Han Martial Arts
“What's more, what you learn here - focus, listening, trying (never quitting), practicing, discipline, respect, and self-control -- are foundational elements that help you in all aspects of life.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Oakland, CA
15 schools listed · 13 in Oakland · 11 open weekends · 14 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Bay Area Martial Arts
“The teachers know how to teach discipline and keep kids focused while also maintaining a fun, encouraging, and positive environment.”
BK Roots Fitness
“When I started, I was immediately impressed with how Mindy assessed my capabilities without judgement, and got me working in a way that's fun, encouraging, and results oriented.”
Six Blades Jiu Jitsu
“Professor Eduardo Rocha was amazing and I'm honored to have been able to train here.”
10th Planet Oakland Jiu Jitsu
“For the 5 months that I've been training jiu jitsu at 10th planet Oakland I can say I couldn't ask for a better gym and team mates to start this journey with 10/10 recommend to anyone who wants to hit the mats.”
Book onlineBook
Dominat10n Jiu Jitsu
“I discovered this gym through a friend and have been attending their women's self-defense class on Sundays whenever possible.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Oakland, CA 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: Oakland, CA
13 of the 15 schools we list are based in Oakland; the other 2 serve Oakland from Berkeley (7 mi) and San Francisco (13 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 794 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews and 14 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "confidence". 10 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. Domain records put 11 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 1 offers a free trial or consultation. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 11 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Oakland?
By email, and 11 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.
Four Elements Fitness
“There's sometimes guest instructors each month to learn from too and it makes it vary in if it's slower pace or faster pace and new skills to learn.”
Cuong Nhu Redwood Dojo
“My son has been going to the Redwood Dojo since he was 6 and he has absolutely loved it.”
Studio Naga Indo-American Martial Arts
“Poekoelan is such an amazing art and the community at Studio Naga is so welcoming and supportive”
KES Fitness
“He is in good, strong hands in learning grit, tenacity, determination, resiliency and shining his bright light on the world with the support and guidance of such an incredible mentor.”
Suigetsukan
“I studied Wing Chun here starting in 2008 and have found it to be a great place to train, with top notch teachers and great values.”
Frohm's Martial Arts
“We love Frohm's I wouldn't send my daughter any where else they are amazing they are passionate at what they do Chief May is the best a great guy that you can tell he loves working with the kids.”
Hand To Hand Kajukenbo Self
“I was here back in the 80's when Coleen had open sparring on Sunday's.”
Book onlineBook
Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“This place has the cleanest mats of any place I've been to, encouraging teammates even on days when you feel like you have the flexibility of a concrete block, and welcoming and patient coaches if you're new.”
Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
“It would be really hard to name everything that's amazing about this place but I want to highlight the amazing community and camaraderie, the serious work ethic, and the amazing instruction, and the broad variety of scheduling options that are available at this school.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
