Art In Motion Jiu Jitsu Academy
“As a decade long student of this academy, I have seen the school grow from a tiny hole-in-the-wall to a powerhouse in the South Florida jiu jitsu scene.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Miami, FL
24 schools listed · 19 in Miami · 23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Ground Game Theory Jiu Jitsu
“The gym is extremely welcoming and the instructors are super knowledgeable , extremely passionate, and are eager to help the students grow as jiu jitsu practitioners.”
Florida Defensive Training
“The course was well-structured, covering all the essential aspects of concealed carry, including legal considerations, safe handling, and practical shooting techniques.”
Cardoso Jiu Jitsu
“The experience so far has been very humbling as you will find many skilled individuals each of which have shown nothing but camaraderie, respect, HUMBLENESS, & a good time.”
Atlantis Jiu-Jitsu
“AJ and his team are very professional and very dedicated , He show genuine concern for the student in and out of class , He has shown a lot of patience with our son.”
Mario Sperry JIU Jitsu
“Mario and his team take their time to teach beginners, and even the higher level belts explain proper technique when rolling with someone below their expertise.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Miami, FL are spread across the 24 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: Miami, FL
19 of the 24 schools we list are based in Miami; the other 5 serve Miami from Miami Beach (5 mi), North Miami Beach (10 mi) and Doral (9 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 2,882 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (93%), quality (93%) and communication (83%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 23 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. Domain records put 12 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 19 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 8 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 Miami?
Many do. 19 of the 24 listed here sit in Miami and the others are within 20 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.
South Miami Martial Arts
“If you need a place to bring your children to a place where they can learn such excellent values and become such excellent people, then this is the place for you!”
Gama Filho Martial Arts
“Each person's limits and skills are individually taken into consideration during classes, it doesn't matter if you are 15 y/o (my son), 25 y/o, 35 y/o, 45 y/o (as I am) or more.”
Marcus Aurelio Jiu Jitsu Academy
“What distinguishes him from the rest is, he truly cares about the kids, he believes in each and everyone one of them, he encourages them, he motivates them.”
Rilion Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Headquarters)
“If you are truly interested in Proven Self Defense taught by a Master of Effective Techniques then please do yourself a tremendous favor and come to one of Mr”
South Beach Boxing
“Outstanding venue, super old school & authentic, great trainers, amazing people and such a wonderful atmosphere encouraging those in wherever journey they are taking in life.”
Montanha Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Wow this place is not only amazing for adults but there kids classes are great and now with there new mats with a clean dojo I highly recommend it… OSS… Edward”
Boca Jiu Jitsu Academy Miami
“If you want to practice real BJJ with a teacher who really wants to teach you and see you progress, do not hesitate to join the Boca de la Riva BJJ team!!!!”
C.o.b.r.a. Self Defense Miami
“They worked with us so professionally and even in the kick boxing class they took my lack of stamina into consideration and never pushed me to far (lol)!”
ACS Brickell Little Havana Summer Camp
“Great school, couch Carlos is amazing very respectful and very patient, Carlos knows his stuff when it comes to martial arts and training this is the best school I have ever been too.”
Jorge Pereira Jiu Jitsu South Beach Miami
“The group training is also highly recommended, the other students were very patient and helped with taking time to explain subtle nuances in improving my game.”
A. Kolychkine Judo Foundation
“The level of the instructors is Top Top Level (and this is said by a person who has practiced different martial arts for more than 20 years in different countries and states of the USA), the individual attention and quality time they dedicate to each...”
Bushido Muay Thai & Martial Arts Miami
“Amazing place , great classes very traditional , morning coach Michelle is really good , amazing technique been around for many years i used to train with her over ten years ago in jungle Muay Thai she's a amazing trainer n very sharp in technique's ...”
Technique Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“This is the greatest place for Jui Jitsu/ MMA I have been to multiple gyms in and out of the country, Marwin (The proffesor) loves his job and cares about everyone there it is like a family.”
JP Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“JP is an instructor who works diligemtly and patiently with all of his students -- all levels and all ages - to master not only their own capabilities , but to develop beyond what they thought possible.”
Gracie Barra South Miami
“Unfortunately, due to personal and professional reasons some times we have to change schools since the moment we buy a new house or we move on to a new job in a different city, or town.”
White Tiger & Dragon Martial Arts
“My daughter goes 2-3 days a week after school and can change days easily as her schedule requires, and has the option of taking classes at 3:30 or 4:30 if homework or after school studying pops up.”
Miami Shotokan Karate Club
“Great training”
Anta's Fitness and Self Defense
“I started the program about one and a half year ago and The program has not only helped me physically but mentally by teaching me disciple, respect, self confidence and passion for martial arts.”
Why these companies made our list
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