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Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu
- Feel
- Understand
- BJJ
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, Powell MMA Gym provides an excellent environment to hone your skills and achieve your fitness goals.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Cincinnati, OH
24 schools listed · 12 in Cincinnati · 21 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
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Nishime Martial Arts
- Self Defense
- Respect
- Senseis
“Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self defense, or compete in this awesome martial art, be sure to stop in and see Jason and his wonderful family.”
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Bendu Academy
- Classes
- Space
- Coach
“The instructors are a wealth of knowledge, and are extremely kind and patient with the kids, all while still expecting dedication, hard work, and respect.”
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Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness
“I'm gonna miss training with my family at Limitless Brazilian jiu jitsu but I'm going to continue practicing the lessons i learned at my next gym and so on.”
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Red Tiger Martial Arts
- Teach
- Wing Chun
- Judgement
“Sifu Paul Mason creates a safe, judgment free zone and by coming in with an open mind and a willingness to learn you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.”
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Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
- Life Skills
- Space
- Black Belt
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Maness Jiu Jitsu provides an exceptional learning experience that empowers you with valuable skills and boosts your self-confidence.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Cincinnati, OH 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: Cincinnati, OH
12 of the 24 schools we list are based in Cincinnati; the other 12 serve Cincinnati from towns including West Chester Township (15 mi), Newport, KY (4 mi) and Ludlow, KY (5 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 3.7 to 5.0 across 1,402 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews and 23 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (92%), quality (83%) and value (79%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "atmosphere" and "skills". 19 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 12 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 40 years. 3 are family- or locally-owned and 7 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 19 list a public email and 9 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 Cincinnati 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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Kosho School of Karate
- Confidence
“He has gained so much from all of the amazing instructors and his strength, coordination and confidence have increase dramatically from his instruction at Kosho.”
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Integrity Martial Art Cincinnati
“Great atmosphere, the instructors were very good at teaching all ages!”
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Cincinnati Taekwondo Center
“My son had his birthday party here and instructor Tommy Barker did a phenomenal job.”
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Cincinnati Krav Maga
- Skills
- Self-Defense
- Learn
“The useful thing about martial-arts based self-defense classes, is *even if you never use them* for self defense, you're still in great shape afterwards; break-fall training has been super useful in snowboarding and other sports.”
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Eastgate Martial Arts Club
“This school is refreshing in a mass produced world of instruction to find a martial arts school that guides you as an individual on the path to being the best you.”
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Power Self-Defense Academy
- Son
“I was impressed by my son's instructor, Very well organized and attentive to individual needs.”
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Premier Shooting & Training Center
“Costs less than "Target World" - which is old, filthy, stinky and beyond unprofessional (like the West Chester Police Department, despite being in Sharonville).”
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Master's Martial Arts Academy
- Behavior
- Coordination
- Father
“Sensei Steve is great with the kids, really works with them on the fundamentals and form, and has helped my boys grow in discipline, motivation, and self control.”
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Carlson Gracie Northern Kentucky
- Mat
- Boxing
- Feel
“Whatever your goals are this gym can help you complete them whether it's trying to get in the cage, get in shape, or just love the art this is for you.”
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The Dojo Martial Arts
- Weapons
- Adults
- Black Belt
“They teach how to protect yourself in real life scenarios , kids learn how to be more responsible, in other words it's more than just learning a form of martial arts .”
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Buckner Martial Arts
“It's a place where students can truly excel in their karate journey, and I'm proud to be a coach here, helping our students reach their full potential.”
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Fitdefense
- Building
- Kidnapping
- Attention
“The flexibility is great for anyone always on the go; the scheduling app makes it so much easier to get in for a session or communicate with Tony at anytime.”
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Hamilton-Fairfield Taekwondo Center
“I attended classes for a few months, have not made it back yet, however, if you are looking for interactive taekwondo or even Judo (Friday) this place is more than capable of filling your need, excellent for family taekwondo as well.”
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Ichiban Karate School
“My brother goes there after school and loves it he is a great teacher and makes everything fun the only bad thing is that in winter it's freezing out there that's the only reason why it's at 4 and not a 5 but I do want you to go it awesome”
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Legacy Taekwondo of Northern Kentucky
“If you as an adult, whether you have a previous Martial Arts background, and are interested in learning a great Art, no matter your age or ability, (I am a 58 year old totally disabled Veteran) this would be the place for you.”
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Shito-Kai Ohio
“This school has been an absolute pleasure, the instructor is extremely competent, patient yet keeps discipline and respect as top priorities, very well rounded in my opinion looking forward to more training here”
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Legacy Martial Arts Academy
- Class
- Competitive
- Black Belts
“These guys have a great approach by providing a staff of highly skilled and extremely experienced instructors who have personality and a passion for teaching!”
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Budokai Academy of Martial Arts Middletown
- Classes
- Patience
- Athletes
“My son loves coming here!”
Self-Defense Training Services in Cincinnati, OH Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$185
Maximum cost
$555
National Average
$284
Avg Per Hour Rates
$74
$247
$382
Fair price range is based on 349 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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