Is there a martial arts class in Ladson, SC?

Yes — CDFC Capoeira Charleston is the Ladson area's capoeira school, training at 3514 S Live Oak Dr on Hwy 17-A. Classes run Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM, and the first class is free.

What is capoeira, in one sentence?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines kicks and escapes with acrobatics, live music, and song, played between two people in a circle called the roda.

Do I need experience or gear to start?

No. Classes are beginner-friendly for adults and teens — comfortable athletic clothes are all you need, and capoeira is trained barefoot.

How much do classes cost?

Your first class is free, no card needed. Memberships are $89/month for one class per week or $150/month for unlimited classes.

Capoeira & Martial Arts in Ladson, SC

This is home base. CDFC Capoeira Charleston trains at 3514 S Live Oak Dr, Ladson, SC 29461 — the Lowcountry’s school for capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian art that blends martial arts, acrobatics, and live music. If you live in Ladson, College Park, or along the Hwy 17-A corridor, you’re minutes from class. Your first one is free.

Weekly schedule

Wednesday · 8:00 PM
Friday · 8:00 PM
Saturday · 3:00 PM

First class free — see memberships and join, or get class updates by email:

Your first class is free. No experience needed.

Martial arts close to home — without the commute downtown

Most Lowcountry martial arts and fitness options mean a drive to Summerville, North Charleston, or the peninsula. Our studio sits right on S Live Oak Dr (Hwy 17-A), making it one of the closest evening martial arts options for Ladson, Goose Creek, and Moncks Corner residents. Evening classes at 8:00 PM work around a commuter’s schedule, and the Saturday afternoon class fits family weekends.

What makes capoeira different from karate or BJJ

Capoeira is played, not fought. Two players improvise a game of kicks, dodges, and feints inside the roda — the circle — while everyone else sings, claps, and plays instruments like the berimbau. You get striking technique, evasion, flexibility, rhythm, and a serious full-body workout (500+ calories an hour is common) in a cooperative setting where nobody sits on a bench. It’s a martial art, a music tradition, and a community in one practice.

Plan your first visit

What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — loose pants or leggings and a t-shirt work well. Capoeira is trained barefoot, so no special shoes are needed.
What to bring: a water bottle and a willingness to try. No gear, uniform, or equipment is required for your first class.
When to arrive: come 10–15 minutes early so you can meet the instructor, get introduced, and settle in before the warm-up starts.
Who can come: classes are beginner-friendly for adults and teens. No experience, flexibility, or fitness baseline required — the class scales to you.
What happens: a gentle warm-up, the ginga (capoeira’s base step), one or two simple kicks and escapes, low-stakes partner play, and live music. You’ll leave sweaty and smiling.
Cost: your first class is free — no card required. After that, memberships are $89/month (one class a week) or $150/month unlimited.

Find the studio

3514 S Live Oak Dr, Ladson, SC 29461 — on S Live Oak Dr (Hwy 17-A), between Summerville and Moncks Corner, an easy drive from Ladson, Goose Creek, North Charleston, and the rest of the Lowcountry. Get directions.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a martial arts class in Ladson, SC?: Yes — CDFC Capoeira Charleston is the Ladson area's capoeira school, training at 3514 S Live Oak Dr on Hwy 17-A. Classes run Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM, and the first class is free.
What is capoeira, in one sentence?: Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines kicks and escapes with acrobatics, live music, and song, played between two people in a circle called the roda.
Do I need experience or gear to start?: No. Classes are beginner-friendly for adults and teens — comfortable athletic clothes are all you need, and capoeira is trained barefoot.
How much do classes cost?: Your first class is free, no card needed. Memberships are $89/month for one class per week or $150/month for unlimited classes.