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Evolveall
“I loved going over the summer, the adult class pass made it so I could take so many different types of classes I would never get the chance to take.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Arlington, VA
3 of these schools are based in Arlington; the others serve Arlington from towns including Washington, DC (5 mi), Springfield (8 mi) and Alexandria (4 mi).
all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
“Although I'm not able to attend the evening classes, where a majority of the students train, I still feel like part of the team.”
Urban Boxing Ballston
“The coaches are supportive and dedicated, and they provide him with great opportunities to attend different training sessions and continue developing his skills.”
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N-Flux
“In addition to being physically challenging, the course includes a thorough de-escalation information session, which was extremely helpful and immediately actionable.”
Groundworks Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Recommended if you are BJJ curious or experienced and looking for a fresh training approach.”
Beta Academy
“It gets you familiar with the movements, combos, and other necessary tools that you need to move to the Foundations class.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Arlington, VA 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: Arlington, VA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 2,142 reviews; 14 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 9 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 22 years. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 10 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 Arlington?
Many do. 3 of the 15 listed here sit in Arlington 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.
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Estilo Jiu Jitsu
“When moving from a school I loved very much back home, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find a gym that I thought of as home.”
Scorpion Defense Training Group
“Joe is extremely well versed and experienced in firearm safety training - highly recommend!”
Andrew Gause's Martial Arts
“Our son attends the afterschool program, and in a few months has advanced in his understanding of forms, terminology, and self-discipline.”
Black Cat Jiu Jitsu
“I learned the different entanglements, how to defend and counter them, how to transition between positions, and how to use leg entries to off-balance opponents, sweep, or come back on top… not just chase heel hook”
Urban Boxing Foggy Bottom
“The vibes are super friendly, welcoming and fun while simultaneously delivering a tough workout with experienced coaches who give one-to-one feedback.”
One Way Martial Arts
“Felt amazing first class and such a friendly environment loved it and signed up same day”
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Berwyn Heights BJJ
“Friendly environment and patient instructor with experience and clear demonstrations”
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Wing Chun MD
“After completeing the three-week basic training course, I made the decision to continue my journey in Wing Chun under the guidance of Sifu Michael Speights.”
Potomac Kempo
“It was great that my daughter was able to drop in mid year to get some training in before the end of the school year.”
Why these companies made our list
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