Best Self-Defense Classes near St. Louis, MO

2 of these schools are based in St. Louis; the others serve St. Louis from towns including Richmond Heights (4 mi), Maplewood (5 mi) and Brentwood (6 mi).

9 open weekends · 10 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 21, 2026

North Broadway Jiu Jitsu

North Broadway Jiu Jitsu

5.0 34 reviews
“Bryan is very knowledgeable and a great teacher I feel blessed to have him and his coaches teaching me the great art of Jiu Jitsu.”
Free trial classSince 2014
2324 Marconi Ave
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Axiom Martial Arts

Axiom Martial Arts

5.0 6 reviews
“We have noticed a huge difference in our son since starting Taekwondo”
50% off second studentSince 2017
11541 Gravois Rd
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BJJ Lifestyle Academy

BJJ Lifestyle Academy

4.9 48 reviews
“Coach Mike is so friendly and creates a nice and friendly environment.”
Free trial classCoupons & offersSince 2014
Belleville, IL · 13 mi from Saint Louis
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Jamma Jermaine Andre Mixed Martial Arts

Jamma Jermaine Andre Mixed Martial Arts

5.0 18 reviews
“If you want clear instruction, a priority for safety, and a personalized experience Jermaines place is the one for you.”
Coupons & offersSince 2020Prices online
Richmond Heights, MO · 4 mi from Saint Louis
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McArther's Tae Kwon Do & Fitness

McArther's Tae Kwon Do & Fitness

4.9 12 reviews
“He teaches the young ones respect, diginity, self control and excellent tae teacher.”
Trial class $10Coupons & offersFrom $110/moAges 5–12Since 1997Locally owned
Collinsville, IL · 12 mi from Saint Louis
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Book onlineBook
Gracie Barra Chesterfield Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense

Gracie Barra Chesterfield Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense

5.0 50 reviews
“We are happy with the trainers and thank them for their efforts they put on every individual, training them and making them learn new techniques which helps my kid stay focused.”
Free trial classAges 4–15Since 2011
Chesterfield, MO · 18 mi from Saint Louis
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Short self-defense courses listed for St. Louis, MO are spread across the 11 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: St. Louis, MO

The 11 schools on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 287 reviews; 2 have 50 or more reviews and 10 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 9 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 1997. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 11 of the schools on this page; 6 publish a contact page; 8 list a public email and 2 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 St. Louis?

Many do. 2 of the 11 listed here sit in St. Louis 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.

White Dragon Judo

White Dragon Judo

4.8 6 reviews
“I trained at the white dragon Judo club with sensei damon and had an excellent experience and learned a lot from my fellow Judokas.”
Coupons & offersSince 2005
Overland, MO · 8 mi from Saint Louis
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Tracy's Karate Studio

Tracy's Karate Studio

5.0 11 reviews
“The studio is celebrated their 50th year in business this year (2019) and trust me, they have knowledge beyond that.”
Coupons & offersSince 1969
Kirkwood, MO · 8 mi from Saint Louis
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Tracy's Karate Studio

Tracy's Karate Studio

4.6 15 reviews
“I have gotten to know all of the instructors as well (Drew, Bill, and Brad), and each one of them are friendly and know their stuff!”
Since 1973
Maryland Heights, MO · 12 mi from Saint Louis
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Blue Wave Life

Blue Wave Life

Free trial classAges 4–6Since 2016
Brentwood, MO · 6 mi from Saint Louis
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Shin-Gane Aikido Dojo

Shin-Gane Aikido Dojo

4.4 3 reviews
“I have trained with Sensei Mike Swederska for over ten years and can attest to his Aikido skill, passion for this Martial Art, and overall knowledge of Aikido including Japanese etiquette on the mat.”
Since 2010
Maplewood, MO · 5 mi from Saint Louis
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesMissouriSt. Louis, MO

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