Enso MMA
“The majority of us had never done martial arts or a self defense class before and we are all pumped and cant wait to work out work at Enso MMA.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Santa Barbara, CA
17 gyms listed · all 17 in Santa Barbara · 2 open 24/7 · 13 open weekends · 16 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Pu'u Muay Thai Santa Barbara
“My 13 year old son and I (43) have been coming here for over a year now and we love it.”
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Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
“I've been training at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara for more than five years, and it has truly been a transformative experience.”
Santa Barbara Dojo
“The instructors push you as if they are your personal trainer, the owner treats you as family when he comes in and it's not stuffy like a gym.”
Warrior Soul Combat
“My first experience with martial arts of any kind - I feel that Alby, Will, and the whole crew engage in top class training & mindfulness practices.”
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Master Yun Traditional Tai Chi and Kung Fu
“He does this drawing fluently from multiple major Chinese styles, many of which are hard to find in the United States, and certainly not with his expertise and direct lineage.”
The 17 gyms listed for Santa Barbara, 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: Santa Barbara, CA
All 17 gyms we list here are in Santa Barbara itself. We have 18 gyms in Santa Barbara on file; this page shows the highest-rated 17. The gyms on this page are rated from 3.7 to 5.0 across 506 reviews; 4 have 50 or more reviews and 16 are rated 4.5 or higher. 2 are open around the clock; 13 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 30 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 15 of the gyms on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 9 list a public email and 5 take bookings online. We count these figures across the gyms on this page; hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the gym before you enroll.
Which gyms listed for Santa Barbara show a timetable online?
15 of the 17 gyms have a website on file. The useful ones name the instructor against each slot and mark which classes take beginners. A site built around the founder's rank and a contact form tells you nothing about the Tuesday night you would actually be standing in.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Santa Barbara
“The rest of the team gives the gym an atmosphere that I have fell in love with they are all my brothers/family.”
Santa Barbara Women's Self Defense
“Teri & Ian did a great job of teaching our daughters some basic, yet important, self-defense techniques in their Off to College Self Defense course.”
Paragon Academy Jiu Jitsu-Boxing-Kickboxing Gym
“I've been going for three months and although I'm still very much a newbie, the team has been nothing but supportive.”
Koei Kan Karate-Santa Barbara
“Koei Kan Karate is a wonderful way to build confidence in your child and Tony is so great with the kids.”
Lau Kune Do Santa Barbara Temple of Martial Arts
“I have gained flexibility and strength as well as practical self defense skills through Sifu's kind, patient, and knowledgeable teaching.”
Jang's Soo Bahk Do
“Master Jang has been so supportive of my son, who is disabled.”
Simon Training and Kickboxing
“His personalized approach and motivational attitude make every session both challenging and rewarding.”
Aikido of Santa Barbara
“It is a great Martial Arts School, but Google has the details and reviews wrong.”
Santa Barbara JKA
“Instructors have wonderful approach to teach kids.”
Gracie Barra Muay Thai
Black Panther World Martial Arts Academy
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms in Santa Barbara
- “They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace!” — from a review of Santa Barbara Dojo
- “Tony and his instructors are patient, kind, but appreciate constructive and respectful discipline.” — from a review of Koei Kan Karate-Santa Barbara
- “They have learned discipline and respect and built up their self confidence.” — from a review of Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
- “They struck the perfect balance between discipline and encouragement, instilling confidence and respect in every student, regardless of age or experience level.” — from a review of Santa Barbara Dojo
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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