Krav Maga of Southern Colorado
“I did not expect the sessions to carry with them such positive energy, quality instruction, and diverse friendships (I must say, this is one of my favorite aspects).”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Colorado Springs, CO
24 schools listed · 16 in Colorado Springs · 20 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Prime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Training at Prime has changed the way I view obstacles in life, it's shaped me to persevere and welcome challenges because I'm getting used to those similar situations on the mat.”
Renzo Gracie Colorado Bjj
“The instructors, fellow students and community built around this sports are some of the most hardworking, dedicated and friendly people I've ever met.”
10th Planet Colorado Springs
“The Coach/owner "Tips" who teaches all the main classes in addition to others, has a lifetime of information and knowledge and is there to assist at every level of training.”
Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo
“2023 Edited to add: One of the things that drew us to this school initially was the warm and inclusive welcome we received when we very first walked in the door.”
Cfmaf Martial Arts & Fitness
“I've been taking private lessons with Zane and he has been a massive help in learning and helping build my confidence and recognizing my limits and push through them.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Colorado Springs, CO 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: Colorado Springs, CO
16 of the 24 schools we list are based in Colorado Springs; the other 8 serve Colorado Springs from towns including Castle Rock (36 mi), Monument (16 mi) and Peyton (9 mi). 23 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,759 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (85%), quality (84%) and communication (71%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "confidence" and "atmosphere". 20 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 13 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 23 of the schools on this page; 19 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 10 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 Colorado Springs?
Many do. 16 of the 24 listed here sit in Colorado Springs and the others are within 45 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.
Kraken Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
“As an adult student with prior experience in Judo, MMA, Law Enforcement techniques, and Army Combatives, Kraken isn't my first school, but ranks at the top of the training I have received.”
Briargate Taekwondo
“When I moved to Colorado Springs I did not expect to find a school that would meet up to my expectations, but the US Taekwondo Center has exceeded all expectations.”
First Strike Krav Maga
“I have started to develop a mindset of training and awareness, as well as valuable fighting and self-defense skills that I hope to never use but am extremely grateful he taught me.”
Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Against my better judgement I went with a buddy from work to this training facility and it turned out to be a solid experience, with solid trainers (Dan and Erin) and solid students.”
Dictate Tactical Training Center
“Shihan John Petrone is extremely knowledgeable and is extremely experienced in combat and self defense and his program teaches a vast array of real world situations and real world tactics.”
Colorado Springs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Out of the many jiu-jitsu places that I have visited and trained at across the nation, none compare to the service and technical skill that Bill Hosken provided at his place.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Colorado Springs
“Coach Rey and his team are outstanding with the kids as they teach fundamental skills, emphasize character building, and make it enjoyable and engaging for all!”
Universal Kempo Karate Nor'wood Branch
“If I had to rate them from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, I would give them a 12.”
S2 Defense Systems
“Very knowledgeable and professional”
Integrated Self-Defense
U.S. Taekwondo Center
“My high school years we're hard for me, and I was going quit pursuing my black belt near the end, but they encouraged and supported me to keep going, and I finished.”
Flow State Jiu Jitsu
“My kids have not only won a few competition medals already, but they have grown so much as humans and have gained so much confidence in their lives outside of Jiu Jitsu.”
Freedom School of Martial Arts
“It puts a smile on my face to see his confidence and discipline that has been instilled in him because of training he has received by Kurt and his team.”
Tiger Lee's World Class Tae Kwon Do
“Master Lee is very adept at working with young kids (our youngest started at 4 yrs old) and it has benefited our boys outside of class as they learn eye, body and mind focus under his tutelage.”
Rocky Mountain Self Defense & Fitness
“The owner, John, and his staff are the best around and will prepare any adult or child to develop situational awareness and self defense against the bad guys.”
Fulcrum Jiu Jitsu Academy
“There are a good number of women teaching and also women attending classes so it is a comfortable setting to be able to learn such a close contact sport.”
Bom Jitsu Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“If you are interested in getting into Jiu Jitsu whether to learn a new skill, get into better shape or meet some great people, Bom Jitsu is the place to go and train.”
Gracie Barra Castle Rock
“Now, ten years later, it's fantastic to get back to the mat with people whom are looking to push themselves and see one another grow, but have enough self-control to get the tap without injuring each other.”
Why these companies made our list
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