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Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu
- Learning
- Atmosphere
- Community
“Professor makes sure that students are always expanding their jiu jitsu knowledge and teaches in a way that makes students comfortable and never afraid to ask questions.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Norfolk, VA
24 schools listed · 4 in Norfolk · 19 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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The House of Muay Thai
- BJJ
- Train
- Kickboxing
“I attribute my enjoyment of Muay Thai to the coaches: Octavian, Landon, Romi, Larue, Jackson, Jeremy, Shamar, and of course head coach Jake, who has instilled a positive learning environment and competitive culture in his gym.”
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Applied Defense Concepts
- Knowledge
- Concealed Carry
- Role
“Their core concepts are training without consequences is useless and we go over very real scenarios that give me a very good level of confidence that I can make sure who ever I I'm with won't have to worry on personal safety”
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Ocean View Martial Arts
- Skills
- Adults
- Sparring
“Amazing Coaches, great students, I've really enjoyed training here the coaches push me to train harder and help me as a newcomer learn the skills and make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to, 100% reccomend this school to anybody experienced or brand...”
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Savior Martial Arts Virginia Beach
- Sensei
- Learning
- Karate
“Their level of respect, their ability to motivate the kids, their passion/dedication to the sport as well as how personable they are make this dojo one of the best i have seen in 25 years of being around martial arts.”
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Impact Martial Arts Academy
- Muay Thai
- Skills
- Filipino Martial Arts
“This is a family run business that caters to all age groups and all family backgrounds; it has been a great experience for our family not only with skills acquired and opportunities to improve oneself but with relationships made.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Norfolk, VA 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: Norfolk, VA
4 of the 24 schools we list are based in Norfolk; the other 20 serve Norfolk from towns including Virginia Beach (16 mi), Chesapeake (15 mi) and Hampton (12 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,847 reviews; 13 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (93%), quality (88%) and communication (71%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 19 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. Domain records put 14 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2001. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 3 are family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 21 publish a contact page; 22 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Norfolk?
By email, and 22 of the 24 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.
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Virginia Martial Arts Center
“The code of respect for others, and taking charge of your own destiny through self discipline, is every bit as important as the technique that is taught.”
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Cheeseman Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Self Defense
- Confidence
- Shape
“I even had an incident where my car broke down due to the gas gauge being off while I was headed to his class and he literally came to where I was, purchased a tank and gas, and assisted me so that I could get to a gas station.”
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Virginia Taekwondo & Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- Confidence
- Life
- Respect
“In addition to self defense they are learning to be more focused and are putting more effort to master new techniques, they also like the atmosphere and meeting new friends”
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Kim's Hapkido Martial Arts
“Not only has Master Kim and his amazing team helped our son make remarkable changes in a short period of time (less than a year), but our oldest daughter, who has struggled with anxiety is growing increasingly more confident and happier.”
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Da Firma Training Center Gracie Jiu Jitsu & Athletic Performance
“As someone who got into jui jit su in their 40s, I've been surprised at what I've been able to accomplish in a safe and professional atmosphere that professor Ricardo and his staff have created .”
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Intuitive Self Protection
- Team
- Skills
- Mindset
“I have always struggled with upper body strength and feeling not entirely sure I would be able to conduct effective self defense if it was required of me.”
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Tiger Academy of Martial Arts
“This means their class days and times will change and I had four staff members approach me separately to make sure I knew that and to make certain it would not cause problems or conflicts for the family.”
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Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts
- Train
- Muay Thai
- Matter
“I have been studying at Eastern Academy for about three months in the mixed martial arts/combat submission wrestling (MMA/CSW) class, and I can say with confidence that you will have a hard time finding a better MMA gym.”
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Green's Martial Arts
“We love the lessons in self-discipline, self-defense, self-respect, hard work and integrity, the anti-bullying messages and real world scenarios in which the kiddos can apply their skills.”
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Virginia Beach Jiu Jitsu
- Learning
- Area
- Belt
“There was a wide range of skill levels and some great training to be had.”
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Breakaway Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense (Martial Arts)
- Facility
- Learn
- Self Defense
“Having been to several different martial arts schools in the past 14 years, I can say without a doubt, Breakaway has the perfect blend of knowledgeable coaching and family atmosphere.”
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King Tiger Martial Arts
“This studio is great for a kid who wants to build character and learn values, but at the same time great for teens and adults who like to focus more on working out and keeping critical and technical.”
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Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Chesapeake
“I would show about 30 minutes before class for the noon class to stretch my injury riddled body and Greg and I had some pretty in-depth conversations as he picked up on my struggle pretty quick.”
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Chaos Jiu Jitsu
- Confidence
- Adult
- Games
“Not only does Professor Lynn come with an extensive knowledge base, but his passion for coaching and mentoring has been a positive influence in my family's life.”
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Coastal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Classes
- Train
- Skilled
“I was in Virginia Beach on vacay for Memorial Day weekend with my girlfriend, I emailed and asked if I can stop in for an open mat they said yes and it was such a great experience!”
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Applied Martial Arts Academy
“My children love this martial arts school, they are very excited and happy learning there, this makes me confident and proud to choose Applied Martial Arts Academy as a school for my children, great family, blessings”
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Hampton Roads Karate/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Chesapeake
- Classes
- Learn
“My grandchildren, Ally and Dylan have been students of Hampton Roads Jiu-Jitsu about 3 years now and it has done so much good for their self confidence.”
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Linxx Academy/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Virginia Beach
- Self-Defense
- Train
“Our son, who has Asperger's, ADHD and Intermittent Explosive Disorder, wanted to try martial arts and we thought that the combination of physical fitness and personal delvelopment taught in Muay Thai would be perfect for him.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Norfolk, VA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$184
Maximum cost
$552
National Average
$282
Avg Per Hour Rates
$74
$245
$380
Typical price range is based on 519 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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