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Black Label Martial Arts is the best for so many reasons! Our oldest daughter started Jiujitsu earlier this year here and it instantly turned into a passion. She has made so many friends, we have as well, and now everyone feels like family. In just 6 months our 5 year old daughter has learned SO much. She has competed in a tournament, brought home two medals, ranked up in belts, has learned a ton and continues to do so every time she walks into Black Label. She is going so far with this already because of this gym! The coaches are phenomenal and go the extra effort to teach thoroughly. They treat everyone the same, no matter their belt, age, skill level, etc., everyone is treated like family and they put effort into every single person! We are beyond thankful to have found this gym and can’t wait for our youngest daughter to be old enough to roll on the mat! Thanks for everything Black Label, we love being apart of the family and are so excited for what the future holds! Sign your kids or yourself up! You won’t regret it!!
I love this place!!! I was new to the area and tried 4 different Jiu-Jitsu gyms and this one is my new home! The coaches are so incredibly knowledgeable and everyone is SOOO friendly and kind.
One of the most welcoming gyms I’ve ever walked in . Was in town from Boston and it felt like I had been there for years . The owner was a legit blackbelt and proud of his lineage. Couldn’t recommend this gym more . I’ll be making it my gym while I’m in Charleston again. Thank you so much guys
Jiu jitsu and the black label team have had such a positive influence on my daughter! Her confidence has grown tremendously, she’s learned valuable life lessons and she enjoys every second of it!
Bringing my kids to Black Label is one of the best decisions we have made. They have grown so much more than just their skills alone. They have gained so much confidence since we have joined. When we started one of my kids would even hide behind his siblings. That same child today, you would never know struggled with his confidence, thanks to Black Label! Malachy is an incredible Coach and has encouraged all of our kids in different ways to push themselves, be confident, respectful and work hard. All of the coaches are fantastic! We couldn't be happier!
We are truly blessed to have found Black Label two years ago. Our daughter lacked confidence and it’s amazing how much she has grown since joining. The coaches are dedicated to each child’s journey and they go out of their way to ensure that every child knows they are supported. Professor Malachy has developed an outstanding youth BJJ program and I would recommend this martial arts school to anyone.
Best thing we have ever done for our kids. They are learning such valuable physical and mental skills.
By: Dan Beirne
Glad I found the outlet I did with America’s Top Team Charleston, South Carolina after I retired from the military.
Also very thankful and happy with the two primary instructors who work with me when I’m not grasping things quickly due to multiple challenges I have from exposures in combat.
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with neuro cognitive disorder, memory loss and other things directly related to injuries and the 11 combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq that I’ve done. My lack of sleep and quick temper were also challenges for me.
I’m now 3 months into attending classes at ATT Charleston and I continue to thank the owner of this location and two coaches I work with for the services and instruction they all provide.
Not only am I learning a new skill and revisiting some old ones, keeping healthy, building comradity along with honing a martial art that I always wanted to do better in, both my wife and I can see quality of life improvements and an outlet for the challenges I’ve stated above - which is the most important thing.
I can’t thank Malachy, Charleston and Clay enough for their services and instruction. I highly recommend this martial art for other combat veterans and this location for any combat veteran residing in the local Charleston area.
Please feel free to contact me direct if you have any further questions, comments of concerns or wish to discuss any lessons learned I could pass to others to help their Jiu Jitsu journey.
Respectfully,
Dan
If your looking for a professional, knowledgeable, clean, focused place for you or your child to learn bjj then I couldn't recommend this place more. I have two children who learn here. The environment is that of any top level gym and the staff is knowledgeable and focused on you or your child learning not only a martial art but lessons they can carry everyday to make them stronger and better people
It can be pretty intimidating when you first walk in, but you are instantly greeted by friendly faces from both coaches and other students. I'm fairly new to BJJ and thought for sure in a big gym like Black Label Martial Arts I would fade into the background. That couldn't be further from the truth! Malachy takes the time to get to know all of his students and offers individualized instruction during classes. He's also kind of funny sometimes! Absolutely love this gym! Can't imagine training anywhere else!
Absolutely amazing place! They welcomed my Daughter with open arms!definitely going to evaluate her to the next level. Highly recommend!!!!
I just started training here about two or three months ago. I travel full-time and have trained BJJ all over the world. There are a hand-full of places on the planet that make you feel like a member of the family from the moment you walk in. Black Label Martial Arts is one of them! The BJJ here is top-notch and they have training 6 days a week, multiple classes. They have a great group of folks there, especially the owners Malachy and Sarah! I wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone to train here! Oss!
My first experience was a very good one.. everyone was very nice and helpful to me. I have zero experience in this art form. A warm but disciplined environment and very professional. I am excited about continuing to train here.. I will be back bet on that!
