Elite Child Development Academy
“My son has been going to Elite for the past 6 year and has grown tremendously.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Paterson, NJ
2 of these schools are based in Paterson; the others serve Paterson from towns including New York, NY (20 mi), Clifton (4 mi) and Saddle Brook (4 mi).
1 open 24/7 · 13 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 29, 2026
Martialist United
“What your kids will learn is much more than fighting; it's discipline, confidence and self control that will stay with them for the rest of their life.”
Rising Sun Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Would really recommene to anybody looking for jiu jitsu and other martial arts.”
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![Silver Fox Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy [saddle Brook]](http://cdn.distinguishedteaching.com/Assets/CL/US/profile/c/3a/691c31b014239b4654b5dfd60d7e93ac/IMG/5.jpg)
Silver Fox Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy [saddle Brook]
“High level instructions from an array of deadly blackbelts including the Fox himself.”
DP Martial Arts & Krav Maga Academy
“Also they've created a great class environment, it's so easy to look forward to class when you know all the classmates are supportive — definitely credit to the gym for instilling that.”
Modern Martial Arts
“His drills, beyond instilling a sense of confidence, is the best occupational therapy for those who need it.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Paterson, NJ 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: Paterson, NJ
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,287 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (95%), quality (93%) and communication (85%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 1 is open around the clock; 13 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 8 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2006. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 6 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 10 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.
Do the schools on this page travel out to Paterson?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Paterson 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.
Fabulous & Fearless
“I was a little nervous about doing a class through zoom, but within the few minutes of our session, I'd already learned more than I anticipated and by the end of it, I was thrilled with what she had taught me and felt way more confident in being able to defend myself.”
Remix MMA
“Great place to really learn how to fight from boxing the BJJ to MMA.”
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Legacy Boxing and Fitness LLC
“Coach Yess always pushes me to work hard and is incredibly supportive of my journey.”
NJ United Mixed Martial Arts
“The trust and respect you have for your training partners are built by culture created by the Jay and Mike.”
SD Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu NYC
“I've been training with Silvio and Mauricio for years now and their passion and love for the sport is unmatched.”
Renzo Gracie Academy
“Educational classes in a healthy environment by knowledgeable professors!”
Procel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Professor Brian is amazing and my 5 year old gained so much confidence ever since he started the journey in January of 2023.”
Immortals Jiu Jitsu
“Coach Mike was welcoming, warm and super helpful through the whole process of signing my wife and I up.”
JKD NYC
“I've been training with Chris for about a year and have had an amazing experience.”
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