Peck's Taekwondo America
“I can't image that there is a better martial arts school for families of all ages”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Raleigh, NC
15 schools listed · 14 in Raleigh · 12 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
“Professor Boo is a great teacher and I'm having fun & learning a lot!”
Lee Brothers Martial Arts
“Definitely recommend if you're looking for a supportive martial arts school in Raleigh.”
Book onlineBook
Gracie Raleigh
“I was a little hesitant to start a martial art like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a little later in life, especially since I was unsure what the gym atmosphere would be like, and starting from scratch can be intimidating.”
Irongrip Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The Professor is a fantastic teacher who has built a solid community!”
Elite Fire Taekwondo
“The teachers are amazing and the lessons are challenging but kept safe and fun.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Raleigh, NC 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: Raleigh, NC
14 of the 15 schools we list are based in Raleigh; the other one serves Raleigh from Cary (10 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,824 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 12 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. 3 have 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. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 2 are 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; 14 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 4 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 Raleigh?
Many do. 14 of the 15 listed here sit in Raleigh and the others are within 15 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.
Quest Martial Arts Raleigh
“Their support and encouragement have made such a difference, and my daughter has absolutely soared.”
Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh
“Highly recommend BJJ to those wanting to learn a martial art and I can't think of a better place to train than here.”
Atos Brazilian JIU Jitsu Raleigh
“I was there for a little bit until work picked up, but the coach is awesome and the class is amazing.”
Raleigh Brazilian Jiujitsu and Muay Thai
“This is a teaching environment where respect and safety is stressed, and I'd recommend this gym to any woman ready to roll.”
Krav Maga Raleigh
“This is an awesome place to get your exercise and learn self defense techniques!”
Red Sun Academy
“I'd recommend Red Sun Academy for anyone, any age, who is looking to learn self defense or just wants to connect and create a new community.”
Geoff Balme's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Geoff is very likeable and a good instructor.”
Aikido of Raleigh
“The style is interesting and challenging, and the instructors are great and fun to learn from.”
G13 Brazilian JIU Jitsu HQ US
“So if you have any questions about a counter to a move or any questions in general, the instructor will have an answer or be able to give you an example of how it is used in the real world”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about schools in Raleigh
- “Our children have flourished under their leadership: one in gaining some much-needed confidence and the other learning more self-awareness and control.” — from a review of Peck's Taekwondo America
- “I had zero experience with Krav Maga and very little self-defense training, but I left feeling empowered and confident in my ability to protect myself if the need ever arises.” — from a review of Krav Maga Raleigh
- “I highly recommend training here if you are interested in self-defense, getting in shape, or simply learning something new.” — from a review of Irongrip Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- “If you're a beginner looking to learn some self-defense fundamentals, or if you're experienced and looking for a place to train, look no further.” — from a review of Krav Maga Raleigh
Excerpts from public reviews of the schools listed on this page.
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
