Paradise Valley School Of Karate
“My son has been attending for a year and he's grown in so many ways (Confidence, strength and balance).”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Phoenix, AZ
24 schools listed · 18 in Phoenix · 21 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Strong Heart Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
“My son who is 9 and 1st time trying this was welcomed with open arms and is developing greatly.”
One Love Grappling Arts
“Nothing but humbleness from experienced souls who help and break down ever single difficult technique, and who push you to not give up.”
Exodus Jiu-Jitsu
“It is a family atmosphere where one feels welcome the moment they walk in either of their two locations.”
12th Street Jiu-Jitsu
“Jose will literally give you the shirt off his back to help you out.”
Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix
“From teaching fundamentals of karate to life lessons he breaks it down in ways that the little ninjas can appreciate.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Phoenix, AZ 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: Phoenix, AZ
18 of the 24 schools we list are based in Phoenix; the other 6 serve Phoenix from towns including Scottsdale (15 mi), Tolleson (14 mi) and Tempe (16 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,570 reviews; 9 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (97%), quality (95%) and communication (89%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 20 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 14 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 44 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 23 of the schools on this page; 17 publish a contact page; 15 list a public email and 6 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 Phoenix describe their courses online?
23 of the 24 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.
Fusion Self Defense
“An outstanding place to learn self-defense and so much more from exceptional instructors.”
Sol BJJ
“The curriculum and learning experience is highly beneficial to new and experienced students.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
“The kids in class have clearly been taught respect and discipline in a fun and nurturing environment, allowing each student to realize their full potential.”
Forte Jiu Jitsu
“Amazing place, with great vibes and instructors who really take the time to teach you the techniques and thoroughly explain them.”
Karstadt Taekwon-Do ITF
“Our son has been training with Master K for a couple of years now, and his TKD training at Karstadt has improved his flexibility, strength, focus, and discipline.”
Loco Dojo
“Loco dojo is a great choice of discipline and combat training with Sensei Dan as a reliable with fun resources”
Megaton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Everyone was friendly and welcoming even though they were getting ready for the worlds competition and megaton personally shared some time with me, very humble and very confidence inspiring.”
Mountainside Martial Arts Center
“The founder of the dojo, Sensei Rick has done a tremendous job of working with his students (and their parents) to grow as confident, respectful, capable people.”
TSF Self Defense Systems
“The best constellation of the most practical effective arts to master self defense .”
Inner Circle Protection and Defense
“I signed up for the beginner stage 1 pistol training course & I learned so much & feel so much more confident w my protection.”
Like Minded Jiu-Jitsu
“I've been attending Like Minded Jiu Jitsu for an over a year and I can't imagine myself going anywhere else.”
Wheeler's Taekwon-Do School of Self Defense
“Wheeler is patient and teaches my boy about respect , confidence and self defense.”
Evkm Self Defense & Fitness
“The instructors take time to explain and help you understand what and why you are learning.”
Ki-Senshi Martial Arts
“It is the place where you find your strength and weakness.”
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
“While learning karate and having FUN, they also cover important life lessons about respect, discipline, kindness, bullying prevention, helping others, fighting poverty etc.”
Maui Saito Ninjitsu
“I would highly recommend his class to teach your daughters and sons easy to learn moves that could save their lives!”
10th Planet Scottsdale Jiu Jitsu
“If you're looking to get started or to advance your skills further, I'd strongly recommend that you check this place out for the great vibes and solid training.”
Sardinha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I'm in my 40s and I don't know how long my Jiu Jitsu "career" is going to last, but with Professor Sardinha's knowledge and his SUPER helpful team guiding me, I'm going to take it as far as I can.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
