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Rilion Gracie Jiu Jitsu Energy Corridor
“Came in from out of state for a tournament and Professor Drew was very welcoming and had great hospitality and a well kept gym and great students.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Houston, TX
23 schools listed · all 23 in Houston · 1 open 24/7 · 20 open weekends · all 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Gracie Barra Westchase Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Houston Tx
“The women's program is amazing Professor Arezou and Victoria are extremely technical and professional.”
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston
“Jackson Fortunato and the instructors here provide a safe and friendly training environment with multiple curriculums to that fit the needs of the students.”
The Jiu Jitsu Order
“The coaches are super welcoming, the facility is clean and beautiful, and the gym culture is ideal.”
Bam Bam Martial Arts Houston
“As a teacher of 19 years, it is easy for me to see how so many students can develop focus and discipline from the instructors at Bam Bam!”
Alliance BJJ Houston
“Staff is very knowledgeable and classes are offered at various times throughout the day to accommodate everyone's schedule.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Houston, TX are spread across the 23 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: Houston, TX
All 23 schools we list here are in Houston itself. We have 43 schools in Houston on file; this page shows the highest-rated 23. The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,833 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (95%), quality (89%) and communication (82%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "facilities". 1 is open around the clock; 19 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 14 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 55 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 1 is family- or locally-owned and 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 23 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 19 list a public email and 9 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; 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 Houston?
By email, and 19 of the 23 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.
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Fast Lane Jiu Jitsu Academy
“I'm continuously impressed by his professionalism and love the friendly atmosphere he has created.”
Sport Karate America
“The staff are all extremely helpful and truly care about the kids and making them better!”
Impact Self-Defense
“My son started about 2 months ago and he loves it, i can see how he has learned, how he has developed confidence.”
Kana Self Defense
“The owner was extremely professional and passionate about the art of self defense.”
Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts
“Do yourself a favor and go try out a free class or two!”
Cantu's Jiu Jitsu Self Defense
“After the first minute, I knew this was what I needed to be a better instructor and safer individual.”
Samurai Karate Dojo
“This is an awesome place to learn and grow, no matter your age.”
Kim Soo Karate
“Great instructors and learn a lot not only about self defense but also how to relax, meditate and feel better in life.”
Gracie Barra Champions
“Coach Rudy and coach K make the striking program really fun, and even tho it's a lot of cardio going through the classes, it always feels worth it at the end.”
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Tnt Jujitsu
“Came here for a women's self defense seminar and learned a lot— great dojo, would go regularly if I could!”
Grappling Zone
“This gym for sure is a family owned and family oriented atmosphere.”
Ronin Mixed Martial Arts
“Easily one of the best sparring partners to learn from I've ever come across, and knows how to push his students to get the most out of them, more than even they might think they're capable of.”
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Young Brothers Taekwondo
“Absolutely a wonderful place for children of any age to learn a martial art and make some wonderful friends too!”
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Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Houston
“I initially put my daughter in taekwondo to mellow out some of her behaviour issues but overall during her journey here she enjoy coming to class learning the techniques.”
Houston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club
“You learn BJJ here and no where else!”
The Houston Center For Taekwondo
“Calm, consistent, discipline along with a positive balance of learning a lifelong skill not only brought my child's confidence back, but gave him the coping ability to not allow another person or incident to define him or take away who he is.”
Van Binh Self Defense Academy
“This is one of the best martial arts school in Houston; 1st of all because you can go everyday if you can if you want,and must of other schools they only give you 2 class per week”
Why these companies made our list
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