Kickin' It Karate & Fitness Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch FL
“We live in Taiwan but return to Florida during summers and were blessed to find such a wonderful place for our two sons to train Jiu Jitsu when we visit.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Bradenton, FL
24 schools listed · 6 in Bradenton · 13 open weekends · 22 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Olivera Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Academy
“My brother has trained here for years and has grown so much not just with the sport but he's grown into a kind and helpful person and I credit that to this studio.”
Gracie Bradenton
“The instructors and students are some of the best people, who all treat each other with respect, and do everything in their power to help everyone succeed.”
Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo
“I would HIGHLY recommend this gym to anyone looking to give their kid confidence and improve their focus, while learning an ancient art like Tarle Kwon Do.”
Goshin Jujitsu of Lakewood Ranch
“My sons have caught on great and love going to class.”
Gladiator Dojo LLC
“He loves the martial arts and his students!”
Short self-defense courses listed for Bradenton, FL 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: Bradenton, FL
6 of the 24 schools we list are based in Bradenton; the other 18 serve Bradenton from towns including Sarasota (11 mi), St. Petersburg (22 mi) and Palmetto (2 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 1,316 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews and 22 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (94%), quality (92%) and communication (77%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". 13 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 14 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 39 years. 2 are family- or locally-owned and 4 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 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.
Which course providers listed for Bradenton 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.
Clark's Self Defense
“I would highly recommend it if you're considering self-defense training, multi-discipline martial arts training, or simply after school exercise and motivation!”
Fellowship Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota
“Her focus and behavior have improved tremendously and I really appreciate everything that Coach Werther and Chelsea have done to help her throughout the years.”
Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The classes are not stacked with 50 plus students so there is way more analysis and feedback of your bjj then I have received at schools in the north (where their primary objective was to bring in as many white belts as possible).”
No Limits Jiu Jitsu
“Both of our kids came here from outta state and instantly made friends and leaned the importance of focus and control and listening, all while bein praised and taught to work and learn and never give up with there peers.”
North River Jiu Jitsu
“Everyone is very welcoming and the coaches are very knowledgeable and were able to help correct everything i was doing wrong for me to perfect my technique.”
Raiz Jiujitsu Sarasota
“I recommend this super super special gym to train martial arts, teacher Leo and wife, very attentive to teach and improve combat techniques, defense and a lot of physics for a better lifestyle.”
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota Academy
“If your reading this then you have "Googled" why Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the best form of self defense, and reading the other reviews demonstrates Professor Brian Oleary is the real deal.”
Shuhari Martial Arts
“Kyoshi Baker is a skilled and dedicated instructor who genuinely loves what he does and challenges each of his students to become better individuals (no matter what age or skill level).”
Ellenton Martial Arts & Self Defense Classes: Shim Shin Do
“Rabbie is the best instructor as he makes the purpose and use of every action so clear and understandable while making sure my self defense is something that works best for me in life.”
Suncoast Taekwondo & Yoga
“The family program is great - I love the fact there is no contracts!”
Oh's Martial Arts
“He's learning respect for himself and others monthly homework assignments to improve home life like good hygiene, listening to parents and cleaning up after themselves.”
Bushido Karate Academy
“There is no measure, degree or prior achievement that can compare my experience with Bushido Academy School of Okinawan Martial Arts and Self Defence.”
MA Fitness Kickboxing
“Thanks to the encouraging workouts by these radiant instructors and a personal determination, I now feel happier, confident, and full of more overall energy.”
Inside Control Academy
“Highly recommend this gym, whether you are just looking to get in shape and learn some self defense, all the way up to those that want to be serious competitors.”
Gracie Apollo Beach
“When they opened their aftercare we were torn between the aftercare that our daughter had been at for the last few years and the extra cost of GAB aftercare.”
Tampa Bay Martial Arts Academy
“Not only do they teach karate skills but life skills as well”
Victory Martial Arts Academy Apollo Beach
“The staff are very personable and they go above and beyond to treat the kids there well, even making room for pick up from some school clubs when able.”
Master Tony Perri Taekwondo
“Master Tony is the real deal and he is a real personal inspiration for me, he is a great instructor and the Tai Kwon Do is a great learning environment.”
Why these companies made our list
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