Fit to Fight Charlotte
“The classes are fun and challenging, and the staff TRULY care about you and your progress.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Matthews, NC
2 of these schools are based in Matthews; the others serve Matthews from towns including Charlotte (9 mi), Indian Trail (5 mi) and Pineville (10 mi).
14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Hayastan MMA Charlotte NC
“They engage the kids and teach great form but also allow the kids to play games, have fun, and really spar and fight.”
Big Z BJJ
“Lots of room so you won't have to worry about making room for other people rolling, lots of experience levels, super affordable at $50 a month, I think it's $55 now”
Book onlineBook
Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“All students get a ton on individual instruction and if you ever have a question, someone is there to help.”
Master O's Taekwondo
“Instructor Noah, another master at the school, has done an exceptional job with training the kids at the school and starting the sparring team there.”
Book onlineBook
A+R Tactics
“The place is awesome, the staff excellent and knowledgeable thanks to their service!”
Short self-defense courses listed for Matthews, NC 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: Matthews, NC
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 919 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (95%), communication (86%) and quality (77%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "skills". 14 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 10 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 18 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 6 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 Matthews?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Matthews 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.
Lucas Lepri Jiu Jitsu Academy
“So whether you're a beginner or experienced, it's the place for you!”
Art of Motion Jiu Jitsu
“He is one of the best Jiu Jitsu professors that I have had the privilege of sharing the mat with.”
BK Ballantyne Kicks
“I highly recommend this place if you have nothing to do on the weekends or weekdays it is worth it!”
Gracie Barra Charlotte Jiu
“GB Charlotte is a great family oriented school with top notch students (no egos) and world class instructors (again, zero egos).”
Roar Taekwondo
“They do a wonderful job helping the kids 1 on 1 as well when they face challenges outside of the classes.”
Book onlineBook
Top Martial Arts Charlotte (Tma Charlotte)
“Awesome rolls with training partners that are all looking to help each other get better.”
Book onlineBook
BC Kickboxing & BJJ
“They know each kid by name and give them fairly constant, specific training.”
Fuzion Martial Arts
“My son has been going to Fuzion and I couldn't have been more pleased with both the after school service they provide and the MMA program.”
Book onlineBook
Carolina Combat Sports and Fitness
“The encouragement, the love for the sport and the never ending drive for them to all be their best is nothing short of admirable.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
