Crossfit BNI
“Fantastic facilities, great equipment, family environment, great programming, and coaches that look after you every time and help you improve everyday.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Riverview, FL
1 of these schools is based in Riverview; the others serve Riverview from towns including Tampa (15 mi), Lithia (6 mi) and Apollo Beach (7 mi).
19 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Fight Team LLC
“Solid gym that accommodates fitness enthusiasts as well as fighters, well equipped, top notch motivating coaching, multi time award winning competition team especially San shou but also Kick boxing and mma, licensed/ dedicated coaching that travels a...”
J. Park Martial Arts
“A great school that keeps the traditional feel of spirit of its martial arts while still openly embracing the ever evolving landscape of the combat world.”
Gracie PAC MMA
“Over all my child who is the most shy person in the world is now making friends and her confidence has gone through the roof and they teach them life lesson as well.”
Elevate Martial Arts South Tampa
“My grandson was first Shy and the beginning with come here but now he have met new friends and he enjoy coming here now I couldn't pick a better place for him to come for camp.”
South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
“The people & energy in this gym is unmatched and I'm looking forward to continue learning BJJ & Muay Thai in their new martial arts school opening soon 💪🏼”
Short self-defense courses listed for Riverview, FL 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: Riverview, FL
The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 2,209 reviews; 18 have 50 or more reviews and 23 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (89%), professionalism (86%) and communication (80%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 18 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 15 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 53 years. 4 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; 16 list a public email and 8 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 Riverview?
By email, and 16 of the 24 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.
Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ
“I started my jiujitsu journey here in September of 2021, and have now participated in just about every class that they offer, including striking and wrestling.”
Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
“With how many different schools there are it can be hard to choose one, but if you want to learn authentic kung-fu, tai chi, and/or sanda, there is no better place.”
Gracie Apollo Beach
“Coach Erin is a tremendous role model for our girls and she has gone above and beyond to empower the women in our community by even providing free self defense training.”
Tampa Bay Martial Arts Academy
“Master Solomon also teaches weapons defense, kickboxing, karate, grappling, etc.”
Caridian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“If you're looking for a gym with an environment in which everyone is there to support you and help you grow, as well as challenge you, this is the place to be.”
Carlson Gracie Plant City
“The facility is very spacious, super clean (The bathrooms were so clean I thought they used toothbrushes on the toilets) and there's plenty of opportunities for open training, private lessons, and structured classes.”
Victory Martial Arts Academy Apollo Beach
“I don't think we will ever leave this place lol We're a Victory Martial Arts family and I welcome you to try this place out as I know you won't want to leave!”
Chris Welbon Karate Clubs
“Chris is VERY personable and his staff Raymond & Brian (my favorites) are extremely helpful and approachable and have really tried to help my daughter succeed and become a better person...”
Gracie Fishhawk Jiu Jitsu
“Each and every time, the owner supported my decisions, encouraged me, but most importantly, he enthusiastically welcomed me back each time, as if it were my first time on the mat!”
Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I Have a 4 year(Boy)old and a 6 year(Girl) along with myself train here, and o can say I'm honored to call this place our home away from home and proud to be part of the family at Wolf pack BJJ.”
Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy
“The instructors don't just teach the ways of Aiki-Jujutsu, they instill a sense of belonging and brotherhood, while at the same time making everything they do interesting, pleasant and challenging for the students.”
Freestyle Muay Thai
“The facility is clean, everyone on the weight floor social distances and keeps the equipment clean and sanitized and the staff are all friendly and welcoming.”
Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Carrollwood
“Good morning I have to say the yellow belt ceremony was absolutely fantastic and all the different types of techniques that were showing to us is very interesting and unique I have to say my daughter is taking a great interest in doing what she does ...”
Heimberger's Martial Arts
“The staff is friendly, the instructors are there every class, and they make you work hard for your next belt and not just give them away like other places.”
Bushido Karate Academy
“We have only been attending for a few months, but in those months I have watch my son really grow in wanting to atleast try even if he does not succeed the first time.”
MA Fitness Kickboxing
“Recently, I decided to try something different because the same old type of gyms and workouts were boring, unchallenging, and the results came along too slowly.”
Inside Control Academy
“I have been to a few different jiu jitsu schools in the area and I was blown away by the skill level of everyone in the class which says a lot about the instructors.”
Hellman's Mixed Martial Arts
“He continuously improves his curriculum to accommodate the highest level of expertise, to those with less than basic knowledge of self defense and MMA.”
Why these companies made our list
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