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Capitol Jiu Jitsu
“, Capitol BJJ stands out as a gym that I highly recommend to anyone at any level for quality instruction, competitive yet safe environment, CLEAN facilities, and great people.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Sacramento, CA
24 schools listed · 8 in Sacramento · 18 open weekends · 22 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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Sacramento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Competition
- Train
- Black Belt
“They make sure that the “new guy” doesn't get lost in the mix, but is an active participant which makes the class very enjoyable and definitely educational amidst the demanding challenge of training with the best.”
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Eastern Ways Martial Arts
“I can't say enough, the owners are simply great people, the instructors are so easy to get along with and train with, the students are great training partners and you get to know them on a personal level, and the Sifus are second to none in every way...”
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Sacramento Jiu Jitsu Team Maxwell
- Black Belt
- Learn
- Train
“I was trying to feel my way around and take it slow as one usually does at a new location; the fellas didn't go too hard on me, but there's definitely a lot of skill on that mat.”
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Moore's Martial Arts of Sacramento
- Self Defense
“Our son was very shy and a bit nervous about being in a new environment but the instructor's are knowledgeable and passionate about their teachings, fellow students are kind and helpful with first time learning curves, all of this made our experience...”
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Maxwell Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Train
- Bjj
“I was having trouble with a variation of a move called the Berimbolo and he took the time during and after class to make sure I thoroughly understood it.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Sacramento, 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: Sacramento, CA
8 of the 24 schools we list are based in Sacramento; the other 16 serve Sacramento from towns including Carmichael (9 mi), Roseville (16 mi) and Elk Grove (11 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 3.6 to 5.0 across 1,088 reviews; 8 have 50 or more reviews and 22 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (96%), professionalism (82%) and communication (67%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 16 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 2 list staff certifications (CPR and NASM) and 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 15 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 78 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 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 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 Sacramento?
Many do. 8 of the 24 listed here sit in Sacramento and the others are within 20 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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Way of the Beast
“Over the last two years, I have been able to uncover and shed trauma, I have more control over myself and my surroundings, and am able to navigate the world with confidence without negotiating for my safety.”
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Natomas Academy
“I feel that self defense is a life skill that everyone should know along with learning how to swim and Taekwando does this in a safe and controlled environment.”
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Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu
- Son
- Train
- Team
“Jeremy has a TON of fun and I think it's refreshing for him to have a coach who is an extroverted and charismatic role model that he can look up to and learn from.”
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John Island Boxing & Development
“Through his instruction and guidance, not only have I learned boxing techniques and weight training skills, but he has also encouraged me to make lifestyle changes to improve my overall health.”
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THE Studio Martial Arts and Fitness
“I think that's a good thing - in one sense you can see what your child can potentially be in the future, and in another those instructors' loyalty further reassures how well the programs are ran.”
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Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Mats
- Learn
- Classes
“As for the Little Samurai's, Junior 1's and Junior 2's; these classes provide a safe, fun, and challenging environment for the kiddos to develop confidence, self respect, and respect for others.”
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Kang Taekwondo
“It is truly tough times due to the pandemic but Kangs ATA has done a fabulous job to provide a safe environment for my daughter to learn Tae Kwon Do, etiquette, and good manners towards others.”
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Nova Geração Davis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- Second Home
- Train
- Champions
“Michael provides personal, one-on-one level attention to each member during classes and we focus on the subtleties and micro adjustments needed for success on the mats.”
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Luka Fitness
- Life
- Boxing
- Goals
“Weather you want to build your skills in boxing, kickboxing, or over all physical fitness…his knowledge and understanding of how to get the most effective training for your personal goals is exceptional.”
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Team Andre Cia Paulista Sacramento
- Train
“Met Andre at many BJJ tournaments throughout the years, and his energy always made him stand out from the crowd, as a competitor, as a coach and as a referee.”
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Reid's Martial Arts
- Self Defense
- Kenpō
“My family has been taking Kenpo from Reid's Family Martial Arts in Carmichael since 2015.”
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Fair Oaks Family Taekwondo
- Individual
- Adults
- Team
“While watching Master Kropp instruct a few classes one afternoon, I was impressed with his mannerism and interactions with students as young as 5 to senior adults.”
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Rankins R Taekwondo LLC -Rcfamilytkdacademy
“I am glad to be a member of this martial arts center, it is an amazing awesome incredible experience and ton of knowledge, I strongly recommend for anyone it doesn't matter who you are.”
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Never A Victim (Nav)
“Self defense training for women and children by Master Linda Reid.”
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Quinn's Gym
“Kevin is such an honest and great guy to work with!”
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Iron Dragon Martial Arts Institute
“So people who want to know how to "fight" or "defend themselves" are often missing an important expectation when seeking out training - that their life and mindset must change in order to truly learn a martial art and become proficient at it.”
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Na Martial Arts
- Respect
- Skills
- To Learn
“What I like about this place is their professional skills, practicing good behavioral/discipline/respect/team work, and also making it fun for the little ones.”
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Infinite Jiu-Jitsu
- Confident
- Learn
- Environment
“These mentors are hard to come by, which is why we are willing to drive an hour an a half during weekdays AND weekends to have him teach our daughter who will be competing at the Golden State Jujitsu Tournament on 8/26/23.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Sacramento, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$186
Maximum cost
$558
National Average
$286
Avg Per Hour Rates
$75
$248
$385
Average price range is based on 396 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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