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10th Planet Bethlehem
- MMA
- Mats
- Kickboxing
“As a beginner with numerous questions, the instructors have been incredibly patient, dedicating time to answer my questions and demonstrate the techniques we went over in class.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Bethlehem, PA
24 schools listed · 4 in Bethlehem · 20 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
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Inverted Gear Academy
- Train
- Professor
- Competitor
“As a female it was awesome to get to train with a black belt female that competes in major tournaments, and if you have the opportunity to train here and learn from her and Professor Nelson, you definitely should!”
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Prime Martial Arts
“He doesn't hesitate to tell you if you're doing a technique wrong, or if you're slacking off a little (guilty as charged) but he gives constructive criticism in such a kind and funny way and keeps you accountable.”
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36E Fitness
“It could be a a fitness freak that wants to get one-on-one training and focus on there final goal OR it could be someone older that has never lifted a dumb bell and wants to get into working out for there health needs, privacy, etc.”
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Aikido Masters Self Defense Academy
- Classes
- Respect
- Learn
“They are all professionals, and not only show you how to perform the moves but instruct you on the correct form, and movements, and give lots of personalized attention.”
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Impulse Martial Arts
- Knowledge
“The Sensi's continuous training with his own teachers, helps make his knowledge and understanding of the martial arts always evolve, which betters the impulse students.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Bethlehem, PA 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: Bethlehem, PA
4 of the 24 schools we list are based in Bethlehem; the other 20 serve Bethlehem from towns including Allentown (6 mi), Harleysville (24 mi) and Whitehall (6 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,469 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (95%), quality (84%) and communication (73%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". 20 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 13 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 42 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 17 publish a contact page; 19 list a public email and 4 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.
Which course providers listed for Bethlehem describe their courses online?
All 24 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Allentown
- Skill
- BJJ
- Man
“Here, amidst the early morning dew, we don't just roll on the mats; we embark on epic journeys reminiscent of “The Goonies,” searching not for hidden treasure, but for the priceless gems of skill, discipline, and camaraderie.”
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Zombie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA
- Learn
- Wrestling
- Compete
“The most important and notable feature of Zombie is its community; ranging from world class athletes, lawyers, doctors, police, construction workers, men, and women; zombie promotes a family atmosphere where everyone strives to push and challenge eac...”
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Nak Muay Gym
“Family an professional authentic Atmosphere the staff an my classmates are all respectful regardless of skill an fitness level very understanding thank you coach Eric for allowing me to train your gym see you soon ~giuseppe”
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Padilla Bjj
- Atmosphere
“On day one, these girls struggled to perform basic drills, and with only a few months of training under the best, they were pulling out technical moves like they were competing in the UFC.”
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U.S. Family Martial Arts
- Son
“My work and family schedule aren't allowing me to sign up right now but when I am able to continue my martial arts journey, I certainly will go back to US Family Martial arts.”
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Hoover Karate Academy
“I have trained at a few other schools/styles, but I can confidently say that a foundation in martial arts from a place like HKA has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life.”
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Hellfish Mixed Martial Arts
- BJJ
- Competitor
- Knowledge
“I am in the best shape of my life, I am as lean as I ever have been, and the best part is for two hours I am able to live in the moment which really helps my stress levels out and helps me in my life outside of the gym.”
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Harleysville BJJ
- Learning
- Competition
- Environment
“My son goes to the fundamentals kids class and is on the younger side (so he's not always entirely focused) but the coaches are super patient and take the time walk him through the motions for the days exercises.”
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Esoteric Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Environment
- Train
- Atmosphere
“I've been going to Esoteric Jujitsu for a while now, and that's a testament to Jamie's incredible ability to teach anyone at any level and the positivity he brings to each class.”
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Sentry Jiu-Jitsu
“If you're in law enforcement, you owe it to yourself, your family, and the communities you serve to be well trained and capable of handling yourself.”
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Villari's Self Defense Center
“The instructor is both exceptionally patient and gifted at teaching my son self defense as well as honor.”
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The Karate School in Plumsteadville
“I have to concur with all the previous comments that this school is dedicated and a terrific place for your son or daughter (or yourself) to practice karate.”
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Focus Karate
“Its Korean martial arts owned and done by by english speakers (counting down and some other words are in Korean).”
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East Montgomery Martial Arts Academy LLC
- Discipline
- Teens
- Isshin-ryū
“” Now whether the older kid actually knows he does karate, I have no idea but the way he said it with such confidence made me realize how glad I am to have signed him up at this school and how important it is he build this confidence starting at such...”
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Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
- BJJ
- Teach
- Team
“My son and stepdaughter are both students at the school and Coach Dave, the owner and head instructor, is the ideal instructor because he gives each student exactly what they need.”
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Ataraxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
- BJJ
- Self-Defense
- Area
“His grasp of the core concepts and use of leverage allows him to share techniques that work and are effective for everyone, independent of age, strength, speed, or other attributes.”
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Droogs MMA & Jiu Jitsu
- Cat
- Mats
- BJJ
“Their instruction is tailored to all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and guidance.”
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Legacy Karate Academy
- Skill
- Class
- Son
“She learned Tang Soo Do, but perhaps more importantly gained self-confidence and strength that even now, years later, serve her well in athletics, academics and personal relationships.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Bethlehem, PA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$169
Maximum cost
$505
National Average
$258
Avg Per Hour Rates
$68
$225
$348
Average price range is based on 472 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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