Ares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
“On day one when my son had no idea what he was doing, they both made him feel welcome and comfortable without looking like the "new" kid who clearly didn't know the basics”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Modesto, CA
10 schools listed · 6 in Modesto · 9 open weekends · all 10 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Modesto Movement Jiu-Jitsu
“My son has been going for a few months and he loves going to class.”
Valley Defense Consulting Inc
“The wealth of knowledge, decades of experience, and stories of real world scenarios made for a one of a kind educational experience.”
Modesto Power
“Best teachers you can ask for, everyone is very family Oriented and makes you feel at home!”
Gracie Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The instruction was great, it was very clear that all the instructors knew their stuff.”
Ultimate Athlete Jiu-Jitsu
“The gym being open 7 days a week is great for people who have a hard time making a couple of classes a week.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Modesto, CA are spread across the 10 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: Modesto, CA
6 of the 10 schools we list are based in Modesto; the other 4 serve Modesto from Manteca (16 mi), Ripon (10 mi) and Lathrop (20 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 580 reviews; 4 have 50 or more reviews. 9 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. Domain records put 6 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. We have a website on file for all 10 of the schools on this page; 8 publish a contact page; 7 list a public email and 3 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 Modesto?
By email, and 7 of the 10 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.
Kicks Tae Kwon Do Self Defense and Fitness
“Master Dave is a great instructor and he is great with children.”
BY ANY Means Jiu-Jitsu
“This is the best place to train and learn as so as the other mats and my son also enjoys it as well.”
Charles Gracie Jiu Jitsu
“I go here to practice and it is very helpful and entertaining.”
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Cortez Full Circle Martial Arts
“The teachers are all very friendly and take the time to show her how to do every move and never make her feel like she is doing a bad job.”
Why these companies made our list
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