Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
“Mr Boggs not only helped me feel mass amounts of confidence in my self defense skills, but helped enhance the confidence in my own self as a young women.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Scottsdale, AZ
15 schools listed · 12 in Scottsdale · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Maui Saito Ninjitsu
“Master Maui did an awesome job leading the kids in interactive and super fun activities and getting everyone involved!!”
Book onlineBook
10th Planet Scottsdale Jiu Jitsu
“Steeyle's technical knowledge with grappling is amazing and he is doing really great things in the AZ jiu jitsu community.”
Reality Defense Training
“I feel much more confident about my ability to defend myself now than I did before completing the course.”
Kiko France BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
“As a 5th degree black belt, his knowledge is of the highest caliber but also his teaching style and patience is what sets him apart.”
Legacy Martial Arts of Scottsdale AZ
“My son enjoys his time in class, and I appreciate Master C's humor and communication.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Scottsdale, AZ are spread across the 15 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: Scottsdale, AZ
12 of the 15 schools we list are based in Scottsdale; the other 3 serve Scottsdale from Phoenix (15 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 816 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (83%), quality (83%) and value (80%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 12 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 7 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 14 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 3 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 Scottsdale?
Many do. 12 of the 15 listed here sit in Scottsdale 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.
Alpha Krav Maga Scottsdale
“I've been going to classes for four years now and Sam is the best.”
Integrative Wing Chun Phoenix
“Patient and knowledge, Ivan is an amazing Wing Chun and Balintawak instructor and teacher.”
Element Jiu Jitsu
“Best gym to get good training partners and a unbelievably intelligent and inspiring coach.”
Cactus Jiu Jitsu Academy
“I would highly recommend giving them a try if you are interested in learning self defense.”
Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts & Healing Center
“I have taken women's self defense classes and the cardio kickboxing classes at Peaceful Warrior.”
The Martial Way
“Grand Master Bell and his amazing instructor, with his history of diverse martial arts and his ability to focus and develop the best is second to none, truly amazing instructor!”
Book onlineBook
Strong Heart Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
“We started our son at Strong Heart about a month ago and have been really impressed with the establishment.”
Book onlineBook
Exodus Jiu-Jitsu
“Amazing experience and coaching from Jason, creates such a positive vibe and welcoming environment for all.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
“In conclusion, if you're searching for a top-notch gym with exceptional instructors and a welcoming community, I wholeheartedly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
