Best Self-Defense Classes in Riverside, CA

15 schools listed · 9 in Riverside · 10 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 18, 2026

10TH Planet Jiu-Jitsu Corona

10TH Planet Jiu-Jitsu Corona

4.8 60 reviews
“I've visited a lot of gyms but this is by far my favorite gym I've been to.”
Since 2013
12391 Sampson Ave l
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Dave Hopkins Kung Fu San Soo

Dave Hopkins Kung Fu San Soo

4.7 50 reviews
“The personal instruction that we received allowed us to improve our skills during the 2 1/2 hour class and we all had so much fun.”
Since 1985
7001 Indiana Ave
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Book onlineBook
Self Defense Fit Lab

Self Defense Fit Lab

5.0 32 reviews
“As a recent attendee of the Woman's Self Defense Workshop, I would recommend this class as both informative and fun.”
Free trial classAges 5–14Since 2018
3421 Arlington Ave # 103
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Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy

Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy

5.0 33 reviews
“He breaks down the steps into small chunks of information so the students can digest it easily.”
Free trial classAges 3 and upSince 2009
3457 Arlington Ave Unit 108
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Allen Academy

Allen Academy

4.6 18 reviews
“The joy and learning my kids experience keep us looking forward to them going each week.”
Ages 3–153 instructorsSince 1998
10600 Magnolia Ave # E
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Riverside

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Riverside

4.7 22 reviews
“You want to learn the fundamentals of bjj or better your game come here”
Since 2017
Behind Star Dental, 6065 Magnolia Ave
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Short self-defense courses listed for Riverside, CA 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: Riverside, CA

9 of the 15 schools we list are based in Riverside; the other 6 serve Riverside from Corona (11 mi), Norco (9 mi) and Moreno Valley (11 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 801 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 10 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. Domain records put 8 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1999. 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; all 15 publish a contact page; 9 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 Riverside?

Many do. 9 of the 15 listed here sit in Riverside 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.

Book onlineBook
Flow Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Riverside

Flow Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Riverside

5.0 9 reviews
“It's been such a great experience that my youngest daughter is now coming to the youth classes, which are exceptional!”
Free trial classSince 2022
3600 Central Ave #3
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Original Grappler Training Center

Original Grappler Training Center

5.0 4 reviews
“Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this gym offers an incredible opportunity to learn from a true master of fighting”
Ages 4–15Since 2021Prices online
3685 Sunnyside Dr
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Riverside Submission

Riverside Submission

4.7 12 reviews
“Best kids jiu-jitsu in the IE family-oriented coaches are great children are great..”
Since 2007Cash only
10000 Indiana Ave suite 5
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Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts

Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts

4.9 81 reviews
“My kids have been coming for a year now and the instruction they get is top notch.”
Free trial classCoupons & offersAges 4 and up150,000+ students taughtSince 2011
Corona, CA · 11 mi from Riverside
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EDJ Academy HQ

EDJ Academy HQ

4.8 78 reviews
“The academy is the best, a safe, fun space to train!”
Free trial classAges 3–13Since 2021
Corona, CA · 11 mi from Riverside
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Checkmat Corona BJJ

Checkmat Corona BJJ

4.8 66 reviews
“Coaches and staff are amazing friendly and love to help adults and children!”
Since 2015Prices online
Corona, CA · 11 mi from Riverside
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Daniel Taylor Karate Training

Daniel Taylor Karate Training

5.0 27 reviews
“By far my favorite place for martial arts my son loves it and enjoys it.”
Since 2000
Moreno Valley, CA · 11 mi from Riverside
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Lowe's Martial Arts Academy

Lowe's Martial Arts Academy

5.0 20 reviews
“Master Lowes Karate is a great place to learn the instructors work with you to make sure you understand and succeed in the lessons.”
Coupons & offersSince 2014
Norco, CA · 9 mi from Riverside
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Black Belt Academy

Black Belt Academy

4.5 12 reviews
“My son Sammy just loves it he is a blue belt he loves this place.”
Trial class $99Since 2019
Norco, CA · 9 mi from Riverside
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesCaliforniaRiverside, CA

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