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Powerhouse Gym Elite
- Martial Arts
- Dogs
- Personal Trainer
“Prior to joining, I did a fair amount of research on other local gyms (equipment, atmospheres, staff, parking and prices) this by far met my expectations and more.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Redwood City, CA
3 of these schools are based in Redwood City; the others serve Redwood City from towns including San Mateo (6 mi), Hayward (12 mi) and Fremont (13 mi).
23 open weekends · 22 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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Peninsula Self Defense
- Mat
- Learn
- Train
“The instructors show care and compassion for each person and really I cannot express enough the heart that is in everyone here, including fellow gym members.”
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Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Best instructors!”
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10th Planet Daly City
- Skilled
- Yoga
- Muay Thai
“If you're looking for a place to train or learn jiu jitsu, muay thai, or mma, 10th Planet Daly City has some of the best facilities and instructors around.”
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United Studios of Self Defense
- MMA
“We highly recommend this dojo, and especially appreciate the generous attention and flexible scheduling you receive from the different instructors, each of whom bring their own specialized strengths, backgrounds, and expertise to the floor.”
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Systema San Francisco/Norcal Self Defense
Short self-defense courses listed for Redwood City, CA 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: Redwood City, CA
23 of the 24 schools on this page have a rating, from 4.2 to 5.0 across 931 reviews; 3 have 50 or more reviews and 22 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "community" and "skills". 23 are open on Saturdays and 8 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 17 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 45 years. 1 offers a free trial or consultation and 6 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 17 list a public email and 9 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 Redwood City?
Many do. 3 of the 24 listed here sit in Redwood City and the others are within 25 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.
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Impact! Kickboxing Fitness
- Trainers
- Self Defense
- Bags
“The instructors I had were so helpful and welcoming (Erik, Erika, Jinnia, Grace, and Kenny) and fellow students and front desk staff were kind and motivated.”
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo
- Kickboxing
- Atmosphere
- Competitor
“Before I joined I was really worried about finding a place that had a good balance between being "good with kids" while not sacrificing the quality and rigor of teaching an effective martial art.”
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Karate For Kids Programs/ Martial Arts America
“He emphasizes focus and attention in his teaching and I learn something new in every one of his classes, whether it's a new variation on technique or a better way to execute it.”
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Evolve Training Center
“Once the lockdown is over, this place is second to none as a gym for the family and for the individual who wants serious martial arts training with top notch instructors and staff.”
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Bay Area Fight Academy
“The first couple of weeks I came out sore, but as he taught me how to lift and position my body while performing various exercises, I became knowledgeable enough to safely perform them on my own.”
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Thrive Jiu Jitsu
- Confident
- BJJ
- Train
“I am impressed with Thrive's work with children, I have two daughters who train there, and we are very happy because they learn much more than just jiu jitsu.”
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Daruma Dojo
- Team
- Train
- BJJ
“It's more than just a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and basic self-defense; it's a community where knowledge and skills are shared with enthusiasm and respect”
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Smash Gyms Sunnyvale
“Conveniently located in Silicon Valley, the gym is well-equipped with plentiful parking to support its exceptional array of classes--Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Strength & Conditioning, Zumba, Kickboxing, MMA, Kid's Martial Arts, etc.”
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Aikido by the Bay
- Community
- Self Defense
- Skills
“The adult classes are great for all ages (our newest member is 70yo) and backgrounds (I danced ballet for 26 years), no previous martial arts experience required.”
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Marco Nascimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I am very impressed with the instructors they have, not only have Rafael and Daniel been amazing with my children, but they have also been patient with me, and I really appreciate that!”
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Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- Learn
- Self Confidence
- Discipline
“I've been to a several local Jiu Jitsu academies and this one is by far the best for both kids and adults.”
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Saiko Fitness and Martial Arts
- Strength Training
- Judo
- Professor
“The women of the group are beyond supportive of each other in building each other up and instilling a collaborative community that is hard to find anywhere.”
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Edge Training Center
“The emphasis on safety is evident in every class, and coupled with the humble and friendly demeanor of all the students, it creates a truly exceptional experience.”
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Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“If you live in San Mateo or are staying in the area for a while and you are interested in BJJ, I would strongly recommend you to at least make a visit to the gym, say hello and try a class.”
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Bay Area Capoeira Jiu Jitsu
- Classes
- Wealth
- Environment
“The coaches are passioned about sharing their love for the martial arts, fostering a warm, inclusive environment, making every student feel valued and motivated.”
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Koa Fitness
- Community
- Mats
- Muay Thai
“The crossfit coach Thomas is super personable and really takes the time to get to know your strengths and areas of growth and recommends the proper modifications or scaling for whatever the workout is that day.”
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Bill Grossman's School of Kenpo Karate
“A family operation empowering local SSF youth and more!”
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East West Kungfu Academy
- Championships
- Gold Medal
- Silver Medal
“My son joined this place 3 years ago and he liked it because the Ku Fu master is kind and really taking his time to teach them to move to a higher level.”
Why these companies made our list
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