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Saint Matthews Martial Arts
“So I haven't been to the studio just yet, but when I called to ask about prices, classes, and questions I had, Allen was very helpful and took the time to make sure all my questions got answered.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Louisville, KY
15 schools listed · 9 in Louisville · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Louisville
“Magnaellos jiu jitsu pedigree you can be nothing but impressed: Rickson, Pedro Sauer and an official Gracie University training facility.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky J -Town
“This school has multiple instructors, and they are all highly technical and their classes connect which gives you a great learning experience if you're a beginner or an experienced jiu jitsu practitioner.”
Core Combat Sports
“The atmosphere is friendly; the teachers know how to teach and are patient with you, and make learning easy.”
Rough Hands BJJ
“The most welcoming and weird group you'd ever want to train with.”
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Made Fitness and Training Center
“6 months later, I feel better than ever - my mobility and cardio are drastically improved, and I've lost 10 pounds without changing my diet.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Louisville, KY 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: Louisville, KY
9 of the 15 schools we list are based in Louisville; the other 6 serve Louisville from Clarksville, IN (12 mi), Jeffersonville, IN (12 mi) and Prospect (14 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 715 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "facilities". 14 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 10 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 10 publish a contact page; 8 list a public email and 4 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 Louisville?
Many do. 9 of the 15 listed here sit in Louisville 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.
Area 502 MMA
“The staff and even other members have treated us with respect from the start.”
Triumph Combat
“I LOVE THIS PLACE, Awesome set up, great staff, would recommend to anyone”
Louisville Shaolin-Do Kung Fu & Tai Chi
“If you want to learn the real martial arts then try Louisville Shaolin do it the real deal”
Criterion Jiu Jitsu of Louisville
“After setting up a private session, we discussed beforehand and upon arrival what we would go over, and he worked a solid game plan tailored to my strengths and needs.”
Goshinkan International Hombu Dojo
“One of the last places in the area to learn real traditional martial arts.”
Louisville Panthers Taekwondo
“Master Hartoonian is kind, friendly, upbeat and very knowledgable with a broad range of teaching techniques.”
Full Moon Martial Arts
“A great place to learn structure and self awareness self discipline and great family atmosphere.”
Evolve Training
“Great place to be at to train at anything very good leaders and coaches and just great atmosphere in general highly recommended for anyone to go there and join especially good for kids as well”
Prospect Martial Arts
“All the instructors are great with the kids and create an environment of friendly learning and competition.”
Why these companies made our list
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