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ITC New York
“The coaches are not only skilled but also dedicated to helping each member improve and they do an excellent job at tailoring their instruction to suit a variety of skill levels.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Manhattan, NY
These schools serve Manhattan from nearby bases in towns including New York, Queens and Hoboken, NJ.
15 schools listed · 1 open 24/7 · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 22, 2026
Rising Sun Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
“The school is home to several black belts and many high ranking competitors that give anyone stepping on the mats several different perspectives to bjj as both a competitive hobby and a martial art used for self defense.”
Modern Martial Arts
“Good classes and good communication with the kids”
Fabulous & Fearless
“I learned so much about being aware of my surroundings and how to get away if I am being threatened or attacked.”
Remix MMA
“A good friend of mine told me about remix mma a few months after Danny opened the gym, since then I've been completely hooked.”
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Paxibellum Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu NYC
“People go out of their way to talk to and engage with you here, and it's clear that this gym puts its community first in the best possible way.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Manhattan, NY 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: Manhattan, NY
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,423 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (94%), quality (94%) and communication (86%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 1 is open around the clock; 14 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 7 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 49 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 5 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 9 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; 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 Manhattan?
By email, and 14 of the 15 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.
SD Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu NYC
“I've known the instructors for years and their passion for Jiu Jitsu is shown in both the condition of the school and the way they treat their students.”
Marlon Colorado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NYC
“The rocian Gracie method is built to help people of all skill sets whether your a beginner white belt or a higher color belt, Your guaranteed to learn all the positions and apply them to how you roll.”
Gleason's Gym
“An incredible place to train and learn from the best”
Renzo Gracie Academy
“The Mecca of Jiujitsu in NYC!”
Procel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“The other students are always so nice and Procel BJJ is a very nice community because of it.”
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Fabio Clemente Studiox BJJ
“A clean and healthy training space with a tight-knit but welcoming community.”
Dan Covel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Through training with Dan I was able to win multiple masters local and world tournaments in gi and no gi at all belt levels.”
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Workshop NYC Muay Thai & Jiujitsu
“From beginners, seasoned veterans, people who just want a good workout, to people who would like to compete, there is a place for everyone at Workshop.”
Ronin Athletics MMA NYC
“Once you graduate from the course and get a certificate, you can start rolling with higher belts and learn more advanced techniques.”
Why these companies made our list
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