Clark's Self Defense
“We had excellent instruction in self defense, with attentive instructors and very hands on learning so that we will be more confident.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Sarasota, FL
24 schools listed · 7 in Sarasota · 13 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Fellowship Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota
“If you're in (or close to) Sarasota and looking for an amazing school to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Fellowship should be your choice.”
Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Best gym in Sarasota, Professor Charles and the other coaches have so much real world experience and Knowledge.”
Raiz Jiujitsu Sarasota
“Couldn't ask for a better place to train and learn BJJ and MMA in the Sarasota area.”
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota Academy
“Took a free trial class tonight, was very impressed with the environment and overall vibe.”
Shuhari Martial Arts
“And while I enjoy each of them for different reasons, I can promise you, you will never find another instructor as passionate and knowledgeable as Mark Baker.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Sarasota, FL 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: Sarasota, FL
7 of the 24 schools we list are based in Sarasota; the other 17 serve Sarasota from towns including Bradenton (11 mi), Palmetto (13 mi) and St. Petersburg (32 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 1,332 reviews; 12 have 50 or more reviews and 23 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (94%), quality (89%) and communication (77%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "confidence". 13 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. Domain records put 14 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2003. 2 are family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 17 publish a contact page; 20 list a public email and 5 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.
Which course providers listed for Sarasota describe their courses online?
All 24 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
Suncoast Taekwondo & Yoga
“But I was very pleased to find that, in addition to skill, the experts here take such care for safety and truly focus on the individual.”
Kickin' It Karate & Fitness Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch FL
“They treat our kids as family and I always feel safe leaving my children in their care.”
Gracie Bradenton
“Great people, great vibes, and it's an amazing place to learn self defense.”
Olivera Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Academy
“Zach and Krissy are awesome and my son and daughter really enjoy jiu-jitsu and it's very helpful for them!”
Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo
“I also appreciate that the academy not only teaches the physical aspects of Taekwondo, but also teaches the philosophy of Taekwondo.”
No Limits Jiu Jitsu
“No Limits Jiu Jitsu, It's a amazing self defense gym, me and my kids been traning for many years there.”
North River Jiu Jitsu
“I couldn't be happier with this gym and highly recommend it for anyone on the fence.”
Ellenton Martial Arts & Self Defense Classes: Shim Shin Do
“A truly great place that teaches proper self defence and self improvement.”
Goshin Jujitsu of Lakewood Ranch
“My sons have caught on great and love going to class.”
Gladiator Dojo LLC
“He loves the martial arts and his students!”
Revolutionary Martial Arts & Fitness
“I Have been training in marital arts for over 12 years and have been to several martial arts schools and I have to say Revolutionary Martial Arts is one of the best I've had the pleasure in attending.”
Alliance Venice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team
“Easily the best school in the area with the best instruction and overall one of the best decisions I've ever made to continue my training here”
Nokido Ju-Jitsu
“I honestly could not ask for better and if you are unsure, it's as easy as asking your questions.”
Oh's Martial Arts
“It is so family oriented and he absolutely LOVES when he goes to class!!”
Bushido Karate Academy
“They create a family atmosphere, and Sensei Alaia is worthy of all the respect he demands of his students and then some.”
MA Fitness Kickboxing
“Doesn't feel like a workout even tho it is kicking your butt.”
Inside Control Academy
“Gabe Maldonado is a great instructor not to mention a cool dude, and he's got a crew with good attitudes that will give you some great rolls.”
Gracie Apollo Beach
“I'm a 3rd degree black with tons of experience and travel under my belt and I can tell that they have an excellent program for beginners, adults, discipline and getting a great workout!”
Why these companies made our list
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