The Jiu Jitsu Company
“I highly recommend JJC; if you are looking for high quality instruction with a supportive community, this is an ideal place to learn and grow.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Philadelphia, PA
15 schools listed · 13 in Philadelphia · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 30, 2026
Focus Karate
“For the past year my son(kenzy) has been attending this school and I am so pleased with the results.”
Water and Rock Studio
“Working with Jay on a healthy life balance has been a great add on feature unique to this studio.”
Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
“Its a great place to learn and make new friends the instructors are very friendly and good teachers”
Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu
“I wanted a non-pretentious place where I can study the art with people that have no ego, want you to learn, and are very friendly.”
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Shorty's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“In conclusion, if you're in Philadelphia and looking to either start or continue your Jiu Jitsu training, Shorty's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu should be your go-to place”
Short self-defense courses listed for Philadelphia, PA 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: Philadelphia, PA
13 of the 15 schools we list are based in Philadelphia; the other 2 serve Philadelphia from Cherry Hill Township, NJ (10 mi) and Ambler (11 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,395 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "facilities" and "knowledge". 14 are open on Saturdays and 8 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 10 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 46 years. 1 is 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; 12 list a public email and 3 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.
Which course providers listed for Philadelphia describe their courses online?
All 15 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
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Daniel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
“But more importantly, you'll make lifelong friends with people of all walks of life - the only common thread being a shared passion and love for the sport.”
Commando Krav Maga and Diamond Mixed Martial Arts
“Professor Diamond is an awesome and attentive instructor who provides a great environment for learning many kinds of martial arts.”
Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
“Wide range of skill and sizes, very cordial and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and they even have showers which tends to be pretty rare in my experience.”
Diverse Body Sculpturing Inc
“If you are looking for a full body workout in a clean and professional environment, this company is must try.”
Booth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“They treat you like family, not a paying customer.”
Semper Fi Academy
“I have loss at least 50 pounds from the woman's cardio kick boxing class!”
Philadelphia Aikido
“I believe everybody should consider learning SOME basic self-defense skills in their lives, but this is a place that you just might have so much fun doing it that you'll surprise yourself by how far you end up rising through the ranks!!”
Beacon Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness
“Great gym that caters to beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes!”
Ataraxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
“The head instructor, Randy, is extremely knowledgeable and I thoroughly enjoy how informal (in a good way) he structures his classes.”
Why these companies made our list
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