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Odyssey Training Center San Diego
“If you're looking for a place with great coaches, a welcoming environment, and a facility that truly cares about its members, I highly recommend Odyssey Training Center”
Best Self-Defense Classes near La Mesa, CA
2 of these schools are based in La Mesa; the others serve La Mesa from San Diego (7 mi), El Cajon (4 mi) and Santee (6 mi).
all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Jiu Jitsu Foundation
“Master Gabi and Master Cadu have really helped my son build up not only his jiu jitsu skills, but also his confidence.”
Gracie Jiu Jitsu La Mesa
“Professor Marco and Jason both care about the kids' well being and their knowledge about the sport itself.”
City Boxing
“As a woman I have especially loved training here not just because of the amazing staff but fellow gym-goers (men and women) who help you elevate your game.”
10th Planet San Diego Jiu Jitsu and Training Center
“They'll do as much as they can to get you there so long as you're putting in the work.”
Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ
“The level of training is incredible, the environment pushes you to improve every day, and being surrounded by so many high-level athletes inspires you to become better”
Short self-defense courses listed for La Mesa, 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: La Mesa, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 5,124 reviews; 14 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "community". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 12 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 14 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 11 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 La Mesa?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in La Mesa and the others are within 15 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.
THE Arena
“Very professional, clean, and they treat beginners with a lot of respect.”
Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego
“Great vibe overall and veluma at the front desk was very welcoming and kind.”
Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense
“They walk around during each exercise & give personal attention to each student, making suggestions & giving tips.”
99 Jiu-Jitsu HQ
“99 Jiu Jitsu is a family-friendly, academy that offers top-notch instruction from the legendary Eduardo Telles and his coaching staff.”
Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy
“We are so happy with the classes, the skilled instructors, and the personable employees here.”
Legion American Jiu Jitsu San Diego
“Best place to train in San Diego, great vibes & high quality jiu jitsu without any of the non-sense politics.”
CCW USA Firearms Training
“Even before the CCW class, I was able to get a one hour class with Bill to go over more shooting fundamentals and the basics of my new Glock.”
Switch Fitness San Diego
“Highly recommend if you want to get fit and gain boxing skills at the same time.”
Infinity Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“My son has been going since November 2025 and I have seen so much growth in him and he absolutely loves it.”
Why these companies made our list
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