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Synthesis Brazilian Jiujitsu
- Learn
- Knowledge
- Culture
“I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get past their white belt nerves to take the leap into BJJ, or anyone with experience to train with some elite practitioners!”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Rochester, NY
22 schools listed · 10 in Rochester · 1 open 24/7 · 19 open weekends · all 22 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 19, 2026
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Rochester Kung Fu and Fitness
- Son
- Ninjas
- Character Education
“My little one arrived at the academy and didn't spoke any English, even though he is still learning he has never felt left out in the academy and the staff have helped him all the way!!”
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Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness
“Whether you're going to train to be fighter or just just coming as a hobby, you're going to get quality training from coaches that are experts in this field.”
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Samurai Martial Arts
“I found Tim to be extremely courteous and professional, in answering all my questions; offering a solution very quickly, without being too pushy about anything.”
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Rochester Personal Defense
- Permit
- Gun Safety
- Expertise
“Between the class, and the hands on (including more teachers), I feel much more comfortable moving forward and continuing with my practice after I get my permit, and a well put together class booklet to reference as well.”
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Mas Oyama's Muteki Kyokushin
- Confidence
- Adults
- Motivator
“He puts a positive pressure on me to push my limits in training which has resulted in me learning i am much stronger and more capable of what I imagined and i cant wait to see where this takes me.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Rochester, NY are spread across the 22 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: Rochester, NY
10 of the 22 schools we list are based in Rochester; the other 12 serve Rochester from towns including Fairport (11 mi), Hilton (12 mi) and Pittsford (7 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,256 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (93%), quality (88%) and communication (86%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 1 is open around the clock; 19 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 4 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 17 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 22 of the schools on this page; 18 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 7 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 Rochester?
By email, and 11 of the 22 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.
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Bedroc MMA
“There bottom line amazing there super friendly and they really invest in you my boyfriend and nephew have been going for a few months now and they love it never a dull moment they're always learning something new and the vibes you get from this place...”
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Nova Jiu Jitsu
- Train
- Craft
- Program
“The team mindset here creates an environment where you can come in as a newbie, without a clue how to move your body, and feel like everyone has your back (but not “taking” your back, yet, ha!”
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The Rochester T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center
“All credit for preventing this fall goes to the Rochester T'ai Chi Center and my excellent, patient teacher, John Wagner.”
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Northeastern Martial Arts
“Sensei Marty brings 40 plus years of martial arts experience to the table, and with his two sons ,Sensei's Matthew and Aaron , are always willing to help and are great teachers as well.”
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Faust's USA Karate
- Community
- Goal
- Self Control
“As someone who has never enjoyed group workouts, it was hard to feel comfortable initially, but from the youngest students to the most experienced instructors, I have been welcomed and encouraged- and it's a great work out as well!”
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Fairport Kung Fu
“You will learn more about the way your body moves and balance manipulation here than any other school in the area, not to mention some intense practical self defense techniques.”
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Agape Black Belt Center
“They're dedicated to teaching Taekwondo techniques (body) as well as nurturing the mind and the soul through character building of being respectful, humble, patient, confident, courteous and so much more!!”
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Williams Martial Arts Academy
“Even the more experienced children are respectful and patient with less experienced students which I think is a direct reflection of Williams martial arts as a whole.”
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Hilton Kyokushin Karate
“Love it”
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Kuk Sool Won of Greater Rochester
“Well behaved kids helped out at the end without even being asked.”
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Shiage Do Martial Arts
“The Senseis are great with instructing a class with many students at once and also giving individual instruction.”
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Leroy Karate & Self Defense Center
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USA Masters Academy
“The school I selected 6 years ago for training has blessed me with an extended family of instructors, students and parents who call themselves USA Masters Academy, I hope your journey will be as rewarding as mine has been.”
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Spar Self Defense
“I'd like to emphasize the WIDE variety of women in the class and the efforts the instructors make to ensure we are comfortable with what we are doing and guiding us through proper techniques.”
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Pride Martial Arts Academy
“* Community minded - From hosting fundraising events and encouraging kids to bring in their good report cards, to teaching classes at local schools and holding a "Parents' Night Out" on a regular basis, Pride recognizes that martial arts are just par...”
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Karate Ken's
- Discipline
“Best place possible for kids to learn discipline, manners, and get exercise.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Rochester, NY Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$183
Maximum cost
$549
National Average
$281
Avg Per Hour Rates
$74
$244
$378
Typical price range is based on 462 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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