U A Jiu Jitsu
“Jiu jitsu for all sizes and helps you modify to your skill level and body type.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Columbus, OH
2 of these schools are based in Columbus; the others serve Columbus from towns including Gahanna (7 mi), Reynoldsburg (9 mi) and Westerville (10 mi).
14 open weekends · 13 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Western Lotus Athletics & Martial Club
“It's not an exaggeration to say that being able to focus on Kung Fu and train with my friends at this school has helped me get past rough moments in life, and has improved my life in every facet.”
Rick Moore Academy
“Assent instructor at the Rick Moore academy”
Grove City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“After spending a lifetime in martial arts in different martial arts schools, I can honestly say, "this school is remarkable.”
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Endeavor Defense & Fitness
“Sam and Aaron were very welcoming and everyone else there were very friendly too.”
Ohio Combat Sports Academy
“He does take the time and helps the individual on their journey in Jiu-jitsu.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Columbus, OH 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: Columbus, OH
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 3.9 to 5.0 across 674 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 13 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". 14 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 5 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2008. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 14 of the schools on this page; 8 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 2 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 Columbus?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Columbus 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.
Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus
“The variety of classes offered allows you to explore different aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, whether you're interested in competition, or simply improving your fitness”
Mat Lab Brazilian Jiujitsu
“He has gained a tremendous amount of confidence, grown in his skill and even won medals competing in competitions!”
Columbus Martial Arts Academy
“More people should know about this wonderful place.”
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Buckeye Self Defense
“This place is a amazing place to sign up for, weather that be for your child's safety, you want to protect yourself or even just want to know how to defend yourself if the situation ever comes.”
Dragon E's Black Belt Academy
“More affordable than other local places.”
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Columbus Self-Defense
“He was very informative about all the aspects of self defense including the legal pieces which I didn't know.”
Team Perry American Karate/Tkd
“Team Perry (TP) is an amazing karate instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
Apex Martial Arts
“For adults and children, this is a positive place to grow and learn the traditional taekwondo patterns, self defense, and sparring.”
Notorious Jiu-Jitsu
“I say this with no reservations that if you are looking for an introduction to jiu jitsu for yourself, child,or a spouse this is the place to do it”
Why these companies made our list
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