Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Hands down one of the most friendly and welcoming gyms I've ever been to.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Charlotte, NC
15 schools listed · 11 in Charlotte · 13 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Checkmat Charlotte
“I highly recommend it to anyone that is thinking about starting jiu jitsu.”
Leadership Martial Arts
“I'm always greeted by a friendly hello from someone at the front desk.”
A+R Tactics
“It was a great experience with invaluable information learned on room clearing for my wife and I.”
Arte Suave Jiujitsu Academy
“The women's class is fantastic, very welcoming, and everything you'd want from a jiu jitsu class!”
Lucas Lepri Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Everyone from front desk to team members to instructors were extremely nice and welcoming.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Charlotte, NC 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: Charlotte, NC
11 of the 15 schools we list are based in Charlotte; the other 4 serve Charlotte from towns including Matthews (9 mi), Pineville (9 mi) and Indian Trail (13 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,242 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (93%), quality (87%) and communication (73%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 13 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 10 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1999. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 1 lists 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 Charlotte?
Many do. 11 of the 15 listed here sit in Charlotte 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.
Fit to Fight Charlotte
“Everyone gets treated like they belong, all of the coaches and I literally mean all of the coaches are willing to spend time with you to help with ANYTHING!!”
BK Ballantyne Kicks
“It's been great watching all the children progress with not only self defense but with confidence.”
Gracie Barra Charlotte Jiu
“Another great benefit of GB is that you can train in any GB location across the globe (I have trained during some trips and the process was straightforward).”
Fuzion Martial Arts
“My son has improved in just the few short months that he has been going.”
Academy Of Kempo
“The instructors are attentive to the kids needs and do a great job of preparing the kids to deal with real life self defense situations and how to deal with bullies.”
Art of Motion Jiu Jitsu
“Instructor Kim is patient, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to have as an instructor.”
Top Martial Arts Charlotte (Tma Charlotte)
“He willingly shared his insight into open guard concepts and I was glad to listen.”
USK Martial Arts
“They not only instruct on defense they teach self discipline, respect and accountability.”
Hayastan MMA Charlotte NC
“They engage the kids and teach great form but also allow the kids to play games, have fun, and really spar and fight.”
Why these companies made our list
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