Gracie Barra Jacksonville
“Our family was interested in trying martial arts so I looked around Jax for a place that offered Brazilian jiu jitsu for adults and children and found Gracie Barra.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Jacksonville, FL
22 schools listed · 7 in Jacksonville · 12 open weekends · all 22 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
“If you are willing to put in the time you will obtain experience and knowledge that only the Luiz Palhares family can give, and they treat you like one of their own.”
The Women's Defense Company
“Chris and Ashley presented the class with a perfect blend of serious professional instructions and lighthearted patience with our repetitious efforts to do it right!”
Brigadeiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“5 stars is the max you can give but this place deserves more, it's a very family friendly place and fun environment too be in, singing up here has been one of the best decisions I have made this year, not only am I learning great self defense skills ...”
Underground Fitness and Self Defense
“Though communication and comprehension is, very, difficult for him; both, Master Williams and Master La Masters are, extremely, patient and understanding!”
Combatives Unlimited
“(edited previous review after company was able to get the cancellation issue resolved right away, was not their fault but the 3rd party Member Services).”
Short self-defense courses listed for Jacksonville, FL are spread across the 22 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: Jacksonville, FL
7 of the 22 schools we list are based in Jacksonville; the other 15 serve Jacksonville from towns including St. Augustine (37 mi), Fleming Island (14 mi) and Atlantic Beach (16 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 933 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (91%), quality (86%) and value (77%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". 12 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 12 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 21 years. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 21 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 14 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.
Which course providers listed for Jacksonville describe their courses online?
21 of the 22 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
Renaissance of Jiu Jitsu
“We wanted a place where the kids program had a decent student/instructor ratio because it's important that kids pick up the details of the moves so they and their partners don't get hurt (or develop bad habits).”
Jacksonville Wing Chun Fight Club
“Plus he is a great teacher with the patience and insight to take students to higher levels.”
Gracie Barra Fleming Island
“Not only was I greeted by an owner who, amidst the chaos of an ongoing class with at least 50 active students and 25 parents, personally remembered me by name from our brief 2 minute conversation 3 days prior but who then also gave my daughter and I ...”
Victor Huber Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Do not just go into any gym and you feel you will learn the true Gracie Jiu Jitsu, have to learn from those who really have the knowledge, surely this is the best place, master Victor Huber is respected in Jiu Jitsu in Brazil and the world, Gracie Ji...”
Fighting Chance Fitness
“From the moment we walked in to the moment we walked out, we felt like everyone wanted us to be there, and while some coaches can be a bit detached and secretive unless you are a regular member, Julian built upon fundamental defensive techniques and ...”
Gracie Barra Saint Johns
“Great place for your family to come and train and understand the lifestyle and discipline of jiujitsu and how to be a better person for your community.”
Ponte Vedra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone looking to train BJJ, learn a practical martial art/self-defense, get in shape, lose weight, lose stress, become part of a great community of people, and have a lot of fun!”
Amelia Island Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Not only did he teach us new skills while we were here, but he helped us drill them until we were comfortable with executing them smoothly and efficiently.”
Ancient City Martial Arts and the Training Loft
“I have also sat in on his different kids classes (while waiting for my own class); he loves those kids like they are his own and his patience with them is practically endless.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saint Augustine
“As for myself, I was a little apprehensive at the start (being an adult beginner) that I might have difficulty grasping and applying techniques but with Coach Phil's teaching style of repetition, patient correction, and one on one assistance, as well...”
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Saint Augustine
“If you want to train with the best no gi Jiu Jitsu system you have to check out 10th Planet and Coach Jay is killing it at 10th Planet St Augustine so you can't go wrong.”
Koryo Do Martial Arts Studio
“Every student, regardless of age or physical ability, receives instruction tailored to their specific needs and is made to feel to feel like they are part of a family.”
Training Project
“Ashley and Evan are fantastic at what they do!”
Family Martial Arts
“This is a safe place for the whole family to learn and train in self defense, martial Arts, and even firearms.”
Mat Life Training Center
“Martial arts training has been monumental in building up my self confidence, and I'm also extremely thankful for the amazing community of people Mat Life has brought together.”
Iser Defense
“The information that she covered was perfect for my individual needs as she does one on one classes.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
