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 San Mateo (15 mi).

22 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 18, 2026

Rio Combat Team

Rio Combat Team

(24)
  • Train
  • Black Belt
  • Discipline
“Been practicing at Rio Combat for a little over a year in gi and nogi and really enjoy the instructors lessons, the gym is friendly and there is a wide range of classes for beginners to advanced.”
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2010
800 W Tower Ave bldg 40, Alameda, CA
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Gracie Jiujitsu Alameda

Gracie Jiujitsu Alameda

(15)
  • Coach
  • Chelsea
  • Self Defense
“The cooperative environment and the focus on purpose and technique behind each drill is exactly what I needed when it comes to building the confidence I needed in learning Jiu Jitsu as a Martial art for health and performance as well as self-defense.”
In Business Since 2022
2424 Blanding Ave, Alameda, CA
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United Studios of Self Defense

United Studios of Self Defense

(5)
  • Dojo
“The 30 min private instruction lessons by Sensei Holly are phenomenal and the group kids white belt classes are awesome especially the ones that Holly does where she makes sure all the kids get quality attention by both instructors and that they are ...”
Coupons & Offers
In Business Since 1994
Belmont, CA · 18 mi from Alameda
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo

(48)
  • Competitor
  • Grappling
  • Sparring
“The instructors teach their little students BJJ techniques, and also lessons important for life: focus, determination and hard work, though, the latter feels like playing games with Adam and crew!”
BBB Rating: A+
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
In Business Since 2017
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Mateo, CA · 15 mi from Alameda
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Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

(50)
“But one of my favorite selling points is the community - this is a bunch of people that all want to learn and improve, no one has anything to prove, and everyone is always willing to help anyway they can - on the mat or in the real world.”
In Business Since 2005
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

(45)
  • Environment
  • Culture
  • Holiday
“So far I'm happy with what I found at Romulo's academy, a great professor, amazing classes and the amount of great rolls from white belts and up is just incredible, great location, friendly teammates, I feel very comfortable training there.”
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2015
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Short self-defense courses listed for Alameda, CA 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: Alameda, CA

The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,020 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (95%), quality (88%) and communication (66%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 22 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 16 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1997. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 23 of the schools on this page; 16 publish a contact page; 18 list a public email and 8 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 24 listed here sit in Alameda and the others are within 20 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.

Evolve Training Center

Evolve Training Center

(42)
“As much as I miss the in-person training sessions, they've done a superb job adapting with online classes and continuing to find ways to foster the sense of community with frequent communications and updates to the FB group.”
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2012
South San Francisco, CA · 11 mi from Alameda
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Bay Area Fight Academy

Bay Area Fight Academy

(9)
“Backed by a team of highly qualified instructors and a track record of proven success this gem offers something that meets the needs from beginners to advanced level practices for individuals of all ages.”
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
Remote Consultations Available
In Business Since 2010
Coupons & Offers
Hayward, CA · 14 mi from Alameda
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AB Mixed Martial Arts Academy

AB Mixed Martial Arts Academy

(19)
  • Learn
“There are classes throughout the day and even though the pros train there, it feels surprisingly comfortable to workout there.”
BBB Rating: A
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
In Business Since 2010
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Empire Jiu Jitsu

Empire Jiu Jitsu

(48)
  • BJJ
  • Evening
  • Wrestling
“No matter your fitness or experience level, the training is fun, challenging and if you're gonna get put in a choke-hold, you won't find nicer people to teach you how to put the next guy in one!”
In Business Since 2018
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Colhado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Colhado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(34)
  • Atmosphere
  • Barbecues
  • Picnics
“Is an amazing Jiu-Jitsu academy, the professor Matheus teaches different kind of techniques that you can use not only for competition or sparring but also for self defense, and it's awesome, all the team in Colhado (professors and students) are great...”
Family Business
In Business Since 2019
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Bay Area Martial Arts

Bay Area Martial Arts

(37)
  • Confidence
  • Train
  • Self Defense
“And we love the family styley environment created by sensei Adrian and sensei Cici, young couple full of energy, friendly, strict in their instructions and interested in create good citizen foundations with their bulling seminars and good example.”
40+ Years Experience
Oakland, CA · 3 mi from Alameda
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Thrive Jiu Jitsu

