Columbia Martial Arts and Fitness
“Columbia Martial Arts is the best after school Martial arts School for our daughter.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Lexington, SC
11 schools listed · 5 in Lexington · 8 open weekends · all 11 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
Vitali Family Karate
“We love the energy, the care, the focus on family and core values.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington: Carter's Academy
“The Women's Empowered program is a supportive, safe space for women to learn practical self-defense with an amazing group of people”
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Powerhouse MMA
“Coach Zach is super fun and energetic and I got such a great workout!”
Palmetto Jujitsu Academy
“They were great with my kids (ages 4 and 6) we will be back!”
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Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu
“There are several black belts that train there who have created an incredible environment and team atmosphere that's welcoming to people from all walks of life.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Lexington, SC are spread across the 11 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: Lexington, SC
5 of the 11 schools we list are based in Lexington; the other 6 serve Lexington from Gilbert (9 mi), Irmo (9 mi) and Columbia (18 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 753 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence" and "skills". 8 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. 6 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 26 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 11 of the schools on this page; 7 publish a contact page; 10 list a public email and 3 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 Lexington?
Many do. 5 of the 11 listed here sit in Lexington and the others are within 20 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.
Bgr8 Martial Arts
“Self-defense is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but having the knowledge and skills to protect yourself is incredibly empowering.”
Columbia Self Defense
“I've been attending Columbia Self Defense Jiu-Jitsu in Irmo for about 5 months now, and it's proven to be the greatest martial arts school I've experienced, from the friendly and knowledgeable instructors to the impressive pedigree of the dojo itself.”
Safe Family Defense
“The class content was excellent and went over all the basics from types of handguns, disassembly, safety and cleaning.”
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Lake Murray Jiu Jitsu
“Daniel ( the owner/ coach) is very helpful, patient and makes sure you know the technique.”
Martial Arts Training Center
“In addition to classes for multiple styles and ages they also have a great after school program and summer camps!”
Why these companies made our list
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