Empire Defense & Fitness Inc
“I would highly recommend Empire Defense & Fitness to anyone interested in learning self-defense or those with experience looking to continue practicing and learning new real-world defense skills.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Albany, NY
3 of these schools are based in Albany; the others serve Albany from towns including Schenectady (11 mi), Delmar (3 mi) and Rensselaer (5 mi).
12 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Atlas Jiu Jitsu
“I always recommend when im asked about martial arts the kickboxing program is phenomenal and the coaches are always willing to help you improve”
Victory Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“I had to stop going due to scheduling conflicts, but I absolutely recommend Victory Jiu-Jitsu to anyone.”
Lions den Martial Arts and Fitness
“I came in from out of town for a seminar and it was phenomenal.”
Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu
“The coaches are highly knowledgeable, and everyone treats each other as true training partners, helping one another grow in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
Renzo Gracie Latham Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“It seems like a wonderful community with a foundation in very high quality instruction.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Albany, NY 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: Albany, NY
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 979 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 12 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 9 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 25 years. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 14 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 11 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 Albany?
Many do. 3 of the 15 listed here sit in Albany 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.
Book onlineBook
Girl Fight Fitness
“Special thanks to Stacey, Amanda, and the amazing coaching team—they never hesitate to tailor workouts to my skill level or account for injuries.”
Clobber Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Everyone else was also very welcoming and I was able to get some good rolls in.”
Electric City BJJ
“Coaches are extremely skilled, and are more than qualified to be an instructor.”
Rotterdam Martial Arts
“My family of four has been coming here for years, and it's been a fantastic way for us to stay active and engaged in our kids activities.”
Prendergast Self Defense
“Loved how many simple techniques we learned and practiced and they were so effective!”
Dewey's Martial Arts of Rensselaer County
“She is so happy she left gymnastics for marital arts here.”
Book onlineBook
Aikido School of Self Defense
“Extremely knowledgeable and professional, Rick Wolslayer provides comprehensive training and important tools to help you feel as prepared as possible for any given situation you may be confronted with and makes it fun and comfortable.”
JK Kenpo
“If you want to learn effective martial arts in a well organized environment, this is the school to go to.”
Book onlineBook
Chon-Ji Defensive Arts
“Always wanted to learn martial arts and at 55 years old I found the right class!”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
