Gracie Barra Boston
“I am part of the Gracie Barra family and I was able to train here during my stay in Boston.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Boston, MA
15 schools listed · 5 in Boston · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Broadway Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
“It was easy to find information on their website and text their number to get more specifics.”
Back to Basics Martial Arts & Fitness
“Jeff and the team do a great job of balancing a friendly / chill environment with the push needed to succeed.”
Hardline Krav Maga
“From the first day I stepped in, I was greeted with love and respect by everyone.”
Ultimate Self Defense & Performance Center
“Andrea is the best I'm coming to visit her soon she's a amazing human and martial artist”
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City Aikido Boston
Short self-defense courses listed for Boston, MA 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: Boston, MA
5 of the 15 schools we list are based in Boston; the other 10 serve Boston from towns including Medford (7 mi), South Boston (3 mi) and Cambridge (4 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,131 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (100%), quality (96%) and communication (92%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "confidence" and "atmosphere". 12 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 6 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 37 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 14 list a public email and 5 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 Boston?
Many do. 5 of the 15 listed here sit in Boston 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.
Apex Defense Waltham
“Very welcoming and learn a lot!”
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Brazilian Top Team Boston
“Regardless if you are a hobbyist or want to compete, prof Daniel will help you achieve your goals.”
Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Woburn
“Best Jiu Jitsu place in town.”
Luiz Paulo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7th Coral Belt
“So much fun, people are so nice and everyone just wants to help!”
Mau Mau Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Robson Rodrigues with a impressive background as a Bjj world class competitor, I admire his successful technique!!”
Roshankish Krav Maga
“I joined a little over a year ago and beyond the amazing friendships, I have lost twenty pounds and have become much stronger and more confident.”
American Martial Arts Center
“Great instructors, great facility, great experience.”
Calvin Chin's Martial Arts Academy
“My kids take the youth beginner class and the instructor is awesome!”
Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
“I had several injuries to consider when coming in and they were so accommodating with modifications to ensure they weren't exacerbated, and as I've gotten stronger and more skilled, I don't really have problems from my injuries at this point because of the effective way the instructors teach.”
Why these companies made our list
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