Garth Taylor Jiu Jitsu
“Garth and his team are amazing instructors that provide a positive training experience to sharpen your jiu jitsu skills at every level.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Santa Cruz, CA
13 gyms listed · 9 in Santa Cruz · 11 open weekends · all 13 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Laird's Academy of Martial Arts
“As well as gaining huge amounts of self confidence and disciple; through training, testing, and competitions!”
Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness
“Everyone is very welcoming and I love being part of the Minorsan community.”
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Aikido of Santa Cruz
“There are also opportunities for black and brown belts to delve deeper into "advanced" aspects of training.”
Academy of Martial Arts
Freefall MMA
“Mike is an incredible professor who is dedicated to sharing his wisdom and technique with others in a way that we can understand.”
The 13 gyms listed for Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz, CA
9 of the 13 gyms we list are based in Santa Cruz; the other 4 serve Santa Cruz from Scotts Valley (5 mi), Capitola (4 mi) and Soquel (4 mi). The gyms on this page are rated from 4.9 to 5.0 across 225 reviews; 1 has 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "confidence", "community" and "energy". 10 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 9 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 46 years. 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 11 of the gyms on this page; 9 publish a contact page; 8 list a public email and 2 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 Santa Cruz?
11 of the 13 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.
West Side Aerobics & Martial
Santa Cruz Martial Arts & Fitness
“Highlander is not only teaching students the fundamentals of martial arts, but also teaching respect and kindness.”
Alafia Capoeira
“What also is great is that I am learning music and Brazilian Portuguese along the way.”
Allied MMA
“Good teachers, good equipment, and good energy everyone here is very supportive and helpful overall 10/10”
Kaijin Martial Arts
“Very nice and welcoming atmosphere, supportive teammates who want everyone to get better.”
Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy
“I have met so many amazing people in our time there, from meeting other parent while we watch the kids, to the wonderful ladies in our morning women's Taekwondo classes, evening classes, kickboxing, special events and more.”
Rod Sanford's Trdtnl Karate
“The instructors are patient yet challenge their students.”
Why these companies made our list
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