Martial Arts, Fencing & Karate

The YMCA of Greenville offers classes and activities for children throughout the year at locations in downtown Greenville, Taylors, Simpsonville, West Greenville, and Travelers Rest. Classes and sports leagues are available to members and non-members.

YMCA of Greenville Youth Programs Offered:

Basketball: Did you know that basketball was invented at the YMCA? The love for basketball remains at the Y where each player is met at their skill level. Children ages 4–14 can sign up for summer and winter basketball leagues or try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 4–14)

Soccer: Soccer’s simple rules are a great way to introduce children to sports. The YMCA of Greenville offers spring and fall soccer leagues or kids can try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 3–14)

Swim: The YMCA of Greenville offers swim lessons for anyone six months or older. Classes are progressive and build off each individual’s skills and are available throughout the day. For more advanced swimmers, the YMCA has Swim Academy, a specialized program that teaches the basics of swim team and competitive swimming. (Ages 6 months and up)

T-Ball: The YMCA of Greenville’s T-ball program is designed to be a developmental league for the youngest players. Children ages 3–7 will learn the necessary skills they need to master before moving on to play coach’s pitch, travel baseball, or travel softball. (Ages 3–7)

Cross Country: Participants will build confidence and endurance each time they complete the running trail. (Ages 5–14 | Prisma Health Family YMCA, Simpsonville only)

Flag Football: Spring and Fall Flag Football is open to children ages 4–14. Participants learn football fundamentals such as footwork, ball control, passing, and teamwork. The Y also offers an all-girls Flag Football option! (Ages 4–14)

Volleyball: Did you know that volleyball was also invented at the YMCA? This popular indoor sport is offered twice a year at select branches. Kids can also try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 8–16)

Dance: Seasonal dance classes are offered at the Prisma Health Family YMCA in Simpsonville and throughout the year via Carolina Dance Collaborative at several other YMCA of Greenville locations.

Adventure Guides and Trailblazers: Parent/child pairs are grouped into circles with others in their surrounding community. Circles meet on their own for different events and activities, and the program as a whole offers events open to all circles throughout the season — including two weekend camps at YMCA Camp Greenville, a Pinewood Derby race, a chili cook-off, and a father-daughter semi-formal Valentine’s Dance.

Both of my daughters have learned to swim thanks to the YMCA. The instructors are attentive and the class sizes weren’t too big, so they were always in the water moving their bodies. The Stroke Development swim classes really helped my oldest get ready for swim team this summer. We have also done soccer when our oldest was 3 and 4 and the coaches were helpful and pushed the kids just enough to help them learn, while also making it fun.

— Sam G.

YMCA of Greenville Website: ymcagreenville.org
Phone: 864.412.0288

Guardian Self Defense offers practical martial arts and self-defense training for kids, adults, and families. Our programs build discipline and real-world safety skills in a positive, supportive environment, without contracts, pressure, or competition. We’re a school owned by a family of martial artists with over 20 years of teaching experience in the Greenville area, and self-defense is in our DNA.  Check out our website and take advantage of our 1 Week Free Trial,  a great way to experience our classes and come away with skills you didn’t have before, with zero pressure to sign up afterwards. It’s just our way of showing you what we’re all about. 

Top Questions Parents Ask About Guardian Self Defense:

• Is there a commitment required? No contracts, registration fees, or large startup costs. Flexible membership options to fit any schedule or budget.
• What ages are welcome? Little Guardians is for ages 4 to 6, and Kids Martial Arts is for ages 7 to 13. Homeschool classes are available for both age groups on Wednesdays.
• What does it cost? Basic Membership starts at $115/month, with discounts for additional family members. An Unlimited visit option is available for $150/month.
• Do I need to buy a uniform? No – Guardian Self Defense doesn’t require expensive uniforms or add-ons.

We’ve had a wonderful experience with Sifu Aaron as our son’s Jeet Kune Do instructor over the past 3 years. Our son looks forward to every class and has shown noticeable improvements in focus, discipline, and self-confidence since training with him. Sifu Aaron has a great way of connecting with kids while still maintaining high standards and respect. He explains techniques clearly, encourages questions, and creates a positive, supportive environment. We highly recommend Sifu Aaron to any parent looking for a skilled and thoughtful martial arts instructor.

— J.C., mother of Guardian Self Defense student

Offers: Martial arts classes for ages 4 through adult.

Offers karate classes for kids, teens, and adults in 2 locations: Lyman and Taylors.

Kazoku Karate provides a safe environment for children and adults alike to develop physical skills, mental strength and health, build character, discipline, and values through the practice of traditional Karate do Wado Ryu Style.

Kazoku Karate

Offers: Karate classes, self defense training and afterschool enrichment programs at several satellite locations around the upstate teaching the basics of karate and Japanese language skills to help advance to the next level.

Offers:  Karate skills classes for all ages with an emphasis on fun and safety, guidance and expertise. Classes for ages 4 and up. Free classes available to determine your child’s interest.

Classes | After School | Summer Camp

We are a karate school teaching Okinawa Kenpo and ishinryu, and after-school care.

After school: They offer activities, homework help, and a snack. They do offer after-school transportation.
Cost: $85 per week

Offers:  Kid, adult and family martial arts classes and life skills with professional instruction. Free trial period is available. Children’s classes start at age 5.

Offers: Recreational and competitive fencing class for a variety of ages and skill levels covering footwork, blade work, tactics and rules of fencing to develop coordination, speed, discipline, balance and endurance. Private lessons are available.

Offers: A variety of martial arts classes for ages 4 and up and all skill levels. The instructors focus on building character and self control along with simple self defense appropriate for children. A free trial class is available.