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Gracie South Bay Jiu Jitsu
“Gracie south bay offer the full jiujitsu experience : a wide range of learning through modern sport jiujitsu, old school jiujitsu and self defense techniques.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near National City, CA
2 of these schools are based in National City; the others serve National City from towns including San Diego (12 mi), La Mesa (9 mi) and El Cajon (12 mi).
23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Casa Del Sol
“Prices?”
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City Boxing
“I love coming here to work out, the staff and attendees, motivated me to be consistent in regularly be, healthy, if want to better yourself this is the place to get a membership, tons of stuff to occupy your desires to better yourself!”
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10th Planet San Diego Jiu Jitsu and Training Center
- Skill
- MMA
- Self Defense
“All of the bjj coaches are so knowledgeable and experienced (Jacob, Roberto, Harold, Nora, Joe) and of course, it's amazing learning from head coach Richie Martinez, who is always around and very approachable and humble.”
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THE Arena
“Very good environment, different types of martial arts, the sign up process was plain and simple Ken was able to fully explain it without any doubts great place to start if you're new into martial arts!”
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Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ
“I understand that the academy has many students (which is why I feel that this can be improved) The whole process is super streamlined and legit nonetheless, but I feel like sometimes the professors don't even know my name and I've been training ther...”
Short self-defense courses listed for National City, CA 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: National City, CA
The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 2,709 reviews; 17 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (88%), quality (81%) and communication (73%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "knowledge". 23 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 18 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 74 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 22 publish a contact page; 18 list a public email and 9 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 National City?
Many do. 2 of the 24 listed here sit in National City 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.
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Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense
- Learn
- Course
- Confidence
“They're from all walks of life - young, old, big, small, experienced and absolute beginners, but in every class, Veronica and Yury cultivate a fun, relaxed, inclusive, and yet focused atmosphere that gets everyone working their hardest to foster indi...”
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White Tiger Kung Fu
- Healthy
- Knowledge
- Qigong
“Not only did I learn self-defense to protect myself at Kung Fu, I learned many other beneficial knowledge about maintaining a healthy physical body through intense exercise, restorative meditative practices like Tai Chi and Chi Gong, herbs, teas, and...”
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Rada Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Train
- Professors
- Classes
“Hello, I've been training jiu-jistu at Rada over a year and i truly love and embrace the challenge, not only myself but also my daughter trains there too , they have the best teachers and everybody respect each other and make you feel like family !”
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CCW USA Firearms Training
- Informative
- Knowledge
- Confident
“They equipped me with the knowledge and techniques needed to pass my tests while simultaneously handing me over BONUS information, systems, techniques, tips, and recommendations that have saved years off my learning curve!”
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Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Professors
- Train
- Environment
“If you are serious about wanting to learn this beautiful art, true Gracie Jiu Jitsu and not some knock off, and if you are willing to put in the work, you will learn it here, and make a great group of friends and training partners along the way.”
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Odyssey Training Center San Diego
- Jiu Jitsu
- Coaches
- Environment
“Now, I actually prefer the classes with the guys, I feel like I'm able to feel more powerful rolling/sparring with upper belts that are 200+ lbs, and it makes me feel like I'd have a fighting chance elsewhere and that I've learned so much more becaus...”
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Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Pacific Beach
“He explained some of the ways he prepares for BJJ tournaments and then taught us a chain of techniques and concepts that started from the initial contact when standing, then went to takedown, to control and finally to finish on the ground.”
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99 Jiu-Jitsu HQ
- Environment
- Train
- Competition
“Professor Tellis is a Legend in BJJ for being for being an innovator of techniques (turtle/octopus guard), World Champion (still competes after 2 decades), and has trained numerous World Champions (Cobrinha/Galvao).”
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Victory MMA & Fitness
- Classes
- Train
- Shape
“There's a fair amount of women that have been coming, and there are some great guys that I can roll with that I don't have to worry about getting injured versus another gym that I previously attended(where I would be out for a month or two due to the...”
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Freestyle Martial Arts
“The Senseis and other teachers are amazing with the kids and the older, teenage students work alongside the teachers so there are usually 2-4 instructors working with each group of kids.”
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The Training Center
- Facility
- MMA
- Morning
“5 months ago with zero experience and coach Ivan, Chris, and the whole team have done such an amazing job with me I was able to compete with confidence in my first BJJ tournament after only three months of training.”
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North Park Jiu Jitsu Academy
- BJJ
- Learn
- Environment
“I could not be more grateful to be a member of the North Park family and could not possibly provide a stronger recommendation to anyone interested in self-defense, martial arts, camaraderie, self-actualization, or just having the most fun they've had...”
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White Dragon Martial Arts
“The instructors each bring their own personalities, which keeps the learning interesting and dynamic, but who all bring the professionalism and dedication you hope to see when you are looking to commit yourself or your kids to actually learning marti...”
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Jiu Jitsu Foundation
“Thankfully, Master Cadu and Jiu Jitsu Foundation is an amazing place with a very positive and friendly environment that fosters everyone to respect and help each other with developing and improving their skill set.”
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Infinity Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The coolest part about these classes (especially for the kids) is not watching them learn how to arm bar or sweep their opponent, but how the classes change the student.”
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Barum Jiu-Jitsu San Diego
“Alfredo barum is a great guy , very technical and know how to teaches for any level or age , his team is amazing, good fighters and excellent environment .”
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Switch Fitness San Diego
“It's like combining body weight exercises with boxing class, it really is a great workout and a great value for your time, you get a lot of the 1 hour class.”
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Kainga Jiu Jitsu
“For your budget - monthly fees are fair, no registration fee/ in house gi requirement, and the quality/ amount of classes available make it worth what you pay.”
Self-Defense Training Services in National City, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$162
Maximum cost
$485
National Average
$248
Avg Per Hour Rates
$65
$216
$334
Average price range is based on 251 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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