Jiujitsu.”
“In terms of martial arts they offer traditional Karate, self defense, MMA, NoGi grappling, Gi Brazilian Jiujitsu.”
What students say
“Highly recommend this top-tier dojo—5 stars for the facility, staff, and these incredible instructors!”
“For their first class, he treated them like champs, blending patience with playful encouragement.”
“The owners, the Thompson family, live and work to provide a place for exceptional people who want to teach others to be their best selves.”
“He broke down techniques with crystal-clear detail, taking time to ensure everyone got it, all while radiating calm expertise that made learning feel effortless.”
“🤩 our son is 4 and has loved this program. From discipline to running him tired, it’s great.”
“The facility is stunning—beautifully designed, impeccably clean, and truly world-class, with everything you need to train at your best.”
From the reviews
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 private training. In terms of martial arts they offer traditional Karate, self defense, MMA, NoGi grappling, Gi Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Amazing place. Honestly. We practically live here because of how much we’re here during the week. Signed up my 6 year old for the discipline and skill they offer, he’s been going for about 8 months and has never even mentioned being tired of it or not wanting to do it anymore.
We recently moved back to the upstate from Houston Texas, and our son was at a Gracie Barra, BJJ school there and we could not be happier with Upstate Karate!!! It is an absolute top-notch school with some of the best facilities and instructors I’ve seen.
This martial arts school is phenomenal! The facility is stunning—beautifully designed, impeccably clean, and truly world-class, with everything you need to train at your best. The staff welcomed us warmly from the moment we arrived, setting such a positive tone.
Your first Karate class at Upstate Karate Family Martial Arts Center
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
