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West Coast Martial Arts Academy
“There is a really great sense of community between the staff, students, & parents - it's a very encouraging & warm environment to learn/ train/ practice martial arts!”
Best Self-Defense Classes near San Clemente, CA
2 of these schools are based in San Clemente; the others serve San Clemente from towns including Laguna Hills (11 mi), San Marcos (33 mi) and San Juan Capistrano (4 mi).
1 open 24/7 · 23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
“For someone who had never stepped on the mat or imagined doing Jiu Jitsu, this academy has provided a space where I could push my boundaries, train consistently, and immerse myself into a new martial art.”
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Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Clemente
- Tournament
- Felt
- Train
“Super friendly vibes, awesome professors, challenging rolls, and the best part--tons of high level black belts with a genuine desire to help the lower belts grow.”
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Ussd Martial Arts San Clemente
- Community
- Boys
- Confident
“But seriously, I believe that there's not a single person who wouldn't benefit from the training we do and the inclusiveness and fellowship (ladies too!”
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NRK Karate
- Physical Activity
- Kids
- Adults
“Renshi Mc Cammon is excellent with both kids and adults alike (I've now been attending myself for over a year), providing the perfect balance of expertise and excitement for everyone.”
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OC Training Studio
- Tai Chi
- Aikido
“Its a great place with great people!”
Short self-defense courses listed for San Clemente, 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: San Clemente, CA
The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,054 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (100%), professionalism (98%) and communication (80%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "confidence" and "atmosphere". 1 is open around the clock; 23 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 14 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2004. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 2 are family- or locally-owned and 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; 14 list a public email and 9 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 San Clemente?
Many do. 2 of the 24 listed here sit in San Clemente and the others are within 45 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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Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy
- Learning
- Krav Maga
- Sensei
“He worked with him, and made time for him, met him where he was at, communicated what was they were going to be doing, had expectations of him and was respectful of his needs.”
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Walensky Jiu-Jitsu
- Professor
- Skill
- People
“I love to see the progress my kids have made thanks to the skill Brandon has with teaching.”
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Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Health
- Feel
- Sifu
“I had the opportunity to study with Sifu Williss prior to opening Dragon & it made an immeasurable impact on me and my work as well as family relations.”
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OC Fitness Coach Inc.
“Dan and the team have been extremely supportive in every way that I've needed, and have made what can seem to be a scary and difficult jump easier, less stressful, and more attainable.”
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Laguna Hills
- Gracie Family
- Mentor
- Black Belt
“If you're looking for a jiu-jitsu gym that offers top-notch instruction, a supportive community, and a clean environment, look no further than Gracie Laguna Hills.”
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Optimus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Life
- Train
- Area
“His passion for JJ is felt in every detail of the academy, from the beautiful and clean atmosphere to the quality and professionalism of his instructors.”
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Therapeutic Martial Arts
“It is a good place for children...”
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Lockhart's Karate Academy
- Ability
- Behavior
- Fun
“It's a great and highly recommend place where you can find lots of other interesting activities and programs for your kids, for example, Friday movie nights, summer camp, etc.”
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Cho's Academy
- Yoga
- Belt
- Studio
“Cho's Academy in Laguna Beach is the greatest place I have ever trained at, I used to get caught with chokes, leg locks, and arm bars while rolling in Juijitsu.”
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Peaceful Warrior Jiujitsu and Fitness
- Confidence
- Skills
- Equipment
“Great gym , mats are always clean and the people treat you like family, along with great instruction from great coaches that encourage you to compete and become a better.”
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Mountain Taekwondo
- Respect
- Principles
- Lessons
“Our son joined Mountain Taekwondo 2 years ago and has gained so much confidence, self control and discipline, but most of all he likes to go there and has a lot of fun, it's like his second family.”
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Laguna Beach Dojo
- Community
- Studio
- Confidence
“I haven't just been taught how to defend myself, I've been able to grow more than I ever thought was possible, more than I even realized that I needed.”
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Classic Boxing Coach
- Fitness
- Craft
- The Atmosphere
“What's really eye-opening is each time I feel like I'm getting the hang of it, I'm introduced to something new, which makes me realize how much more there is to learn.”
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South Orange County Martial Arts Academy
- Kung fu
- Belts
- Learn
“My six-year-old grandson has been attending this school for two years now, and has greatly improved in focus, concentration, strength, sportsmanship, and kung fu technique.”
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Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy OC
- Taekwondo
- Culture
- Life
“In an age where many are treated with "kid gloves", children who have been challenged both physically and mentally have an incredible advantage and are much more capable of handling life”
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Black Belt Academy
- Teach
- Discipline
- Self Confidence
“Punch), if they need that sensation of flipping over a foam board, if they need to feel that jolt of a kick and not freak out, if they need a TKD teacher that supports them as a dad would, this hole in the wall thank the good lord we found him teache...”
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Subfighter MMA
“Ive been doing martial arts for years now, going to different gyms and traveling around OC trying out different gyms and subfighter will always be my first pick after discovering it, it fits into your desired schedule, has a variety of classes, great...”
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Grappler's Studio
“Very nice gym, I train here almost every day, the coaches and members here are very nice, always supportive and motivational during practices and competitions.”
Self-Defense Training Services in San Clemente, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$163
Maximum cost
$489
National Average
$250
Avg Per Hour Rates
$66
$218
$337
Fair price range is based on 273 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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