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Martial Arts · Myrtle Beach, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Martial Arts Schools in Myrtle Beach, SC

Finding the right martial arts school can be tricky. Avoid common mistakes and discover the best options in Myrtle Beach.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThe Next Element Academy
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Myrtle Beach-metro martial arts businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Martial arts training offers a unique blend of physical fitness, discipline, and self-defense skills that are valuable for individuals of all ages. In Myrtle Beach, where outdoor activities thrive, martial arts schools provide an engaging way to stay active while learning essential life skills.

We evaluated 10 local martial arts schools based on their ratings and reviews from students. Our rankings reflect the most trusted options, focusing on quality instruction and community feedback. With a total of 380 reviews across the ranked schools, we’ve identified the top choices to help you make an informed decision.

10martial arts schools evaluated in Myrtle Beach
4.93average rating across the field
380customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does martial arts cost in Myrtle Beach? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

The Next Element Academy

★★★★★5.0(152 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 152 reviews, The Next Element Academy is praised for its skilled instructors and engaging curriculum.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Coast Jiujitsu

★★★★★5.0(31 reviews)

Coast Jiujitsu holds a 5-star rating with 31 reviews, reflecting its reputation for quality instruction and a friendly environment.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

★★★★★5.0(28 reviews)

American Tiger Martial Arts Academy boasts a 5-star rating from 28 reviews, with students praising the diverse range of classes and experienced instructors.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
152Developing self-defense skills
2
Coast Jiujitsu
Coast Jiujitsu
Best Value
95Score
5.0★★★★★
31Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
28Families training together
4
89Score
5.0★★★★★
27MMA training
5
88Score
5.0★★★★★
26Exploring multiple martial arts
6
84Score
4.7★★★★★
62Sharpening BJJ skills
7
83Score
5.0★★★★★
21Traditional martial arts
8
82Score
4.9★★★★★
17Learning self-defense
9
80Score
4.7★★★★★
12Diverse training experience
10
78Score
5.0★★★★★
4Learning traditional karate
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 martial arts schools.

To rank the martial arts schools in Myrtle Beach, we analyzed customer ratings and the number of reviews to gauge overall satisfaction. Each school was assessed on a transparent 0 to 100 Vetted Score, ensuring that no business paid for placement in our rankings.

We refresh our evaluations monthly to reflect the most current feedback from students. This approach guarantees that you receive updated and reliable information to help you choose the right martial arts school for your needs.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

The Next Element Academy

★★★★★5.0(152 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 152 reviews, The Next Element Academy is praised for its skilled instructors and engaging curriculum. Students appreciate the supportive atmosphere and effective teaching methods. However, the popularity means classes can be crowded at times. This academy excels in developing self-defense skills and building confidence.

Pros

  • Skilled instructors
  • Engaging curriculum
  • Supportive atmosphere

Cons

  • Classes can be crowded at times
Best forDeveloping self-defense skills
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $150 per month
2
Best Value

Coast Jiujitsu

★★★★★5.0(31 reviews)
95Score

Coast Jiujitsu holds a 5-star rating with 31 reviews, reflecting its reputation for quality instruction and a friendly environment. Reviewers highlight the personalized attention each student receives, making it ideal for beginners. A downside is the smaller class size, which may limit training partners. This school is particularly good for those looking to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Pros

  • Quality instruction
  • Friendly environment
  • Personalized attention

Cons

  • Smaller class size
Best forLearning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$80 to $120 per month
3
Most Reviewed

American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

★★★★★5.0(28 reviews)
94Score

American Tiger Martial Arts Academy boasts a 5-star rating from 28 reviews, with students praising the diverse range of classes and experienced instructors. The academy is recognized for its family-friendly environment and emphasis on respect and discipline. However, some newcomers might find the pace challenging initially. It's an excellent choice for families looking to train together.

Pros

  • Diverse range of classes
  • Experienced instructors
  • Family-friendly environment

Cons

  • Pace may be challenging for newcomers
Best forFamilies training together
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$90 to $140 per month
4

Kilo Delta BJJ & MMA

★★★★★5.0(27 reviews)
89Score

Kilo Delta BJJ & MMA has a solid 5-star rating based on 27 reviews. Students appreciate the knowledgeable coaches and the emphasis on practical techniques. The school is known for its welcoming community. A drawback is the limited class schedule, which may not fit everyone's availability. It’s a great spot for those focused on MMA training.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable coaches
  • Emphasis on practical techniques
  • Welcoming community

Cons

  • Limited class schedule
Best forMMA training
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$85 to $130 per month
5

RDT Martial arts Academy

★★★★★5.0(26 reviews)
88Score

RDT Martial Arts Academy holds a 5-star rating from 26 reviews. Reviewers praise the variety of martial arts styles offered and the dedication of the instructors. However, some feel the facilities could be updated. It’s a strong choice for those interested in exploring multiple martial arts disciplines. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is exploring multiple martial arts. It serves Myrtle Beach, SC, with $75 to $125 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are facilities could be updated.

