The Martial Arts Zone
“I can't speak more highly about The Martial Arts Zone, and to think it all started by entering my phone number to request more information.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Manchester, NH
15 schools listed · 6 in Manchester · 13 open weekends · 13 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
Burgess Academy of BJJ and MMA
“Lovely people all around to help you grow and better yourself as a person all while learning to defend yourself and take home real fighting skill and knowledge.”
Manchester Karate Studio
“Excellent place to ensure that you and your kids are getting a good workout and to learn self defense skills.”
The Training Station
“If you want to learn about and become good at martial arts, this is the place to join.”
Granite State Fitness
“Clean facility, showers, and a great ability to adapt workouts to anyones skillsets or limitations.”
Kenpo Academy-Self Defense
“The owners are very thoughtful and courteous and it feels like they've added the kids into their family each lesson”
Short self-defense courses listed for Manchester, NH 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: Manchester, NH
6 of the 15 schools we list are based in Manchester; the other 9 serve Manchester from towns including Derry (9 mi), Merrimack (11 mi) and Bedford (4 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.3 to 5.0 across 1,108 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 13 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (87%), quality (87%) and communication (70%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "energy". 13 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 11 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2003. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 9 list a public email and 2 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 Manchester?
Many do. 6 of the 15 listed here sit in Manchester 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.
Lee's Martial Arts Center
“Instructors created the perfect leaning environment for all are accepted at all levels as a group which encourages each individual to give their best to succeed.”
Tim Barchard's Professional Martial Arts Academy
“He has made great friendships and learned a lot of great lessons on self-defense, bullying.”
Valle Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“My technique has already developed a ton and rolling has been challenging and fun.”
Determined Martial Arts
“We could not be more proud of him regardless of the outcome, nor more grateful that we found this karate studio, where our son has been able to be himself, excel, and develop self confidence.”
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Tokyo Joe's Studios of Self Defense/Team Link NH
“The other people that attend are wonderful, friendly and just want to help you achieve your goals.”
Aqueous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Center
“Aqueous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the best Jiu Jitsu gym in Bedford New Hampshire and surrounding towns.”
Strikeback Dynamic Defense Systems
“Great place which teaches skills, respect, honor and discipline.”
ATA Martial Arts of Merrimack
“The Roys are fabulous instructors who are gifted working with students of all ages and abilities, including kids with special needs.”
Empowering Lives Martial Arts LLC
“My boys have learned so much and continue to thrive with this studio.”
Why these companies made our list
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