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Zahand's Martial Arts
“My mental health has improved since starting, my body feels powerful and stronger than I ever thought I could be, and I can't say enough just how much I love the friends and family here.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Akron, OH
24 schools listed · 4 in Akron · 22 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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The Academy of Self-Defense
- Discipline
- Learn
- Adults
“My daughter is always excited and eager to go to class to learn more and watching her progress and thrive in something so beneficial in so many ways is a great feeling too!”
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Mountain Oak Dojo
“Best instruction for Adults and Children.”
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Street Protect Principle Self Defense
“Highly recommended to all women, men, and children to learn Petrosino's effective techniques to protect themselves and be safe in our crazy and angry world.”
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Hickey Karate Center
“Because my brother do judo and he always talking about hickey karate club :)”
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Twinsburg Karate Institute (Tki)
- Life
- Sensei
- Learned
“After a very rough start to the school year, with an anxious, sensitive child, we were looking for a place for our 6 year old son to flourish and to gain some confidence.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Akron, OH are spread across the 24 cards on this page. Who each course is aimed at, where it runs and how often it repeats comes from the school itself, with ratings drawn from public reviews.
Area overview: Akron, OH
4 of the 24 schools we list are based in Akron; the other 20 serve Akron from towns including Cuyahoga Falls (5 mi), Stow (9 mi) and Twinsburg (16 mi). 23 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.6 to 5.0 across 830 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (86%), professionalism (84%) and value (61%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 20 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 19 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 54 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 2 are family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 19 publish a contact page; 15 list a public email and 5 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Akron?
By email, and 15 of the 24 schools here publish an address. Write with the group you have in mind, the room you can offer and what worries the group, then ask for a plan of the session. A school that replies with a price and nothing else has told you something.
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Matchpoint Martial Arts
“Match point offers something for everyone, recently we were hesitant to attend in person for a session due to my daughters asthma and cough (didn't want to scary anyone) Master Kim sent a virtual link so they can participate and not loose training ti...”
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Vanyo Martial Arts
- Jiujitsu
- Train
- Confidence
“My kids have been at Vanyo Mixed Martial Arts for over a year now and we have witnessed such an increase of confidence, strength and discipline since coming here.”
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GT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- Drilling
- Train
- Mats
“In my opinion no gym is ever perfect but GT Bjj is a great place to learn and they have a lot of white belts, blue belts and a couple purple belts brown belts and four or five black belts so expect a challenge and an equal opportunity no matter where...”
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True Art Jiu Jitsu
- Comfortable
- Train
- Learn
“As a female with zero previous experience in martial arts (and pretty much zero natural athletic talent 😂) the learning curve has been steep but Shannon is a great instructor who always makes himself available to answer questions and help break thing...”
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Marcum's Martial Art Academy
“Practice is a good mix of fun and disciplined activities.”
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White Lotus Kung Fu
- To Learn
- Self Defense
- Health
“I've only been going to this wonderful martial art school for a week going on my second week and regardless of what anyone says this school is the real deal everyone is absolutely spectacular and are great people who always offer a helping hand even ...”
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Cuyahoga Karate Isshinryu Dojo
“Melissa is the best sensi in the world, she doesn't only teach the students Karate, she teaches them how to be better people.”
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Waterhouse Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- Train
“They are not all about sucking money out of parents no belt fee no test fee price is reasonable and they focus on teaching these kids jiu jitsu period love this school”
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Center For Body-Mind Harmony
“The atmosphere and energy is very positive, productive and welcoming.”
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United Martial Arts
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VIA Martial Arts
- Energy
- Capoeira
- Jiu Jitsu
“He really keeps the classes interesting, high energy, educational about the root history of capoeira the language, the music and also teaching kick butt moves Every Time!”
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Devil Dog Martial Arts
- Dogs
- Skill
- Environment
“I have had the pleasure of being able to train with him for the past 15 years and I can say with complete conviction that he is single-handedly the reason why I am able to fight as well as I am today.”
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North Coast Jiu-Jitsu Club
- Train
- Learn
- Skill
“I truly enjoyed myself and look forward to training under the tutelage of these very knowledgeable and detailed Instructors so if ANYONE you know want to learn Jiu Jitsu in an awesome environment where you'll learn ALL the aspects of true Jiu Jitsu……...”
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1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Train
- Skills
- Learn
“I think 1-Up is a great place to come whether you want to get into something new or your coming back with some experience and are looking for a place where you can get one-on-one training in a more intimate setting.”
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Tracy's Karate
- Self Defense
- Classes
“The owner/instructor John provides a variety of programs for all ages; exercise group classes, shoot-fighting, family lessons, kids 'little-dragons' group training, self-defense targeted programs, and individual private lessons.”
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Okinawa Karate Of Twinsburg
- Sensei
“They are dedicated to sharing Okinawan Karate and Kobudo with others out of a love of the arts and a love of what the arts can do for those that are willing to put in hard effort.”
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Crooked River T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center
“The best place to learn tai chi!”
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J. R. Miller Martial Arts
- Discipline
- Taekwondo
- Respect
“During our children's time at the dojang, in addition to traditional taekwondo self-defense skills, they have learned leadership skills, practiced respect, and have been infused with the confidence and self-discipline required to meet their goals.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Akron, OH Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$183
Maximum cost
$547
National Average
$280
Avg Per Hour Rates
$73
$243
$377
Fair price range is based on 400 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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