After recently moving to the Charleston area, I tried out a few gyms liking for the best fit. Black Label Martial Arts offered exactly what I was looking for with a great schedule with multiple class times! Everyone was extremely welcoming and the teaching is top notch! Highly recommend!
My oldest son just started his boxing journey and I am thrilled we chose Black Label Martial Arts. Coach Isaac is amazing and everyone in the classes are super supportive. I can’t wait to see the growth in my son! If you’re looking for quality classes, you won’t be disappointed!
Over 40 and out of shape: The Beginners Guide to BJJ after 40 So, you’re over 40, haven’t worked out in a while, but you’re thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for the first time. You’ve watched Black Belts dominate in MMA and BJJ matches, but the idea of rolling (live BJJ training) makes you […]
Black Label Muay Thai World Champion CHARLESTON, SC – Anthony Brown from Charleston, SC, won the International Kickboxing Federation Championship Belt July 30, 2022 at the Annual IKF World Classic in Orlando, FL, Brown, 25, won by unanimous decision. He has an 10-6 record and this weekend took two wins and the IKF world […]
If you appreciate grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and great innovators, you the name know Johnny Tama. He is a No-Gi World Champion and first Hispanic to win an International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. He is a true champion and he will be at Black Label Martial Arts on August 20, 2021. July 29, 2021 Contact: Malachy Friedman […]
Every year, the American Heart Association celebrates Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and heart health. What you may not know is that martial arts are great for the heart. In fact, the cardiac benefits of martial arts give a whole new meaning to the idea of cardiovascular fitness. With that in mind, […]
Grade school can be quite the experience for any child. It is a place where a child not only learns academically but one where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those experiences […]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu For Kids The Perfect Balance between too much and not enough! It is not uncommon to witness a child shedding tears during training sessions. Reflecting on my own childhood, I can recall moments when I would have done the same at their age. Even as adults, we are not immune to the overwhelming […]
Location: Black Label Martial Arts 1850 Wallace School Rd, Charleston, SC Dates: Sat 8/24/19 1:30pm to 2:30pm Description: BJJ Black Belt, MMA coach and producer of self-defense videos, Malachy Friedman will give a free Women‘s Self-Defense Seminar/ Teacher’s Fundraiser. Taught in a safe, non-intimidating environment. All techniques are proven effective and do not require […]
After graduating from Citadel, couple takes on new challenge together in boxing ring By Derrek Asberry [email protected] Mar 20, 2019 Rico Gabriel couldn’t stop shaking as he stepped through the ropes and into the boxing ring. Neither could his girlfriend, Mary Ann Koller, as she did the same. Gabriel and Koller, both Citadel graduates, have […]
Local Amateur Boxer Wins State Golden Gloves Championship in His 1 st Fight Ever CHARLESTON, SC – Rico Gabriel, training out of Black Label Martial Arts in Charleston, SC, won the SC Golden Gloves Title February 23, 2019 in Greer, SC. He moves on to the regional championships in Knoxville, TN. Gabriel who weighs in […]
3 Jiu-Jitsu Legends Come Together for a Weekend Seminar at Black Label Martial Arts CHARLESTON, SC – Three of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts in the world are coming together in Charleston, SC on Saturday, Feb 16 and Sunday, Feb 17 to teach seminars for Martial Artists in the Lowcountry. BJJ Legend, Ricardo Liborio […]
Black Label Anti-Bullying Program Bullying has been on our national radar screen as a major social problem for many years. The effects of bullying can be dramatic and long-lasting for the bullied child and include emotional and physical pain, academic problems, and social withdrawal. Even the aggressor experiences negative consequences, putting themselves at higher risk […]
Truism #1: You are who you surround yourself with. This is something my mother always told me, and it’s spot-on. In my kid’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, I teach them that if they are in a group of kids that is making fun of another child, then they are as guilty as the others. Why? They […]
Women’s Self-Defense This past week, the Post and Courier ran a story about me and the success of our ATT Lowcountry free Women’s Self-Defense seminars. The same icy cold January day that the reporter came out to observe, another 100+ women of all ages came to learn the basics of real self-defense. In the seminar […]
BJJ FOR LIFE: FOCUS Part 3 – BJJ – The superior self-defense! I talked about Focus and Fortitude and how they worked together and got stronger through BJJ practice. In earlier posts, I talked about how studies show that neural pathways are engaged and strengthened through repetition, making BJJ a great activity to develop the […]
Words from Charleston’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Professor – Malachy Friedman Break the Belt Approach: The belt changes color by itself! I am a big proponent of breaking the belt. When your belt becomes so worn from tying it every day it literally breaks apart, you are on the right track toward promotion. It’s funny how […]
