Charleston Family Martial Arts

Charleston Family Martial Arts is a fitness center in Summerville, SC. The facility provides specialized martial arts training for various age groups, including the Little Leaders program for children ages 4 to 6 and Karate classes for students aged 7 and up. Serving the surrounding areas of Cane Bay, Nexton, Goose Creek, and Summerville, the center offers instruction in American Freestyle Karate, featuring striking basics, practical self-defense, and weapons training with nunchucks, escrima sticks, and kamas. For advanced students aged 13 and up who have reached the purple belt level, the center also provides a dedicated full-contact sparring program.

The dojo is led by Founder and Chief Instructor Phillip Dees, a 3rd Degree Black Belt and United States Marine Corps veteran with experience in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Joining him is Program Director Emily Lyon, also a 3rd Degree Black Belt with extensive experience in forms, weapons, and kickboxing. The curriculum is designed to foster confidence, discipline, and respect through structured drills, one-on-one pad work, and skill-building games. The training environment is built around the concept of families training together, with students and adults training in age-appropriate groups and families testing their progress together every 10 weeks.

The business is located on Ashley Blvd.

Charleston Family Martial Arts is recognized for its commitment to helping students of all ages grow in self-belief and discipline. The instructors bring deep expertise in American Freestyle Karate and combat training to help every student develop real-world confidence.

The center provides a welcoming environment for families to build strength and coordination through martial arts in Summerville.