After relocating to Charlotte with years of martial arts experience, I did extensive research to…read morefind a gym that realistically covers all aspects of self-defense. That search led me to Ryan Hoover and Fit to Fight--and it exceeded every expectation.This isn't just a 5-star review; it is an open letter of appreciation. Here is what sets them apart: World-Class Leadership: Ryan, Amber, and Riley Hoover are incredible, highly accessible coaches who frequently teach classes themselves. Elite, Consistent Coaching: Every single coach and Black Belt is exceptional. There is no such thing as a bad class here. Complete Combat Curriculum: They train you for reality--covering everything from de-escalation and kickboxing to grappling, street-scenario jiu-jitsu, and weapons defense. Evolving & Relevant: The curriculum updates constantly to address ever-changing, real-world threats. Inclusive Community: You will train alongside everyone from teenagers to impressive 70-year-olds in an environment where everyone knows your name. Genuine Care: They truly care about your safety, growth, and well-being.Though I recently had to relocate back to the West Coast, Fit to Fight remains the gold standard. I fully plan to return for their intensive workshops. To Ryan and the entire coaching staff: keep doing what you do. It matters.

I cant believe I have not reviewed this before. I have been going here infrequently since it opened…read moreor shortly there after. The reason for the infrequency is that it is a solid 25 min drive for me without traffic. Add in week day traffic and that turns into an hour. Otherwise, I'd be here all the time. The staff is super friendly. The bag classes are my favorite and a really tough workout. The intro classes are great as well. The first 15 mins of "warm up" is probably the toughest work out then it is on to learning basic skills. It's such a great work out and the training is great for self defense. They have another location in Gastonia if you live closer to there. I highly recommend them.

I've been training at FTF since 2011. This is not a normal gym. If you're looking for staff and…read morecoaches that care about you and your health this is the place! They offer challenging classes and it doesn't matter what age you are or what fitness level you are. The classes are fun and rewarding. They teach you that life begins outside of your comfort zone. They even let you try your first class free... so you have nothing to lose! Come join the FTF family!

I started attending fit to fight in pursuit of self-defense. I have taken a few of their Krav Maga…read moreclasses and try to go at least once a week for the heavy bag classes when I can make it. These folks are very helpful and friendly no matter where you are in your fitness journey. You can quite literally not know anything about self-defense or fitness and still get a pretty great workout here. I love all of the people including the ones that work out here and the ones that coach here. Definitely give Fit To Fight a try!

I came into Dojo on a Groupon, and trained with Brandon/Martial arts expert/Kung Fu/Brazilian Jiu…read moreJitsu master for several weeks. The studio is located in Noda, a few blocks away from the new Harris Teeter. I was very impressed with Brandon's teaching style/method, the classes, his overall outlook, and positive-centered approach to training. The cool thing about Brandon is that he can either plan a regimented routine, or make up an impromptu session without a lot of forethought. I came in with a group of friends, giving Brandon only a few days notice, and he was able to execute a training session with us, as beginners, and his other, advanced practice students in the same class. He also keeps you motivated and driven, without being stern or harsh. He has a very easygoing. pleasant nature, and in spite of his advanced background, he teaches on a fundamental basis for those who are new to these types of activities. I felt challenged with each class, but not overly so. And I felt that I became better conditioned during the weeks that I trained here. They play a nice eclectic mix of music, which enhances the workout. It does get hot in the studio in the summer, because the a/c is either not working, or is not going full force, but this unpleasantry can be avoided if you go in the fall, when it is not hot outside. There is not a lot of parking, but we were not affected, as the class size was fairly small, and not a lot of people were there during our sessions, but parking could be a problem if the class sizes increase. If you can catch him during a class when his son (who is 2 or so) in the studio with Mom, you'll get the added bonus of watching Brandon do some backflips/ mid-air flip jumps, and handstands, which he is apparently teaching to his son!

A seminal place to train, workout, or learn something new is Dojo Body Mind in the Plaza Midwood…read morearea! Excellent classes for the novice or the experienced in kick boxing and martial arts!

I signed up for two free classes and they did not disappoint! Everyone was extremely welcoming and…read moreAlex is an excellent instructor. I never felt slow or excluded. He breaks down the steps and really explains the why/how of a move. I have two small children and feel confident I can end a confrontation and get away safely, which is huge for a mother. I'm grateful Alex pushes you to do more, and I leave class knowing I got an amazing workout! I look forward to learning more from Alex and the Evolve family.

I have personally seen self defense learned at Evolve put into practice in a real world scenario,…read moreand let me tell you... it is *extremely* effective. I would personally feel very safe around anyone who has trained there.

The instructor for my concealed carry class was personable and knowledgeable, and she made the…read moreclass fun and instructive, with an emphasis on safety first.

Awesome and knowledgeable instructor, glad I took the class. It was a refresher course for me on…read moreCC. But She broke down everything for those who didn't know anything, which I thought was great. If you're a beginner and even advance I'd definitely recommend this course and any other course they provide.

There are few places I consider home ... the GB Charlotte school is among those few. From my first…read moreclass to my move to MD, the professor, coaches and my fellow GB Fam have been awesome. I not only learned more than ever expected, but I also developed friendships I hold for life. Trust me, you will appreciate the Fam and learn self-defense, discipline and more. Thanks Professor Diogo and Coach Thea for choosing my neighborhood to open the school. I miss you but I'll be home soon.

Clean gym and they're open on time. It's a business and functions as one. Has good drills and teach…read morerelevant techniques. Members + staff are respectful and good people. Needs to focus more on safety, saw many people get seriously hurt because they're going too hard during sparring. Sparring should be for practice. Also the belt system is completely gone and now runs on money and not merit... after all it's a business don't expect anything more.

We have 3 daughters taking classes here since January and I'm so impressed with how they teach each…read moreclass and skill. They have learned so much and the instructors are so patient and skilled. The fact that it is also affordable for our larger family is an extra blessing!

Our family began training with Columbia Self Defense in December of 2019. We initially started with…read morejust our older boys, but after seeing what they were learning, we enrolled our daughters in classes as well. When our oldest graduated to the adult class, my husband and I began training too. The skills we've acquired and friends we've made along the way have been priceless. Over the course of five years, we attended classes at all levels and can only say positive things about the gym and instructors. The instructors train each student on their own level, while pairing them with partners who will help them grow and keep them safe. Our daughter has developmental delays and ADHD, and they have been amazing with her! Safety is always a priority at the gym. Thank you, Shayne, Traci, and Joe, for all you have done and continue to do at Columbia Self Defense.

Hands down one of the best experiences I've ever had! Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging…read more They welcome all people at any skill level and were able to answer all of my questions. They explain the why behind every move which helped me put all of the pieces together. This place is amazing and I could not recommend visiting VC if you can! I can't wait to come back!

Was able to take a few Krav classes here and immediately felt like i was part of the VC family…read more The were great workouts that incorporated techniques with situational awareness and high energy movements. The instructors wanted to help and guide me with constructive comments that kept me going. Thank you guys and keep up the good work!