What I call Junk-Jitsu ???????? Playing the game of transitions and concepts you will find different sweeps that will resemble sweeps you have drilled. This is something I picked up watching Cobrinha and may have hit years ago. After being asked what to do from De La Riva, I poked around and a variation of […]
NERDS, JOCKS AND WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON My mats are packed with people with not much in common, except BJJ! I am proud when I look around the mat and cannot find many similarities in my students. Some are lawyers, some are college or high school students, some are skilled labor, […]
You know the white belt spaz? Heck, you might have been that guy a year or two ago. He’s the guy who knows very little technique, yet he desperately wants to keep from losing on the mats. So, he is probably not going to try to perfect today’s lesson; instead he’ll try to grab your […]
Building Self-Confidence First off, consistent training, sparring, and building stamina gives a person self-assurance in their physical abilities – no small thing! Never underestimate the significance of being confident in your ability to defend yourself. Beyond that, martial arts increases your belief in your judgement and trust in your abilities. In BJJ class we are […]
Rules of the BJJ mat – Imagine a workplace where all your co-workers were respectful team players, reliably punctual, unfailingly considerate, clean and appropriately groomed at all times and were focused on the job at hand? That’s the DREAM TEAM there. If these were family members, you’d host Thanksgiving every day. Manners such as […]
Leadership – We want our kids to be leaders and not followers. But what makes a leader? What if I told you – mistakes! But only a special kind of mistake. All life is about solving problems. A good leader is a good problem solver. But you don’t get to be a good problem solver […]
Join the BLACK LABEL Charleston Boxing Family! Charleston boxing gym in West Ashley Here at Black Label Charleston Boxing crew getting the wins in 2017! Amazing performances from 4 of our boxers. Even a main event KO! We are not just Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing or MMA – We are a wrecking crew that […]
7X BJJ World Champion Lucas Lepri is coming to Black Label Martial Arts, Charleston. Lucas Lepri is to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to what Reggie Jackson was to baseball – a person of phenomenal ability who delivers under pressure. Lucas Lepri is the world’s most technical guard passer. He faced the best in the world at the […]
INSPIRATIONAL impromptu Speech from Jarret Smotrila after he receives his Black Belt from Professor Malachy Friedman and Master Ricardo Liborio WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT!! “I didn’t know there was footage of Jarret Smotrila‘s speech after receiving his Black Belt. Their may be better quality. BUT I feel like everyone needs TO LISTEN ALL THE WAY […]
Thank you to Master Ricardo Liborio, BJJ Legend and founder of Black Label Martial Arts, for visiting with our students here in Charleston. Professor Malachy Friedman gave an early Christmas present to all his students. The free seminar was spent talking about the life values such as humility, perseverance, a hunger for knowledge and grit […]
UFC Mixed Martial Artist, Gleison “Tibau” Alves, to train and demonstrate MMA techniques at Black Label Martial Arts on Friday and Saturday February 17-18, 2017 CHARLESTON, SC – Black Label Martial Arts hosts UFC mixed martial artist Gleison “Tibau” Alves on Friday and Saturday, February 17-18 for training and MMA demonstrations. The 33 year-old “Tibau,” […]
“DARCE KILLER” series BUY HERE Solution to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Darce Choke. “DARCE KILLER” Series created by American Top Team Coach Malachy Friedman. CHARLESTON, SC – BJJ black belt Malachy Friedman, coach and owner of ATT Lowcountry has created a series of techniques to defend against the Darce choke. In the past there has been […]
Interview with American Top Team Charleston’s 145 lb Champion You are currently the Conflict MMA 145 pound champion. First off, congratulations on that. First question, how sore were you after that fight? Thank you very much! This fight wasn’t so bad as far as recovery goes or feeling injured. The fight before this took a […]
Gilbert Urbina – Wins by R.N.C [iframe id=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/WHdWRF_VZrQ”] Shout out for the Crisp Performance from the up and coming MMA Fighter Gilbert Urbina. “Best Training camp out of American Top Team” 100% credit to my personal coach Malachy Friedman a black belt out of Black Label Martial Arts in Charleston. He is the one […]
Too much aim, not enough trigger – BJJ Charleston We learn position before submission is usually best. Yes, being able to pull the “trigger” during a scramble when you see an arm or choke to earn the submission is a great tool and often a necessity. Being able to aim is as equally […]
Doing what’s best for my students is something that is continually on my mind. Every day, I try to go above and beyond what it takes to enhance my students understanding of BJJ or MMA. I am not a $20-dollar gym. We have 4 BJJ classes a day, and my prices reflect what I put […]
Ricardo Libório, co-founder of American Top Team, and Champion of the ADCC 2015 “SUPERFIGHT”against Mario Sperry, is coming to Black Label – Charleston, SC – December 21, 2015. Libório helps to train a stable of UFC, Bellator, and other professional MMA, BJJ and Muay Thai fighters, including Thiago Alves, Robbie Lawler, Antônio Silva, Nik Lentz, Marcus […]
FIVE GRAPPLING NAIC 2014: Friedman X Hornbuckle. Malachy Friedman displays Shaolin Sweep and wins with 1 second left via guillotine choke.