Real World
Self Defense
Practical self defense skills that actually work — for kids, adults, and families across Kernersville and Winston-Salem. We combine karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing to give you the most complete real-world self defense training available in the Triad.
Real Self Defense.
Not Sport. Not Performance.
Most martial arts styles were designed for sport competition or traditional ceremony — not real world situations. At Core Fitness & Martial Arts we teach practical self defense drawn from the most effective combat systems in the world. Skills your child can use at school. Skills you can use on the street. Techniques that work regardless of size or strength.
Situational Awareness
The best self defense starts before a fight begins. We teach students to recognize threats, trust their instincts, and de-escalate situations before they become dangerous.
Striking Defense
Real striking techniques from karate and kickboxing that work at punching and kicking range — how to block, counter, and create distance from an attacker.
Ground Defense
Most real world altercations end up on the ground. BJJ gives our students the skills to survive, escape, and control situations that go to the ground.
Anti-Bullying Skills
For kids specifically — verbal de-escalation, boundary setting, awareness of bullying patterns, and the confidence to stand up for themselves without escalating situations.
Stress Inoculation
We train under pressure so students can perform under pressure. Live drilling and resistance training builds the muscle memory needed when adrenaline takes over.
Confidence
The greatest benefit of self defense training is the confidence it creates. Students who know they can protect themselves carry themselves differently — and that alone deters threats.
Karate & Martial Arts
The foundation of our self defense system. Our karate curriculum is built around practical striking, blocking, and situational awareness — not just forms and competition. Students learn real techniques that translate directly to real world scenarios.
- Striking and blocking combinations
- Situational awareness and threat recognition
- Anti-bullying techniques for kids
- Wrist grabs, chokes, and escape techniques
- Distance management and footwork
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ was specifically designed for self defense — allowing a smaller person to control and submit a larger attacker using leverage and technique. It is widely considered the most effective real-world ground fighting system in existence and is used by law enforcement and military worldwide.
- Takedown defense and clinch control
- Ground survival and escape techniques
- Submissions and control positions
- Works regardless of size or strength
- Live drilling against resisting partners
Kickboxing & Striking
Real striking skills from kickboxing give you the tools to defend yourself at punching and kicking range — the range where most confrontations begin. Our kickboxing curriculum teaches practical combinations, counter-striking, and how to create space and escape.
- Punch and kick combinations
- Defensive blocking and slipping
- Counter-striking techniques
- Creating distance and escaping
- Pad work with trained partners
Self Defense For Everyone
Our self defense training is designed for all ages and experience levels. Whether you're a parent looking to protect your child, an adult looking for personal safety skills, or a woman wanting real confidence — we have the right program for you.
Kids Self Defense
Age-appropriate self defense that builds confidence, awareness, and practical skills kids can actually use.
- Anti-bullying techniques and verbal skills
- Stranger danger awareness
- Escape from grabs and holds
- Confidence that deters threats
Adult Self Defense
Practical, no-nonsense self defense for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Real skills for real situations.
- Striking, clinch, and ground defense
- Situational awareness training
- Works regardless of size or strength
- Trained against live resistance
![Womens self defense classes Kernersville Winston-Salem](https://corekaratesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P1010233-scaled.jpg")
Women's Self Defense
A safe, welcoming environment where women learn real self defense skills and build the confidence to feel protected anywhere.
- Escape from grabs, pins, and holds
- Striking techniques for women
- Ground defense and escape
- Supportive, non-intimidating environment
Request More Info
Fill out the form and we will be in touch right away with everything you need to know — programs, scheduling, and how to get started. No commitment required.
Programs
Karate · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Kickboxing — all combined
Ages
Kids ages 4 and up · Teens · Adults · All experience levels
Location
3540 Triad Ct., Winston Salem, NC 27107
Call or Text
336-793-0878Family owned, very humble. The instructors are incredibly informative and detailed. Best martial arts school near Winston-Salem — you won't find better coaching anywhere in the area.
My son absolutely loves Core Karate. He's more confident, more focused, and we've seen huge improvements at school too. What a blessing this place has been for our family.
Request More Info
We will be in touch right away to answer all your questions.
I Am Interested InThe Skills To Protect
Yourself & Your Family
Real self defense from karate, BJJ, and kickboxing — for kids, adults, and women. Contact us today and take the first step toward real confidence and real protection.