Rio Combat Team
“Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, RCT is a place where you'll feel welcome, challenged, and supported, no matter where you are on your Jiujitsu journey.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Alameda, CA
2 of these schools are based in Alameda; the others serve Alameda from towns including San Francisco (10 mi), Oakland (3 mi) and Emeryville (5 mi).
14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Gracie Jiujitsu Alameda
“My husband also practices here, and appreciates their attentive and thoughtful approach, so he can practice for years to come.”
AB Mixed Martial Arts Academy
“They really know what they are doing and take their time to make sure you learn what they are teaching.”
Colhado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“An excellent JJ school for kids (and adults); my kid has been going for about a year and always has fun sparring with kids of different abilities.”
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Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“The environment is intimate, which means the instructor can really give attention to each student — but at the same time the technical level here is super high.”
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Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu
“If you want to be a great and knowledgeable Jiu Jitsu practitioner then this is the place to be.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Alameda, CA are spread across the 15 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: Alameda, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,241 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 14 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 7 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1997. 1 is family- or locally-owned. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 6 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.
Do the schools on this page travel out to Alameda?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Alameda and the others are within 15 mi, which matters less in this category because the instructor usually comes to your room. Ask about travel before you rule out a school on the address alone.
Han Martial Arts
“The teachers and management are great, and they are both encouraging and firm with the kids.”
Bay Area Martial Arts
“When I watched kids' classes, teachers were dedicated to individuals and kids expressed their emotions freely”
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BK Roots Fitness
“He has been amazing in helping me gain flexibility, strength, and enabling my torn rotator cuff to fully heal (amongst other things).”
Empire Jiu Jitsu
“His approach to class structure, situational training, and consistently challenging rounds will push you to become a true practitioner.”
Alliance BJJ SF Bay
“And speaking from the perspective of a white belt and total newbie, I can say that the instructors at Alliance do a fantastic job of seamlessly integrating beginners like me into the class.”
Six Blades Jiu Jitsu
“Professor Eduardo Rocha was amazing and I'm honored to have been able to train here.”
Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
“From beginners to seasoned competitors, everyone is welcomed into an supportive environment with expert coaching.”
Mineiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I had been searching for a place that offered muay thai for a while and am so happy I found this place.”
10th Planet Oakland Jiu Jitsu
“10th planet Oakland is a great place to train for all levels!”
Why these companies made our list
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