Thrive Jiu Jitsu

(34)
  • Train
  • Martial Artists
  • Injury
“They mean it when they say your current fitness level/injuries means nothing, Deb has the magical ability to pinpoint exactly where you're hurt and will show you how to stretch and treat yourself kindly so you're back on the mat the next class almost...”
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2022
Pacifica, CA · 17 mi from Alameda
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Essence BJJ Walnut Creek

Essence BJJ Walnut Creek

(35)
“After training with Vini for about 2 years now, he still has an above average amount of patience which has helped keep me comfortable even when I am struggling through learning new techniques.”
In Business Since 2024
Walnut Creek, CA · 16 mi from Alameda
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BK Roots Fitness

BK Roots Fitness

(25)
  • Pilates
  • Well-Being
  • Baby
“I first came here to get help with my lower back and shoulder issues (which was always in pain after childbirth/ baby tending), and after going to this personal training consistently, I was able to feel more stronger in my core.”
Average Price Tag
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2011
Oakland, CA · 3 mi from Alameda
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Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(3)
“Awesome environment and great people.”
BBB Rating: A+
In Business Since 2002
Daly City, CA · 12 mi from Alameda
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Aikido by the Bay

Aikido by the Bay

(23)
  • Skills
  • Atmosphere
  • Self Defense
“Daniel-sensei, along with help from his senior students, has created a dojo that encourages all types of people to explore and develop with a safe, family-like atmosphere.”
In Business Since 2002
San Mateo, CA · 15 mi from Alameda
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Six Blades Jiu Jitsu

Six Blades Jiu Jitsu

(42)
  • Train
  • Seminar
  • Compete
“My journey training under him improved my life in just about every way you could imagine: health and fitness, self-confidence, emotional regulation and overall sense of well-being, motivation...”
Oakland, CA · 3 mi from Alameda
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Bay Jiu-Jitsu

Bay Jiu-Jitsu

(19)
  • Train
  • Learn
“In addition, you don't realize how good Stephan is at explaining positions until you train with other black belts and realize high level belts don't always equal great teachers.”
In Business Since 2008
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

(15)
  • Wing Chun
  • Sifu
  • Energy
“I always had an inkling that there was something important to be found in the martial arts, but the “dojos” I spent time in all seemed to focus on lifeless forms and obtaining darker belts.”
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2004
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Marco Nascimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Marco Nascimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(25)
“As for my roundhouse kicks, I know they're good, but I don't know where the limit is on how well they can finish lots of fights since I've only competed a little bit and don't really want to keep taking heavy hits as I grow older and older.”
Transparent Fees & Pricing
In Business Since 2004
San Mateo, CA · 15 mi from Alameda
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Combat Fitness

Combat Fitness

(18)
  • Train
  • Price
  • Boxing
“The teachers are attentive and teach you from scratch what you need to know, I think the price is good for everything you are allowed, it even has a gym to be able to lift weights 100% recommended”
In Business Since 2008
Concord, CA · 20 mi from Alameda
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Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(17)
  • Son
  • Tournaments
  • Discipline
“They did a really good job easing me into the basics of jiu jitsu and I'd recommend to check it out for anyone looking to stay in shape, looking to switch up their exercise routine or if you have a general interest in martial arts.”
In Business Since 2019
San Francisco, CA · 10 mi from Alameda
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Four Elements Fitness

Four Elements Fitness

(16)
  • Queer
  • BJJ
  • Tailor
“Ryan , Shawn and Sharon are very sensitive to my issues and give me workouts that help me build strength to overcome these issues while making me feel encouraged and excited to work out.”
In Business Since 2014
Oakland, CA · 3 mi from Alameda
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesCaliforniaAlameda, CA

Self-Defense Training Services in Alameda, CA Cost Estimates

Minimum cost
$169
Maximum cost
$506
National Average
$259
Avg Per Hour Rates
$68
$225
$349
Average price range is based on 429 cost profiles
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Average Cost $259
Minimum cost $169
Maximum cost $506
Avg Per Hour Rates $68

Average range $225 to $349 is based on 429 cost profiles.

Why these companies made our list

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