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Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu
“The atmosphere fosters a sense of comfort and safety necessary to get the most out of your training.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Madison, WI
12 schools listed · 8 in Madison · 8 open weekends · 11 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
MKG International Martial Arts Madison
“I can feel comfortable training with a partner or just training through my own injuries/limitations”
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Alliance Jiu Jitsu of Madison
“All of the instructors they have are world class (literally), and the other people attending classes are some of the nicest you'll ever meet.”
Lcct Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“They provide a welcoming enviornment and between Judo, BJJ, Krav Maga, and Muay Thai, and their fitness programs they have some of the most skilled and entertaining instructors in the business, you won't be disappointed!”
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Foundations Jiu Jitsu
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this gym offers top-notch instruction and a welcoming community that fosters growth and camaraderie.”
Soyokaze Dojo
“When I train, I feel a very strong sense of community, and feel as if I can rely upon any of the students to train with.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Madison, WI are spread across the 12 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: Madison, WI
8 of the 12 schools we list are based in Madison; the other 4 serve Madison from towns including McFarland (6 mi), Middleton (7 mi) and Sun Prairie (12 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 3.7 to 5.0 across 559 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 11 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "community" and "skills". 8 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. Domain records put 7 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2001. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 11 of the schools on this page; 7 publish a contact page; 8 list a public email and 7 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Madison?
By email, and 8 of the 12 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.
Aikido of Madison
“Welcoming to beginners and people who have practiced other martial arts or other styles of aikido.”
Chimera Self-Defense (Rcc)
“This is a class that teaches staying safe , which sometimes we can't but then a million ways to learn ways to physically get away.”
Silver Lining Taekwon-do
“Definitely recommend them if your kids are looking for something that will grow their physical and mental strength.”
Chosen Few Gym
“Great all age training environment with knowledgeable coaches and excellent training partners for anyone.”
608 Jiu Jitsu
“He is very patient and you get a sense that he really understands the value of being a good teacher to his students.”
Sun Prairie Martial Arts
“I recommend Sensei Murphy highly, his teaching style, and the sense of family and fun his classes have.”
Why these companies made our list
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