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Switch Fitness San Diego
“Good technique, good combos that were obviously thought thru and a good crew of people training- all in a clean gym with plenty of heavy bags and and gear.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near El Cajon, CA
3 of these schools are based in El Cajon; the others serve El Cajon from San Diego (10 mi) and Poway (13 mi).
22 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Thrive With Martin
- Martial Arts
- Fitness
- Lessons
“Martin is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential in all aspects of your life, he has been a mentor to me and has guided me in making important decisions.”
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Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy
“He's great with kids and motivates me through his grueling, yet rewarding practices.”
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City Boxing
“I'd love to see more classes offered by different trainers because I've learned everyone has their own styles, they're great in their own ways, and it's helpful to learn from them all!”
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10th Planet San Diego Jiu Jitsu and Training Center
- Striking
- Muay Thai
- Skill
“This is not a gym to go to and get some line about membership and amenities, ultimately getting upselled into a premium package that has no true meaning but that of collecting dues, without investment into the customer.”
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THE Arena
“Such an amazing place, with all the different martial arts available at different times through out the day and the clean facilities and gym it really should cost more.”
Short self-defense courses listed for El Cajon, CA 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: El Cajon, CA
The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 4,014 reviews; 20 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (92%), quality (92%) and communication (82%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "knowledge". 22 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 17 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 74 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 22 publish a contact page; 17 list a public email and 14 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 El Cajon?
Many do. 3 of the 24 listed here sit in El Cajon and the others are within 20 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.
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Swiftkick Martial Arts San Diego
- Confidence
- Teach
- Self Defense
“Incredibly grateful to the coaches and the whole staff who make everyone feel welcome and a part of the swiftkick family, and help them break through ceilings of what they think is possible.”
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Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ
“What makes the Atos BJJ dojo great isn't just the fact that it is where World Champions come to further train and evolve the sport, but it also has a great community that are welcoming and inclusive to newcomers such as myself.”
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Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense
- Skills
- Expertise
- Learn
“As a parent, I wanted my just turned 18-year-old, to have the skills and situational awareness to not only protect herself should the need arise, but more importantly to know how to avoid risky or dangerous situations in the first place.”
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White Tiger Kung Fu
- System
- Shape
- Healthy
“The knowledge I have gained has allowed me to apply what I have learned to not just a few altercations here and there, but also how I think about situations, and interacting with others from a misunderstanding, co-workers, to how I interact with my o...”
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Soca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu San Diego
- Classes
- Train
- BJJ
“What's also really nice is that In addition to BJJ they offer other fun but intense martial arts based classes (like Muay Thai) and self defense seminars, as well as functional training.”
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CCW USA Firearms Training
- Skills
- Gun Safety
- Informative
“He emphasizes safety and has a wealth of methods and explanations that can benefit all ranges of abilities, from the novice needing a basic introduction to the experienced shooter seeking new challenges.”
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Odyssey Training Center San Diego
- Learning
- Community
- Jiu Jitsu
“Further, the staff/coaches as a whole including Ash and all the other coaches provides such a healthy environment not about egos, but about learning and checking all egos at the door so students of all levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced al...”
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Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Mats
- Atmosphere
- Professors
“There are classes specifically for your level too there is a kids class, fundamentals, intermediate, a no contact, and a wrestling class for kids and adults so there is a perfect class for everyone so I highly recommend this academy.”
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Legion American Jiu Jitsu San Diego
- Desk
- Locker Rooms
- Sunday
“Shout out to coach MIHA for signing me up and coaches Austin and Mike on the beginner course on teaching the foundation of the techniques to improve and have fun and skills in case to”
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10th Planet Poway Jiu Jitsu
- Competition
- Grappling
- Environment
“He also still actively competes, so is constantly showing us the moves he is working on for his tournaments, which helps keep us up-to-speed on what people are using in this ever-improving martial art.”
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99 Jiu-Jitsu HQ
- Professor
- Learn
- Environment
“Eduardo Telles and Team Nine-nine open mat has welcomed me with open arms and when it comes to bjjf he gives me the knowledge and confidence to compete at a elevated level.”
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West Coast Martial Arts Academy
“Students are provided opportunities to develop character traits and positive social skills that will help them to be successful at school and in the community.”
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Victory MMA & Fitness
- Jiu Jitsu
- Environment
- Classes
“If you want to get in shape they have boot camp and crossfire programs, Wana get busy, they have, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, gi and no-gi, they have teams in Muay Thai and Ameuter MMA, they also have the pros of Alliance MMA ...”
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Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school nails it in every way: awesome instructors who know their stuff, a super-friendly vibe that suits everyone from beginners to pros, top-notch facilities, and a staff that goes the extra mile.”
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Freestyle Martial Arts
“My daughter has some amazing role-models, from her instructors (a few which started karate at FMA when they were her age), to other students, especially those on the performance team.”
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Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego
“Came down to visit a friend and get some extra knowledge from his teachings and was pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming the owner, his staff, and his students were.”
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The Training Center
- Jiu Jitsu
- Attention
- Facility
“I understand going to a gym like this for the first time can be very intimidating, however, once in the doors you get that it is a friendly vibe and there are no egos.”
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North Park Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Train
- Skills
- BJJ
“If you're looking for personal growth, an excellent workout, a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by good people and jiujitsu that matches the Southern California lifestyle, then north park jiujitsu is your school.”
Self-Defense Training Services in El Cajon, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$175
Maximum cost
$525
National Average
$269
Avg Per Hour Rates
$70
$234
$362
Typical price range is based on 334 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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