Best Self-Defense Classes in Portland, ME

10 schools listed · 4 in Portland · 6 open weekends · all 10 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 19, 2026

Book onlineBook
Aikido of Maine

Aikido of Maine

5.0 13 reviews
“I want to thank Sensei Ania Small and the Aikido Of Maine's members great hospitality in welcoming me to their dojo.”
From $119/moBBB A+Since 2004
226 Anderson St
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Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Kids

Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Kids

5.0 35 reviews
“My daughter, 5, has gotten so much more comfortable with herself and how to deal with people in even just a few short months.”
Free trial classAges 4–16Since 2015
131 Johnson Rd
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Discovery Martial Arts

Discovery Martial Arts

4.9 30 reviews
“A very effective self-defense art, taught by people who genuinely care about you and want to get to know you as a person, not just as a martial artist.”
Free trial classSince 2018Prices online
34 Rainmaker Dr
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Prevention Action Change

Prevention Action Change

5.0 2 reviews
“I commend the intentionality of inclusivity in program offerings and highly recommend the work of this organization.”
Since 2014
15 Casco St
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Falmouth Martial Arts (Fma) Taekwondo For Kids

Falmouth Martial Arts (Fma) Taekwondo For Kids

5.0 3 reviews
“He's been teaching Martial Arts in Falmouth for over 10 years and everyone adores him!”
Since 2014
Falmouth, ME · 3 mi from Portland
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Villari's Self Defense Center

Villari's Self Defense Center

Scarborough, ME · 7 mi from Portland
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Short self-defense courses listed for Portland, ME are spread across the 10 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: Portland, ME

4 of the 10 schools we list are based in Portland; the other 6 serve Portland from towns including Falmouth (3 mi), Scarborough (7 mi) and Topsham (24 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 270 reviews; 2 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "community" and "skills". 6 are open on Saturdays. 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 1999. We have a website on file for 9 of the schools on this page; 6 publish a contact page; 7 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.

How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Portland?

By email, and 7 of the 10 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.

Brunswick Martial Arts Academy Inc.

Brunswick Martial Arts Academy Inc.

5.0 16 reviews
“They understand that they are just children but they don't let them get away with anything either!”
Since 1991
Topsham, ME · 24 mi from Portland
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Book onlineBook
Kevin Watson Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Kevin Watson Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

4.5 40 reviews
“Everyone from the staff to the students is nothing but friendly and welcoming.”
Free trial class4 instructorsSince 2010
Dover, NH · 47 mi from Portland
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Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

4.6 12 reviews
“They're also constantly working to learn more, do things better, more effectively.”
Since 2012
Lewiston, ME · 31 mi from Portland
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Port City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Port City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

5.0 42 reviews
“Welcoming coaches, great training partners (had 2 women in both classes and everyone took care of each other).”
Since 2011
Newington, NH · 48 mi from Portland
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesMainePortland, ME

Why these companies made our list

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