Revolution BJJ
“I want to say an extra thank you to Stu who seems to have an eagle eye for technique and breaking things down in a unique way that can be understood.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Richmond, VA
15 schools listed · 7 in Richmond · 11 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
Richmond Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy
“Trey and the other coaches have nurtured a brilliant training environment which allows less experienced individuals to feel comfortable as they progress in such a brilliant sport.”
Top Game Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Coach Chris and the team made my teenage son feel very welcome.”
Action Reaction Jiu Jitsu Academy
“I highly recommend whether your new to bjj or a black belt Action Reaction can give you what you need”
CSC RVA
“This place is great, my 5 year is learning and the teachers are great at working with him while keeping him in line.”
Mongrel Martial Arts
“If you want something to improve your overall life, this is it and there's no better place than Mongrel”
Short self-defense courses listed for Richmond, VA 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: Richmond, VA
7 of the 15 schools we list are based in Richmond; the other 8 serve Richmond from Henrico (8 mi), Mechanicsville (9 mi) and Midlothian (10 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,070 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 11 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 9 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 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; 8 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.
Do the schools on this page travel out to Richmond?
Many do. 7 of the 15 listed here sit in Richmond 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.
Martial Arts World Henrico
“My son loved summer camp so much that he begged me to enroll him in the after school program.”
804 Jiu-Jitsu
“Everyone was very welcoming, and the gym has a super safe and positive atmosphere with excellent instruction.”
Phoenix Fitness & Martial Arts
“The staff is very friendly and welcoming and they are extremely knowledgeable on physical training.”
Martial Arts of West End
“Master Hubley is a gifted instructor that cares deeply for his students and his craft.”
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Practical Rights Of Self-Defense
“Great instructor, small class so very I formational and he works with each of the participants.”
Richmond Traditional Martial Arts
“Not only is my son learning taekwondo, he's also learning discipline, respect, and perseverance.”
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Academy of Kung Fu
“Sifu not only masterfully teaches kung fu but also incorporates the principles of wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu, demonstrating how Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) techniques effectively respond to these styles”
Martial Arts World Glen Allen
“Great instructors in a wonderful family oriented place to relieve stress and learning and if they like to say a place where you can become a life champion”
Heritage Self-Defense
“I think he's someone who is always developing his art and has alot to share.”
Why these companies made our list
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