United Martial Arts
“Vince is definitely one of the best karate instructors I've encountered in all my years of going to different Dojos.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Lakewood, CA
3 of these schools are based in Lakewood; the others serve Lakewood from towns including Long Beach (4 mi), Whittier (10 mi) and Fullerton (11 mi).
1 open 24/7 · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
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Power of One Martial Arts
“The Bennett family and other instructors is this place is wonderful, caring, motivated and no matter what the situation maybe they are always there to help.”
DM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Professor Dimitrios Mavraganis provides a good and positive environment when it comes to practice and learning.”
Brazilian Top Team Long Beach
“Edit: I'd also like to add that while every team, club, and gym out there are different, and some are tailored differently for others, this one in particular has personally done a huge boost in my physical and mental health, and for that I really love this team.”
Self Defense Firearms Training
“Women - Take this class, mine was 50 50 men and women, Greg makes it comfortable for everyone and his wife who interacts with the class on the range is more knowledgeable than majority of male gun nuts”
Checkmat Anaheim / Neezam Jiu Jitsu School
“Not only have my physical capabilities soared, but the mental transformation I've undergone is even more profound.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Lakewood, 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: Lakewood, CA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 2,350 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". 1 is open around the clock; 14 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 97 years. 2 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; 14 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 Lakewood?
Many do. 3 of the 15 listed here sit in Lakewood 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.
Blue Collar Grappling
“A safe place to practice and learn jujutsu, attentive head coach, well versed in different styles of jujutsu”
1st Class Martial Arts
“This is a wonderful learning environment for children to learn martial arts skills, as well as personal characteristics to become better human beings.”
CSW Headquarters Brazilian Jiujitsu
“CSW brings in people from different skill levels and backgrounds and welcomes them under one roof, how awesome is that!”
Longevity Martial Arts Centers
“My son has gained more ability in strength, balance, and flexibility in this past year than I ever imagined possible.”
Gracie Barra Huntington Beach
“I love the discipline and the family atmosphere, they are very professional and the studio is very clean.”
Gracie Barra Whittier
“The academy has everything I was looking for: helpful staff, knowledgable instructors, great people to train with, and clean/well maintained facilities.”
Tillis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“All the coaches are so helpful, especially coach Noah and coach Jumbee.”
Power of One Self-Defense
“We would recommend joining this martial arts studio and community of great people to any and all people (all ages!!!”
Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu
“As his grandmother I also have the peace of mind knowing he will be able to protect himself and be disciplined at the same time.”
Why these companies made our list
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