Pros

  • Variety of martial arts styles
  • Dedicated instructors
  • Strong community

Cons

  • Facilities could be updated
Best forExploring multiple martial arts
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$75 to $125 per month
6

Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach

★★★★★4.7(62 reviews)
84Score

Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach has a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews. Many students appreciate the structured classes and knowledgeable instructors. The school is known for its competitive spirit and advanced training. However, beginners might find it intimidating at first. This is a solid option for those looking to sharpen their BJJ skills.

Pros

  • Structured classes
  • Knowledgeable instructors
  • Competitive environment

Cons

  • Intimidating for beginners
Best forSharpening BJJ skills
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $150 per month
7

Shaolin Kung Fu Studios

★★★★★5.0(21 reviews)
83Score

Shaolin Kung Fu Studios has a 5-star rating from 21 reviews. Students commend the authentic Shaolin training and the focus on discipline and respect. The unique approach makes it stand out. However, the class sizes can be small, which might limit interaction. This studio is perfect for those interested in traditional martial arts.

Pros

  • Authentic training
  • Focus on discipline
  • Unique approach

Cons

  • Small class sizes
Best forTraditional martial arts
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$70 to $110 per month
8

Aikido School of Self Defense, MB

★★★★★4.9(17 reviews)
82Score

Aikido School of Self Defense has a 4.9-star rating with 17 reviews. Students appreciate the focus on self-defense techniques and the friendly instructors. The community atmosphere is often highlighted. However, class times can be limited, which may not suit everyone’s schedule. This school is ideal for those wanting to learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Pros

  • Focus on self-defense
  • Friendly instructors
  • Community atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited class times
Best forLearning self-defense
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$80 to $120 per month
9
80Score

Adams’ MMA has a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews. Reviewers note the variety in training styles and the encouraging environment. However, the limited number of reviews suggests that this school is still building its reputation. It’s a good choice for those looking for a diverse training experience. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is diverse training experience. It serves Myrtle Beach, SC, with $75 to $115 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews.

Pros

  • Variety in training styles
  • Encouraging environment
  • Diverse experience

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
Best forDiverse training experience
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$75 to $115 per month
10

Kuniba-Ryu of Myrtle Beach

★★★★★5.0(4 reviews)
78Score

Kuniba-Ryu of Myrtle Beach has a 5-star rating based on just 4 reviews. While students praise the personalized instruction, the thin review base means trust is still forming. This school is a promising option for those interested in learning traditional karate. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is learning traditional karate. It serves Myrtle Beach, SC, with $70 to $100 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base.

Pros

  • Personalized instruction
  • Focus on traditional karate

Cons

  • Thin review base
Best forLearning traditional karate
Service areaMyrtle Beach, SC
Typical pricing$70 to $100 per month
Before you book

How to choose a martial arts school in Myrtle Beach

Selecting the right martial arts school involves more than just looking at ratings. Here are some key questions to ask potential providers before making your decision.

What is the instructor's experience?

Inquire about the background and qualifications of the instructors to ensure you receive quality training.

What classes are offered?

Ask about the variety of classes available, including age groups and skill levels, to find the best fit for you.

What is the class size?

Find out about the instructor-to-student ratio, as smaller classes often lead to more personalized attention.

What it costs

What martial arts classes cost in Myrtle Beach

The cost of martial arts classes in Myrtle Beach can vary based on the type of training and the school's reputation. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.

Group classes$100 to $200 per month for access to multiple classes each week.
Private lessons$50 to $100 per session, providing one-on-one instruction tailored to your needs.
Family packages$250 to $400 per month for families enrolling multiple members, often at a discounted rate.
Trial classes$10 to $30 for a single session, allowing you to test the waters before committing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does martial arts training cost in Myrtle Beach?

Prices vary by school, but you can expect fees ranging from $100 to $200 per month, depending on the program and frequency of classes.

What age groups do martial arts schools in Myrtle Beach cater to?

Most schools offer classes for children as young as 4, and there are also programs for teens and adults, making martial arts accessible for all age groups.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Myrtle Beach families: <strong>The Next Element Academy</strong>

For the best overall experience, choose The Next Element Academy. With a perfect 5-star rating from 152 reviews, it leads the pack in both trust and quality. If you prefer a smaller class size or a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Coast Jiujitsu is an excellent alternative, especially with its 5 stars from 31 reviews. For a more traditional martial arts experience, American Tiger Martial Arts Academy is a solid choice, rated 5 stars from 28 reviews, ideal for those looking for a well-rounded program.