Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu
“Incredible collaboration and safe conditions to learn for beginners and experienced practitioners.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Carson, CA
2 of these schools are based in Carson; the others serve Carson from towns including Torrance (5 mi), Long Beach (6 mi) and Signal Hill (6 mi).
14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
McBjj
“One of my favorite things about this gym is that it has a family-like environment, where we all learn from and encourage one another in a positive way.”
IMB Academy
“My students and I have been coming to the IMB seminars for years now and this latest one was the best.”
South Bay Moo Duk Kwan
“Thank you Master Fred, staff, and fellow students for helping me and my wife develop such a fine young man serving our country and, if accepted to Medical School, will also be serving humanity”
Brazilian Top Team Long Beach
“If you're looking to seriously learn BJJ and MMA, I can't recommend here enough.”
United Martial Arts
“Once you meet Vince, Roger and the other coaches you know you're in the right spot.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Carson, 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: Carson, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 2,287 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "knowledge" and "atmosphere". 14 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 97 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 13 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 Carson?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Carson 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.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu: Torrance
“Had a really good workout here and coach Kay was extremely helpful and accommodating.”
Self Defense Firearms Training
“If you are interested in taking any gun classes to better your skill or get you CCW training, this is the place.”
Blue Collar Grappling
“A safe place to practice and learn jujutsu, attentive head coach, well versed in different styles of jujutsu”
1st Class Martial Arts
“I highly recommend this school if you are looking for a martial arts school for your child.”
Revolution Martial Arts & Jiu Jitsu
“My 9 year old son started a few months ago and he is enjoying it, learning a lot of moves and getting a good workout.”
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Legacy Jiu-Jitsu West Adams
“They also go around and make sure everyone is performing the techniques properly and adjust their mistakes as needed.”
Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy
“I don't know how Professor Rodrigo, Professor Gabriel, Professor Summer and all the coaches remember all the kids' names and know exactly where they are in development but they do.”
Power of One Self-Defense
“The instructors know every single kid and really make everyone feel welcome, no matter where they are at in their martial arts journey.”
The Jiu-Jitsu League
“Visited the open mat before world's with my friends are were made to feel really welcome.”
Why these companies made our list
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