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City Boxing
“The community in the gym feels like a family, go there enough and you will learn peoples names and be greeted, this atmosphere makes it less daunting for newbies to come in”
Best Self-Defense Classes in San Diego, CA
24 schools listed · 23 in San Diego · all 24 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Full Potential Martial Arts Academy
- Feel
- Confident
- Shape
“In the studio, we are learning much more than Self Defense; we are learning Self Respect, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, and learning how to move our bodies in a powerful, nimble, and graceful way.”
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10th Planet San Diego Jiu Jitsu and Training Center
- Self Defense
- Striking
- Community
“Manolo is more than a hall of famer in San Diego who does professional matchmaking to give you the opportunities people dream of but he truly cares about your well being as a person and not just a fighter.”
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THE Arena
“Such an amazing place, with all the different martial arts available at different times through out the day and the clean facilities and gym it really should cost more.”
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Swiftkick Martial Arts San Diego
- Class
- Confidence
- Parents
“Any difficulty your child may be having at home or at school the staff will do all they can to support your child as well as you as a parent to help your child be the best they can be”
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Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ
“Professors Andre, Lucas and Andy were welcoming, helpful and provided amazing instruction that was broken down in a way that was easy to understand and they always made sure you understood the "why?"”
Short self-defense courses listed for San Diego, 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 Diego, CA
23 of the 24 schools we list are based in San Diego; the other one serves San Diego from San Marcos (21 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 4,340 reviews; 22 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (88%), professionalism (86%) and communication (72%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "knowledge". All 24 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 4 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 17 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 74 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 5 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 21 publish a contact page; 16 list a public email and 13 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 San Diego?
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.
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Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense
- Confidence
- Skills
- Understand
“The lead instructors Yuri & Veronica are excellent at explaining concepts and exercises and building upon a solid foundation, but that doesn't preclude someone new from jumping in at any point and having a great experience.”
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Rada Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Classes
- Environment
- Adults
“Professor Eduardo, Rafael, and Felipe all create an amazing experience for the students and are building a community rooted in character, resilience, and fun here in La Jolla.”
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White Tiger Kung Fu
- Qigong
- System
- Sifu
“For those who are serious or recreational, for those who are experienced or novices, for those who want hard training and/or soft training, from sparring and forms, weapons, to Tai Chi, herbs and qigong (internal and external).”
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Soca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu San Diego
- Environment
- Classes
- Facility
“Whether you are young or old (like me) experienced or inexperienced , SBJJ is a place you can comfortably grow in the art and see progress on & off the mat.”
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Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Environment
- Mats
- Black Belts
“After a 15-20 min warmup we completed a series of guard passing drills that, while pretty fundamental, helped get me out of a horrible funk I'd been in preceding my visit.”
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Odyssey Training Center San Diego
- Environment
- Learning
- Muay Thai
“The combination of knowledgeable instructors, supportive community, comprehensive curriculum, excellent facilities, and additional training opportunities make it stand out among others.”
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Legion American Jiu Jitsu San Diego
- Seminar
- Desk
- Culture
“Shout out to coach MIHA for signing me up and coaches Austin and Mike on the beginner course on teaching the foundation of the techniques to improve and have fun and skills in case to”
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Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Pacific Beach
“Professor Gustavo, Professor Leo, and the other coaches have clearly fostered a community that emphasizes acceptance, kindness, and hospitality because I immediately felt like part of a team.”
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99 Jiu-Jitsu HQ
- Competition
- Professor
- Team
“Not the largest or the most flashy jiu jitsu gym in San Diego but you'd be hard pressed to find a friendlier environment and better quality instruction.”
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West Coast Martial Arts Academy
“Students are provided opportunities to develop character traits and positive social skills that will help them to be successful at school and in the community.”
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San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
“Much bigger and cleaner facility, multiple arts to train in, ALLOT more classes and opportunity to train, a fantastic kids program that my daughter is excited to go to, more passion for the community, and more experience.”
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Victory MMA & Fitness
- Shape
- Jiu Jitsu
- Puppy
“Thank you to the owner for letting us get work in while we were far from home and letting us train during fight week, the gym honestly exceeded my expectations I hope to be back the next time I'm in San Diego”
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Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“If you are looking for a brazilian jiu jitsu academy that feels like a family, filled with friends, having fun learning practical high level techniques for all ages, stop because you have just found it.”
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Freestyle Martial Arts
“He is gaining so much more than just the physical skills and strength- the instructors focus on public speaking, paying attention in school and community involvement.”
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Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego
“Came down to visit a friend and get some extra knowledge from his teachings and was pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming the owner, his staff, and his students were.”
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The Training Center
- Morning
- Jiu Jitsu
- Knowledge
“The facility is spotless, mats always fresh, equipment top-tier, space is raw and energy always uplifting with music and coaches pushing people to perform.”
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North Park Jiu Jitsu Academy
- Environment
- Train
- Atmosphere
“My journey at North Park Jiu Jitsu began a year ago when I was first introduced to BJJ as a means of managing my health, diabetes in particular, while learning the art of self defense.”
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White Dragon Martial Arts
“All staff at White Dragon Clairemont have been respectful, understanding, and helpful from the beginning in navigating our family's complicated dynamic, enabling my hesitant 10 year old son to explore Kung-Fu and grow to love it.”
Self-Defense Training Services in San Diego, CA Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$188
Maximum cost
$562
National Average
$287
Avg Per Hour Rates
$75
$250
$387
Typical price range is based on 507 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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