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Best Martial Arts Classes in El Cajon, CA
15 gyms listed · 4 in El Cajon · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy
“We feel so lucky to have found this place—it's been amazing watching them grow in so many ways.”
Trilogy Martial Arts
“Great coaches, not intimidating at all, awesome people that are there to help, and a fantasticlearning environment for all levels...”
Old School Boxing and Fitness Center
“He's a patient teacher and fosters a great sense of community in the gym.”
San Diego Aikikai
“The aikido is very high level.”
Pacific Martial Arts Foundation
“This is a great school and I highly recommend it.”
The 15 gyms listed for El Cajon, CA teach martial arts and combat sports. Styles taught, kids' programs and class times come from each gym's own pages, with star ratings from public reviews.
Area overview: El Cajon, CA
4 of the 15 gyms we list are based in El Cajon; the other 11 serve El Cajon from San Diego (10 mi) and Poway (13 mi). The gyms on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,168 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 14 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 35 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the gyms on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 10 take bookings online. We count these figures across the gyms on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the gym before you enroll.
Are weekend martial arts classes listed for El Cajon?
14 of the 15 gyms put weekend times on the listing. Saturday morning is usually junior classes and an open mat for anyone who wants extra rounds; Sunday is rarer. If your shifts move, ask whether a weekday class you miss can be made up on the weekend.
City Boxing
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, the instructors take the time to ensure you grasp the moves effectively, creating an environment that nurtures growth and skill development.”
7 Spears Martial Arts and Muay Thai
“Seven Spears' instructors are high quality and great with kids, and I highly recommend this school to anyone interested.”
10th Planet San Diego Jiu Jitsu and Training Center
“They treat you like family and it will make you more confident.”
Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ
“Professor Matheus and professor Andre are very patient and very encouraging and impeccable instructors they're the best instructors I've had and I will continue to come everyday for a long time”
Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego
“Additionally, Alliance is part of a well-established network of academies with locations throughout California and many other states, which speaks to the organization's reputation and consistent quality of instruction.”
Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense
“From the first rate instructors who carefully craft daily curriculum to the welcoming environment and passionate fellow students, Impact Krav Maga is everything I was looking for and more.”
99 Jiu-Jitsu HQ
“Everyone was super friendly and respectful, no one was very aggressive and kept the techniques and submissions smooth and classy.”
10th Planet Poway Jiu Jitsu
“A welcoming group of people, knowledgable teachers, and challenging classes with an attention on safety of the practitioners.”
Sunny Dojo
“I think learning self defense class in a positive environment is very important and we always feel welcomed by Professor Morgan and Pamela”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms in and near El Cajon
- “We love that our boys are growing up in an environment that teaches discipline, confidence, respect, and resilience.” — from a review of Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy
- “We’re very happy with Sunny Dojo! My 6.5-year-old son recently earned his belt promotion, and it’s wonderful to see his progress.” — from a review of Sunny Dojo
- “The instructors are patient, encouraging, and know how to make training both fun and disciplined for kids.” — from a review of 7 Spears Martial Arts and Muay Thai
- “We appreciate how the instructors make learning fun while also teaching discipline, respect, confidence, and perseverance.” — from a review of Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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