Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington: Carter’s Academy

1216 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072, USA

5.0 (34 reviews)

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Established in 1997, our academy provides instruction Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (also know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Youth Martial Arts, Bullyproof Programs and Women's Self-Defense.

https://www.cartersacademy.com/

(803) 546-6079

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Brad Hewett

I trained with John over the course of 2+ years and had a great experience while learning the art of Gracie JJ. John is a great communicator and very skilled at teaching every level of jiu jitsu.
Posted 1 year ago
Joshua Pomehichuk

John, the instructor and owner, was a great teacher and welcoming host. I was travelling for business and training in his school during my stay. Part of the benefit of Gracie is once you are a member you can access other training centres part of the network. It is great to be welcomed somewhere during business trips. Great for ground game come check it out.
Posted 1 year ago
Barry Ml

I was on a business trip in the area for a week and attended several Gracie Combatives classes. The facility was wonderful and very clean. John (owner/instructor) was welcoming, professional and made me, a short time visitor, wish I was staying in the area longer. He really fostered a great environment which was mirrored by several students I had pleasure of meeting and practicing with during my stay. I highly recommend this spot!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Bryan Creel

I'm a former resident of Columbia that moved to Florida some years back. I started training BJJ there and when I recently visited Columbia to see family, I wanted to get in some training on Saturday morning. I contacted Sensei Carter about a drop-in and he was very welcoming. The academy is very nice and well-maintained. Everyone was so friendly and I picked up some great tips for my guillotine. It was such a great experience, I would certainly train more at this academy if I was in the area!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Shannon Carder Scentsy SuperStar Director

We’ve been here for 2 years now & love it!! John is fantastic & patient with the kids, and the bully-proof program is such a great experience for kids. They enjoy earning stripes and patches for demonstrating responsibility, health, citizenship, respect, and manners .

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Travis Crocker

You can expect detailed instruction with a goal of building lifelong skills from Sensei Carter. You really do feel as though you are a part of a family within these walls. Both my daughter and I attended and we look forward to every class!

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Posted 2 years ago
Carey

Sensei Carter is an excellent instructor. He has a way of making you feel at ease and comfortable while training. I am looking forward to many years of learning and am very grateful he would take the time to share his knowledge and expertise with me. 👍👍

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Tyler Lyerly

So far so good. Taking my son for the kids class. Knowledgeable, polite, informative instructor. Well-structured class. And he makes it fun for them as well. Doesn't tolerate cutting up, which is great.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
David Batchelor

Mr. Carter gives free -trial lessons! He even threw a birthday party for my son. All the kids loved it. Clean place, great teaching, and a great skill to acquire!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Dave Maxfield

I had the privilege of training with Sensei Carter for approximately 8 years in Nihon Goshin Aikido. I had dabbled in some other martial arts (Judo, etc.) but nothing ever really fit or stuck, and I didn't seem to have an aptitude for any of it. Sensei Carter was the difference. He's an extremely gifted, and patient, instructor who makes martial arts training accessible to those willing to put in the work. Importantly, there are no freebies here. If you attain the rank of black belt with Mr. Carter, it's because you've mastered the techniques and applications, period. Consequently, you will see no high ranking belts at this Dojo unable to defend themselves under real world circumstances. This Academy is the real thing.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Guido Jenniges

I am a head instructor at GU in Torrance and was invited to teach a Seminar at John's school. I was welcomed with open arms and the facility was clean and professional. Staff, instructors and students are super friendly. I had a great time. GJJ Lexington has my full endorsement! Keep up the good work!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
JulieAnn Strasburger

Watching my grandson work with Sensei John is so fun and educational!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
truedreamer25

This class was great! The lessons build on each other and they use real world scenario application. The classes teach you adaptability so that you are not locked into one move and don't know what to do in dynamic situations.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Mac Smith

62 years young, and never felt so good. Not just knowing I can have a fighting chance, but the exercise is also good. I take private lessons, because I didn't want to get beaten by a youngster, and I was a little shamed. Now, 15 lessons later, I'm telling my friends. I was a frightened person before, and I still don't want to fight anyone, no belt of any color, but I've gotten my confidence more today, than when I was a youngster! Try it, you can always stop, but John will teach you, without you getting harmed.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Mrs. Bee

Superb program for self defense! Sensei John Carter is an excellent instructor. He makes the information relatable and easy understand. The women's self defense class is a comfortable and welcoming environment. I felt at home in my first class. Reflex development drills ensure the information is retained.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Brittany Collinson

My son really enjoyed going here for BJJ. I felt John Carter did a good job organizing the classes and ensuring the entire student body was learning and practicing for the majority of the allotted time (as opposed to working with a single student at a time as I've seen at other martial arts studios).

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Joe Beckham

I have known John Carter for 32 years. In this time I have seen him grow in character and develop his martial skill. I've always been impressed with his attitude; which is one of respect, integrity, and commitment. He has a heart for teaching and his agenda is helping his students develop not only in martial skill but in areas of character that produce wise, upstanding citizens of the community. Men like John Carter have a strong influence on children and I recommend his school to any, and all, parents seeking a positive environment for their kids.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Tara Wilkerson

Such a wonderful place to train! Everyone is welcoming and so incredibly helpful for people at all levels! If you're a beginner, nervous and looking to learn, this is your place. If you are experienced, wanting a regular place to train, this is your place!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Jami Jeffcoat

I started my journey as a Dojo Mom, watching from the sidelines. John Carter is great with the kids. He has a way of teaching that helps every type of student. After about 5 months of watching there was an opportunity for me to take the free women’s self defense class. The Gracie women empowered program has been a life changer for me! When I started I had absolutely no experience with martial arts. Now I crave to be on the mat 24/7. Not only am I taking the women’s program, I have also moved on to Aikido and Gracie Combatives in the group classes. As shy and timid as I was, I would have NEVER imagined doing anything like this. John Carter is an amazing instructor and I feel so lucky to be part of such an awesome community...actually a family. This program has touched so many parts of my life in such a short time. After cycling through the 1st set of classes, I have found where I have more confidence at work, home, and on the mat. My husband’s even training now! He loves the special law enforcement tips he gets to apply in his job to help him work much safer. My whole family now trains with Sensei. That alone says a lot!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
TheirKeeper HisDisciple

Love love love this place!!! Very welcoming and my boys love it! I highly recommend!

Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
KyleW485

John (sensei) is great with the kids, and the advice and techniques are perfect for all ages. He's very flexible in that you can create your own schedule. For the kids you pay one flat monthly fee, and then they can come to as many classes a week as they're qualified for. My son just started, and is going three days a week. Highly recommend... he'll even let newcomers try it out before committing to a month. He also offers adult courses and a women's self defense course. Check it out for yourself!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Brian Ward

Great people and a wonderful place to learn. If you are looking for a place for you child to learn self control, discipline and self confidence then Carter’s Academy is the place to go. As an adult student at this dojo I enjoy it very much. Every student is welcoming and helpful.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Benjamin Gray

My 4yr old loves this academy. We originally had him in gymnastics and he did not like that at all. This class has really helped with his focus, & confidence. Now he asks us every night if he can go.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Karl J Grossman

I've known Sensei Carter for about 15 years now. First rate instructor. I highly recommend him.

Instructors
Posted 9 years ago