Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
“My favorite class is the new All Levels Jiu Jitsu with Lucas on Thursdays”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Berkeley, CA
2 of these schools are based in Berkeley; the others serve Berkeley from towns including Oakland (7 mi), San Francisco (12 mi) and Emeryville (2 mi).
13 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Pitt's Martial Arts Academy
“You can tell right away that he deeply cares about each student's growth, both in karate, Capoera and in confidence.”
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Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“There was a really nice mix of belt levels, ages and genders to roll with.”
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Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu
“I was visiting from NYC and the team and professors welcomed me like I was one of their own.”
Han Martial Arts
“The instructors create a supportive, structured environment that keeps him engaged while building confidence, discipline and martial arts skills.”
Bay Area Martial Arts
“They offer quality training and strive to make students become the best version of themselves by improving in all areas of development - physical, intellectual, emotional, and social.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Berkeley, 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: Berkeley, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,126 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 12 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. Domain records put 9 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1997. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 12 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 Berkeley?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Berkeley 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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BK Roots Fitness
“I used to dread going to the gym and found it really monotonous but Ash keeps it fun while also kicking my butt.”
Alliance BJJ SF Bay
“It's super obvious that the coaches know precisely how to force kids out of their comfort zone and to put in work… without making that process scary or traumatic on a level where they don't come back .”
Six Blades Jiu Jitsu
“I recommend to come try the free class and join the community.”
Mineiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Professor Liz and Mineiro have crafted a positive and supportive environment where you can feel safe to try something new.”
Rio Combat Team
“Have been training for 3 years now, best dojo and community I could ask for”
10th Planet Oakland Jiu Jitsu
“Not only does 10p Oakland have some of the best coaching in No Gi BJJ, but 10p Oakland also has a community like none other.”
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Bay Jiu-Jitsu
“I loved the collaborative relationship you could see the instructor had with his students as they felt through different reactions and positions in the lesson.”
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Dominat10n Jiu Jitsu
“It's the type of place that strives to be a credit to its community”
Four Elements Fitness
“The mats and the bathroom are always clean, and the little hospitality touches go a long way: tea, tissues, books, sandals, a water jug, fans… even a spare gi if you forget yours.”
Why these companies made our list
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