Wing Chun Kung Fu
“Both are very patient with kids and are always working in a positive way to improve each student.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Lake Forest, CA
3 of these schools are based in Lake Forest; the others serve Lake Forest from towns including Mission Viejo (4 mi), Irvine (6 mi) and Laguna Beach (10 mi).
all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Therapeutic Martial Arts
“An incredible place for kids to learn martial arts from a master, get healthy & understand resposibilty”
Mjlh Kung Fu and Tai Chi
“Good place to learn self defense and get lots of exercise.”
Phenom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“This is the best place to train in Orange County, for sure.”
Tom Vo's Taekwondo
“Great for toddlers - instructors are great and class schedules are pretty flexible throughout the week.”
OC Fitness Coach Inc.
“He also showed me exercises to relieve the neck stiffness I had after long hours at a desk job, which greatly improved my sleep quality”
Short self-defense courses listed for Lake Forest, 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: Lake Forest, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 791 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "atmosphere" and "skills". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 98 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 6 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 10 list a public email and 6 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. 3 of the 15 listed here sit in Lake Forest 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.
Krav Maga of Orange County
“Love the instructors here, I feel like I've learned a lot =)”
Mountain Taekwondo
“He knows how to bring out confidence, respect, integrity from his students.”
Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“My daughter has attended for 3+ years and it has built her confidence and character at a time in her life she really needed it.”
West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Mission Viejo
“Most importantly, he will welcome you with open arms into a family of individuals who all seek the same goal; to sharpen themselves mentally, and fortify themselves physically”
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Green Family Training Center
“The Green Family team did great, they taught us good techniques that are easy to learn but also very effective.”
Laguna Beach Dojo
“So far a great experience for my daughter.”
Gracie Barra Santa Ana
“I have been practicing jujitsu since 2008 and it has helped me a lot with life and focus.”
Cho's Academy
“Jacob and his team of instructors create an environment where physical and mental character thrive.”
Karate For Kids Mission Viejo
“Both of my boys (7 and 9) take karate here, and they both enjoy the group classes as well as sparring, grappling and private classes.”
Why these companies made our list
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