SBG Socal
“SBG SoCal is a great place for martial arts, they have class for all ages and a vast variety of styles for beginners all the way to advanced members who are looking to challenge and better themselves”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Pasadena, CA
15 schools listed · 9 in Pasadena · all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena
“Amazing staff, positive vibes and great programs for Fun Fearless Females and Guys ofcourse!”
Book onlineBook
Fitsport Kinetics
“They demand high level work from the kids but know how to keep them motivated and excited every session.”
Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena
“The Black Belt, Alex, was also very welcoming and he taught the class a good variety of technical, practical and efficient techniques.”
Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena
“Plus, the owner is not only incredibly nice but also boasts an impressive coral belt in jiu-jitsu, which speaks volumes about their expertise.”
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness
“The coaching staff are experts at de-mystifying the inner workings of martial arts, and they are able to bring advanced skillsets to your personal journey.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Pasadena, 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: Pasadena, CA
9 of the 15 schools we list are based in Pasadena; the other 6 serve Pasadena from towns including Burbank (11 mi), Los Angeles (16 mi) and South Pasadena (4 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 924 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "community". 14 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 7 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 54 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 2 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; 11 list a public email and 7 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 Pasadena?
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.
Krav Maga Unleashed
“I took the beginner class and had a really good time everyone super friendly.”
Book onlineBook
Valor Jiu Jitsu
“The gym was clean, well organized, and I appreciated the small touches like extra hair ties and hair dryer in the women's locker room.”
Book onlineBook
Groundworks Jiu Jitsu Academy
“His deep understanding of jiujitsu techniques is evident in the way he breaks down complex moves into manageable steps, ensuring that even beginners like myself can grasp them effectively”
American Kenpo Karate
“Online Zoom classes are a great way for me to practice techniques in a safe and socially distanced manner.”
Villari's Martial Arts Centers of Glendale
“He makes the classes not only upbeat and fun, but Master Heroian also stays in touch with what is going on in the area to make our training more practical for the streets.”
Book onlineBook
Foxy and Fierce Women's Kickboxing Bootcamp
“I've been coming to F&F for several years now, not only my physical well-being has improved but also my mental health because I truly enjoy coming to the space and I look forward to attending every single class.”
Inspire Martial Arts & Fitness
“And the exercise itself doesn't feel like such because they make you enjoy every minute and even want more.”
Like Water Jiu Jitsu
“This establishment is newer so classes are smaller for individual attention, membership pricing is reasonable (relative to the rest of LA), and the facility is clean.”
Legacy Burbank
“All the classes are amazing especially the Jiu Jitsu.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
