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Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Sifu
- Health
- Learn
“I had the opportunity to study with Sifu Williss prior to opening Dragon & it made an immeasurable impact on me and my work as well as family relations.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Lake Forest, CA
24 schools listed · 4 in Lake Forest · 2 open 24/7 · 23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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Therapeutic Martial Arts
“Phenomenal with all the kids, gentle and kind while still instilling great values of discipline, focus, and respect while making every class fun.”
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One Jiu Jitsu
- Feel
- Community
- Matter
“If you want an all around positive experience to establish self-discipline, accountability, and learn jiu jitsu from very skilled instructors, One Jiu Jitsu is the place to go.”
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Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club
- Mentor
- Atmosphere
- Learn
“The progressions and skills that my children have learned in the last few months that we've been here is not only a reflection on the expertise coaching but the structure that Patrick provides in his classes.”
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Red Zone Kickboxing
“The instructors are amazing and the people are so much fun in the classes.”
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Mjlh Kung Fu and Tai Chi
“It helped me improved my flexibility, balance, working on my breathing techniques, and improved my memory too.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Lake Forest, CA are spread across the 24 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: Lake Forest, CA
4 of the 24 schools we list are based in Lake Forest; the other 20 serve Lake Forest from towns including Irvine (6 mi), Orange (13 mi) and Mission Viejo (4 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 995 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (96%), quality (94%) and communication (75%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 2 are open around the clock; 23 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 15 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 98 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 1 is family- or locally-owned and 6 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 21 publish a contact page; 18 list a public email and 8 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 Lake Forest?
Many do. 4 of the 24 listed here sit in Lake Forest and the others are within 25 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.
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Allsafe Defense System
- Ammo
- Educational
- CCW
“The key to becoming an NRA instructor is total participant involvement which is what TJ encourages in this course both in the classroom and on the shooting range.”
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Phenom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Self Defense
- Life
- Skill
“Absolutely love this place started training one day five years ago and never stopped since Professor Martin is a amazing jujitsu instructor with a loving and caring environment to learn jujitsu if you are looking to learn self-defense or just shred a...”
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OC Martial Arts
“Not only has our daughter's instruction at OC Martial Arts taught her the expected physical skills, improved fitness and basic self-defense but it has also helped to instill the importance of self-control, integrity, respect and hard work.”
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OC Fitness Coach Inc.
“Not only have I lost weight and look more toned but I have more energy every day, my diet is under control, and my endurance when I work out so much better.”
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Krav Maga of Orange County
“Great people, fantastic workout, fun but practical and vigorous atmosphere.”
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Rounders MMA & Boxing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Judo
- Fun
- Fitness
“Some gyms go too hard, some gyms don't go hard enough, but this gym is one of the rare ones that knows when and how to train so that you are ALWAYS getting better, but not getting injured.”
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Laguna Hills
- Injuries
- Mentor
- Combatives
“I have been training with Lee for almost a year and love the class structure, feeling of community, and Lee's passion for the art: you can feel it in every class.”
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Optimus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Respect
- Train
- Confidence
“His passion for JJ is felt in every detail of the academy, from the beautiful and clean atmosphere to the quality and professionalism of his instructors.”
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Lockhart's Karate Academy
- Integrity
- Behavior
- Teach
“I am in my 50's and my daughters in their 20's - it is beneficial for all ages - not only learning self defense, but confidence, strength, flexibility, and fitness.”
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Gracie Barra Costa Mesa
- Yoga
- Community
- Mats
“Feels great to be a part of a growing school, even adding a womens class and seeing it grow with awesome women ready to learn and join this bjj family I love so much.”
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Cho's Academy
- Practice
- Belt
- Jiu-Jitsu
“The impact he has had on my son in shaping him into a respectful, attentive, compassionate & physically fit “team player” and leader is immeasurable.”
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Costa Mesa Jiu Jitsu
- Teaching
- Course
- Professor
“Whether you're looking to add a new activity to your fitness repertoire, looking for a fun workout at an affordable price, or looking to learn practical self defense moves, Costa Mesa Jiu Jitsu is where to be!”
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Hybrid Academy
- College
- Prices
- Environment
“Coach Rick and Sam always look out for everyone here, and the members are all very welcoming and will help you through the fine details if you need help.”
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Fast Result Fitness Personal Training
“He doesn't track your progress with detailed charts, because he knows exactly where you are in your progress — and if you stay with him over time, you start to learn how you can do the same for yourself without the need for fancy apps and metrics: It...”
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Peaceful Warrior Jiujitsu and Fitness
- Equipment
- Confidence
- Personal Training
“Nick goes above and beyond both in the gym and on the mat, Im challenged physically, mentally, and my critical thinking skills have improved drastically since being part of whats not just a gym and jiu-jitsu academy its a family and i couldn't feel m...”
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Mountain Taekwondo
- Principles
- Belt
- Confidence
“Master Mountain quickly reached our then-5-year-old daughter - he makes FUN and enjoyable classes and has brought out conscious effort, confidence, and determination to accel and apply herself in both Taekwondo and school work/daily life of a now 6 y...”
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Laguna Beach Dojo
- Behavior
- Studio
- Self Defense
“I haven't just been taught how to defend myself, I've been able to grow more than I ever thought was possible, more than I even realized that I needed.”
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One Jiu Jitsu
“There's a great community of women at the gym who build each other up and support each other's progress, and it was amazing to be a part of this for the weekend.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Lake Forest, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$171
Maximum cost
$513
National Average
$263
Avg Per Hour Rates
$69
$228
$354
Fair price range is based on 528 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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