Hurricane Jiu Jitsu
“John is great and I've had a good time getting started with Jiu Jitsu here.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Lakewood, OH
These schools serve Lakewood from nearby bases in towns including Cleveland, Olmsted Township and Rocky River.
13 schools listed · 9 open weekends · 12 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Vanyo Martial Arts
“The culture is great as well, a balance of seriousness/fun that makes training and learning the skillsets infinitely more enjoyable.”
Revolution Fight and Fitness
“Good place for anyone with any back ground to come learn how to defend them selves through mixed martial arts.”
Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness
“Even if you or your daughter remembers just one thing from taking this class (lock your car door, then put your seat belt on like it's second nature), it was worth every minute!”
1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I dropped into a class unannounced to visit a friend that trains here, and Paul (the owner) was incredibly gracious and welcoming, and invited me to train.”
Tracy's Karate
“I do private lessons, and John is a great teacher, and hes good at showing you what to do as well as explaining it.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Lakewood, OH are spread across the 13 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: Lakewood, OH
The 13 schools on this page are rated from 4.0 to 5.0 across 506 reviews; 2 have 50 or more reviews and 12 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "skills" and "atmosphere". 9 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 9 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 23 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 13 of the schools on this page; 7 publish a contact page; 9 list a public email and 3 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; 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 Lakewood?
By email, and 9 of the 13 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.
J. R. Miller Martial Arts
“Despite the craziness of the pandemic, the Millers and their team of instructors have bent over backwards to find ways to keep the school running safely and to keep students on track.”
Grindstone Jiu Jitsu Training Center
“Welcoming environment for beginners and veterans alike!”
Crooked River T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center
“A great place to learn tai chi!”
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Avon Lake ATA
“They really mesh well with the kids and teach them the rules and discipline of karate.”
Black Lotus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
“And the best part to me is as a middle aged outta shape dude I have never once had someone go up against me with something to prove.”
Golden Pyramid Martial Arts Center
“They are always willing to help and take extra time with students.”
Great Lakes Martial Arts
“Highly recommend this school if you're looking for quality instruction.”
Why these companies made our list
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