Lexington's Premier Martial Arts Academy

Discipline.
Strength.
Character.

Serving the Lexington community since 1997. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, youth programs, and women's self-defense — led by Sensei Carter with over 25 years of experience.

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1997
Established
5.0★
Perfect Rating
All Ages
Welcome
25+
Years Experience
Training Programs

Built For Every Stage of Life

Whether your child needs focus and confidence, you want to learn real self-defense, or you're chasing a BJJ black belt — Carter's has a program with a proven path to get you there.

01

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Ground-based grappling that emphasizes technique over strength. Train gi or no-gi with structured belt progression. Classes for beginners through advanced competitors.

All Levels Welcome
02

Karate

Traditional striking arts with an emphasis on discipline, form, and self-improvement. Our structured curriculum takes students from white belt to black belt with clear milestones along the way.

Traditional & Competitive
03

Youth Programs

Age-appropriate classes for kids as young as 4. We build confidence, respect, focus, and physical fitness through martial arts — skills that carry far beyond the mat.

Ages 4 & Up
04

Women's Self-Defense

Practical, scenario-based self-defense skills that can be learned quickly and applied under pressure. No prior experience needed. Small group settings available.

No Experience Required
05

Competition Training

For students looking to compete at local and regional tournaments. Focused drilling, live sparring, and competition-specific strategy coached by instructors who've been on the mat.

Intermediate–Advanced
06

Family Memberships

Train together as a family. We offer flexible family plans so parents and kids can share the mat — building stronger bonds and shared goals through martial arts.

Flexible Plans Available
Our Legacy

Family-Owned Since 1997

Carter's Academy of Martial Arts opened its doors in Lexington, SC in 1997 — and has remained a cornerstone of the community ever since. Sensei Carter brings over 25 years of teaching experience to every class, combining proven traditional techniques with modern training methodology.

This isn't a chain or a franchise. It's a school built on relationships — between instructors and students, and between students and the art. Every student who walks through our door gets personal attention and a curriculum designed to meet them where they are.

We've trained kids who grew up to become instructors. We've helped adults rediscover fitness and discipline in their 40s and 50s. We've coached competitors to regional titles. Whatever your goal is on the mat, we've helped someone get there.

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Certified Instruction Sensei Carter holds black belts in multiple disciplines with over 25 years of formal teaching experience
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Family-First Environment Safe, respectful culture built for students of all ages — from age 4 to adults in their 60s
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Community Track Record Nearly three decades serving Lexington — with a 5.0-star rating earned over hundreds of classes
Est.
1997
Carter's Academy dojo BJJ training
Student Testimonials

A Perfect 5.0-Star Rating

36 reviews and not a single one below five stars. Here's what Lexington families have to say.

"
★★★★★

My son has been training here since he was 7 and he's now 13 — the growth we've seen isn't just physical. His confidence, his focus at school, the way he carries himself... Sensei Carter genuinely cares about every single student. Worth every penny and then some.

K
Karen F.
Parent of youth student · 6 years
"
★★★★★

I started BJJ at 44 with zero experience, genuinely convinced I was too old. Sensei Carter proved me wrong in the first month. The instruction is thoughtful, the environment is welcoming, and I've never once felt like I was behind. I'm a blue belt now and still loving every class.

R
Robert M.
Adult BJJ student · 3 years
"
★★★★★

I took the women's self-defense course after a scary experience and I cannot recommend it enough. Practical, no-nonsense, taught by someone who explains the why behind every technique. I left with real skills and a lot more peace of mind. Carter's Academy is the real deal.

A
Ashley W.
Women's self-defense course
Reach Out

Start Your First Class Free

We invite every prospective student to try a free trial class before committing to anything. Come see the school, meet Sensei Carter, and feel the culture for yourself. No pressure, no sales pitch.

Book a Free Trial

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