Gracie Barra Costa Mesa
“From the moment my kids walked in September 2021 they have been treated so fairly and we couldn't be happier with the discipline and Jiu Jitsu that they have learned.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Costa Mesa, CA
15 schools listed · 7 in Costa Mesa · 11 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Costa Mesa Jiu Jitsu
“It's an awesome environment with a great atmosphere, and the coaches here are genuinely invested in helping you learn and enjoy the journey.”
Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio
“For close to 30 years I have had the privilege and honor to be part of the Bob White's Karate Family.”
Boran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“I highly recommend his gym if your thinking of putting your kids in any form of martial arts.”
Bunasawa-Kai Judo & Jukkendo
“We live in Newport Beach so the location is very convenient but I would drive from much farther to get this level of Judo instruction”
Orange County Jiu Jitsu Finder
“The owner/head instructor Errol is a phenomenal coach with legitimate experience and we are consistently adding new techniques while reinforcing fundamentals.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Costa Mesa, 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: Costa Mesa, CA
7 of the 15 schools we list are based in Costa Mesa; the other 8 serve Costa Mesa from towns including Huntington Beach (6 mi), Irvine (8 mi) and Orange (11 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 850 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 11 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 13 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 98 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 3 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 Costa Mesa?
Many do. 7 of the 15 listed here sit in Costa Mesa 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.
Orange County Taekwondo
“My son just finished his first year at OCTKD he loves it Mr Cheng is amazing keeps them interested all while instilling the principals like courtesy and hard work.”
Phenom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“It does not matter what age or body type you are he will make you reach your full potential and more.”
Tom Vo's Taekwondo
“.the staff is wonderful and helps teach growth and integrity they offer a leadership program that includes reading some phenomenal books”
Allsafe Defense Systems
“I know that I would be prepared in the event I need to use the skills and concepts he has taught me.”
Self Defense Firearms Training
“I give it the highest rating and nothing but positive remarks and have additionally recommended what he teaches and his program to several friends.”
Krav Maga of Orange County
“Great staff and highly useful techniques for the kids.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Huntington Beach
“Im a student here, its fun, good atmosphere.”
Martial Arts USA
“Well maintained facility, lead by kind and informed instructors!”
Rounders MMA & Boxing Jiu-Jitsu
“I sign up my son a week ago and he loves it, the professors are great and good with the kids.”
Why these companies made our list
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