Legacy Glendale Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I really enjoy this place, the teachers are good and the atmosphere in general.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Glendale, CA
15 schools listed · 5 in Glendale · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Gracie Barra Glendale
“There are tons of kids her age and she has been making friends in class which makes it a great place to learn.”
Total Jiu-Jitsu LA
“My son and I both signed up here last year and highly recommend it for adults and kids alike.”
Animus Grappling
“I have participated in the adult instruction and would recommend this facility for all skill levels.”
Shaunt Bejanian Karate
“Amazing Master, all kids should take Master Shaunt's classes - a true life-changer.”
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
“To make a long story short, I make the commute from Long Beach to West LA three times a week to get quality no-gi jiu jitsu training, quality self-defense training, and quality strength and conditioning training.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Glendale, 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: Glendale, CA
5 of the 15 schools we list are based in Glendale; the other 10 serve Glendale from towns including Los Angeles (10 mi), Burbank (4 mi) and Pasadena (6 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,067 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (90%), quality (90%) and communication (79%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 14 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 29 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 4 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Glendale?
By email, and 12 of the 15 schools here publish an address. Write with the group you have in mind, the room you can offer and what worries the group, then ask for a plan of the session. A school that replies with a price and nothing else has told you something.
Shaolin American Self Defense Academy
“Teaching me to breathe through my moves and showing me how to let go while performing a technique has opened up a whole new world for me in my training.”
Like Water Jiu Jitsu
“Must visit if you're in the area for a few days or if you're looking to get into bjj”
Legacy Burbank
“Atmosphere is great the staff and students great people very welcoming!”
Inspire Martial Arts & Fitness
“Been coming here since 2011 and this place still kicks my rear end lol Love Master Winkle and the rest of the staff at Inspire Martial Arts.”
Subconscious BJJ
“I took classes from Brent and Tim and they were jam packed with high-level details that I'm definitely adding to my jiu jutsu repertoire.”
Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym
“Great for kids and adults looking to get in shape, build up confidence and great for those seeking to get into the professional MMA world as fighters or trainers.”
Book onlineBook
Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
“Cobrinha is of course an absolute legend in the BJJ community and the gym reflects that expertise and commitment to excellence.”
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness
“Everyone here is kind and knowledgable, and I've come away from every session more excited to come back than when I came in!”
Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena
“The Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides the best training and conditioning I have ever experienced in my life and I am willing to wager that this establishment is the best in the state.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
