Best Self-Defense Classes in Norfolk, VA

15 schools listed · 6 in Norfolk · 11 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 16, 2026

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Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu

Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu

5.0 64 reviews
“Their expertise in teaching jiu-jitsu is top-notch; they break things down clearly, correct with patience, and create an environment where people of all ages feel supported and motivated.”
Free trial classAges 6 and upSince 2018
222 W 21st St
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Applied Defense Concepts

Applied Defense Concepts

5.0 61 reviews
“The class was very educational and I highly recommend it for everyone.”
Free trial classSince 2016
5000 Colley Ave
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The House of Muay Thai

The House of Muay Thai

4.9 78 reviews
“I found HOMT 5ish years ago after moving to Norfolk and I can safely say HOMT is one of, if not, the best Muay Thai gym in the area.”
Trial class $19.99Ages 6–125 instructorsSince 2014
2119 Colonial Ave
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Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk

Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk

4.9 50 reviews
“My child just started Jiu Jitsu and the instructors here are phenomenal.”
Since 2008
814-A W 45th St
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Ocean View Martial Arts

Ocean View Martial Arts

4.9 26 reviews
“I want to sincerely thank Professor Tim Fowler for allowing me to train at his gym while I was TDY at Langley AFB.”
From $125/moSince 2022
9651 1st View St
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Kraken Grappling Club

Kraken Grappling Club

5.0 27 reviews
“I enrolled my 5 year old a few months ago and he loves it”
Since 2023
3856 E Little Creek Rd
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Short self-defense courses listed for Norfolk, VA 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: Norfolk, VA

6 of the 15 schools we list are based in Norfolk; the other 9 serve Norfolk from Virginia Beach (16 mi), Chesapeake (15 mi) and Portsmouth (6 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,414 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "knowledge". 11 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. Domain records put 7 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 2 are family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 14 list a public email and 5 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 Norfolk?

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.

Savior Martial Arts Virginia Beach

Savior Martial Arts Virginia Beach

4.6 38 reviews
“Everyone at Savior Martial Arts is dedicated to making sure kids learn martial arts but also how to be good people.”
Free trial classCoupons & offersAges 5–1230+ years
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Virginia Martial Arts Center

Virginia Martial Arts Center

4.8 29 reviews
“My boys are part of the after school program here and they love it!”
Coupons & offersAges 4–6Since 1983
Chesapeake, VA · 15 mi from Norfolk
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Impact Martial Arts Academy

Impact Martial Arts Academy

4.9 82 reviews
“Each class is about an hour long and for adults there's a sparring session afterward at no extra cost just people helping each other improve”
Since 2008Family-ownedOnline lessonsLocally ownedPrices online
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Kim's Hapkido Martial Arts

Kim's Hapkido Martial Arts

4.9 79 reviews
“We've been seeing positive results in our son's self confidence in under 4 weeks.”
Free trial classCoupons & offersSince 2020
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts

Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts

4.9 91 reviews
“Wahsei is a great teacher and really helped me to learn martial arts techniques that I had no background in.”
Ages 6 and upSince 1999
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Virginia Beach Jiu Jitsu

Virginia Beach Jiu Jitsu

4.5 65 reviews
“The instructors are top tier and the staff is friendly and welcoming.”
Free trial classSince 2014Prices online
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Tiger Academy of Martial Arts

Tiger Academy of Martial Arts

4.6 67 reviews
“She always had wonderful care, made lots of friends, and built confidence in herself during her time there.”
Ages 4–13Since 1968
Portsmouth, VA · 6 mi from Norfolk
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Chaos Jiujitsu

Chaos Jiujitsu

5.0 37 reviews
“The best part, you get to sit in a separate room and watch them on a tv so they aren't distracted by you , and the coach does all the parenting!!”
Free consultationSince 2021Family-owned
Virginia Beach, VA · 16 mi from Norfolk
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Heel Hooks Jiu Jitsu

Heel Hooks Jiu Jitsu

5.0 67 reviews
“Coach Chester is so patient with all of the kids and always makes sure they're safe.”
Since 2023
Chesapeake, VA · 15 mi from Norfolk
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesVirginiaNorfolk, VA

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