Geist Martial Arts
“My kids have gained so much from Geist Martial Arts in terms of confidence, self-control, and respect for others, not to mention all the cool taekwondo kicks and forms.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Indianapolis, IN
15 schools listed · 7 in Indianapolis · 12 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
Triumph Boxing & Martial Arts
“I've not only felt my boxing skills increase in just the two months I've been with them but also my overall health and confidence sincerely love this place and plan to be with them as long as possible.”
Indianapolis Jiu Jitsu Coach
“The studio is clean and atmosphere is very orderly which is so important given the techniques taught could cause injury without proper supervision.”
Top Level Gym
“You will not find better Muay Thai anywhere else and coach Rob is the best coach in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu you could ever have, and not to mention a UFC fighter and Purdue wrestler as a wrestling coach...”
Champlin Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“I've also seen my kids grow significantly in their confidence and their abilities during their time at Champlin BJJ.”
Chris Howe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Recently started coming here to begin learning jiu jitsu and I have nothing but great things to say!”
Short self-defense courses listed for Indianapolis, IN 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: Indianapolis, IN
7 of the 15 schools we list are based in Indianapolis; the other 8 serve Indianapolis from Greenwood (12 mi), Avon (11 mi) and Noblesville (19 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 670 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (86%), quality (86%) and communication (69%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 12 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. Domain records put 10 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2004. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 1 is family- or locally-owned. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 9 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Indianapolis?
By email, and 11 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.
Naptown Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing Llc.
“Professor Eric Board runs a well organized class with a variety of times to fit your schedule.”
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Tigerlily Eastern Arts
“Teddy, the instructor really knows the ins and outs of what she teaches!!!”
Broad Ripple Martial Arts Academy
“Broad ripple martial arts is the best instruction I've ever had.”
Stockman Jiu-Jitsu
“This is the best gym in the USA, and I've been to all of them”
Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“I didn't expect to feel welcomed as someone who started this journey a bit late, and everyone is very supportive and welcoming.”
Life Systems Martial Arts
“Attended my second session with Life System Martial Arts, great class on practical self defense and awareness.”
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School of Self Defense
“If you come to this school with the intent of learning real, useable skills, you will not be disappointed.”
Ballance Defense
“Sam is full of information very friendly, would recommend!”
Hill Academy Of Martial Arts
“I know that winning made all there hard work worth while however I was more proud and excited to see them working hard for a goal, along with developing their character and morals.”
Why these companies made our list
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