Beckham Martial Arts & Fitness

We have tried so many studios over the years. Karate, kung fu, different mixed martial arts programs. We were always hoping to find the right fit for our boys. What we were really searching for wasn’t just physical training. It was mentorship, character development, and a place where they would leave feeling empowered instead of defeated. Mr. Forrest has been that answer for our family. He is incredibly intentional with every lesson. He doesn’t just teach jiu-jitsu and self-defense skills. He teaches real-life application. He talks about situations kids face in everyday life, how to manage emotions, how to improve self-talk, and how to carry themselves with quiet confidence. For our family specifically, this has been life changing. Our boys have both struggled in different ways. One with negative self-talk and frustration intolerance, and the other with being too quiet and hesitant to use his voice. Mr. Forrest has helped our quieter son find his voice and step into confidence. He has helped our son who struggles with frustration learn to regulate and speak to himself with more strength and resilience. They leave every class filled up, empowered, and motivated. They are more gentle with themselves, more helpful at home, and more positive in their day-to-day lives. We’ve even done private lessons as a family, and Mr. Forrest goes above and beyond. He researches, prepares, and tailors instruction to help our boys grow not only as athletes but as young men. It is a drive for us, and it is worth every mile. This has been more than an extracurricular activity. It has changed our home environment and the way our boys show up in the world. We are incredibly grateful. Diana and Eddie

Our second grade daughter has been coming to GCA for a few months now. She loves it! Mr. Forrest is a skilled and patient teacher. Our daughter is growing in her confidence and self-discipline and is learning self defense skills that she can carry with her for her whole life. This is happening in a healthy environment that both is structured and fun for her. I would add that I appreciate that (for her) the fee schedule is a flat rate for unlimited classes per month. She can even take two classes back to back. Highly recommend GCA and Mr. Forrest!

I highly recommend Greenville Combatives Academy and Mr. Forrest to any parent who wants their child to learn real, practical self-defense — not just choreography and belt progression. Before enrolling last June, my son spent almost two years at one of the larger “big box” karate studios. While it was a positive introduction to martial arts, the difference in training here has been night and day. In his first week at Greenville Combatives, he learned more applicable, real-world techniques than he had in the previous two years combined. This academy focuses on situational awareness, confidence under pressure, and movements that actually translate outside the gym. The instruction is disciplined, intentional, and rooted in practicality — not flashy routines. In a world that can be unpredictable and, at times, unkind, I’m grateful my son is developing not just skills, but confidence and awareness. That peace of mind as a parent is invaluable. If you’re looking for substance over spectacle, this is the place.

My boys have benefited greatly from their training at Beckham Martial Arts! More importantly, they have been positively impacted by Mr. Beckham’s leadership and passion to mentor his students into a lifestyle of honor, respect and character. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent seeking the very best martial arts program for their kids in the Greenville area!!

Taking our Daughter to Mr. Beckham's was one of the best things we ever did for her. As a young girl, we were looking for something that would build her confidence and at the same time allow her to defend herself should the need ever arise. We heard about several places and even talked to a few children who were "black belts." Very soon we found out that some of these Karate-Type babysitting services might be fun, but were not the REAL DEAL! Children at age 8 and 9 walking around thinking that they were Black Belts could not even get out of a simple arm-bar. Mr. Beckham will actually TEACH your child how to defend themselves. His classes are organized and he sets the bar high! Somehow Mr. Beckham is able to encourage your child step-by-step AND maintain discipline. (Not an easy task with a group of children.) His staff was always engaging and motivating. Our daughter grew in confidence, strength and courage. She started at age 6. She LOVED everyday of her experience with Mr. Beckham and the path that he set her on has enabled her to grow into the fine, strong woman she is today! If you are looking for the BEST Martial Art Company for your children, or yourself, look no further! Mr. Beckham is the BEST! BY: CHRISTINE POWER