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
24 schools listed · 12 in Scottsdale · 22 open weekends · all 24 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!!”
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 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: Scottsdale, AZ
12 of the 24 schools we list are based in Scottsdale; the other 12 serve Scottsdale from Phoenix (15 mi) and Fountain Hills (10 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,191 reviews; 8 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (88%), professionalism (85%) and value (80%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "knowledge". 20 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 10 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. 1 offers a free trial or consultation; 1 is family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 23 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 19 list a public email and 8 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 24 listed here sit in Scottsdale and the others are within 25 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!”
Paradise Valley School Of Karate
“But I've been very pleasantly surprised to find that Karate has so many benefits for both my physical and mental health, even at my age.”
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.”
One Love Grappling Arts
“Good and detailed instruction, can't wait to train here again 🤙🏼 …”
Exodus Jiu-Jitsu
“Amazing experience and coaching from Jason, creates such a positive vibe and welcoming environment for all.”
12th Street Jiu-Jitsu
“We are very glad that we enrolled our daughter to 12th Street jui-jitsu since we and rolling her we have seen a boost in her confidence, we are strongly recommend this gym all the coaches are very friendly”
Fusion Self Defense
“No one is left behind and the classes are as much about self confidence and self respect as they are about self defense.”
Sol BJJ
“Professor Austin since day one has always pushed me and really emphasized opening my mind and never to concede.”
Impact Jiu Jitsu Fountain Hills
“I love how they get a great workout and learn skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.”
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.”
Karstadt Taekwon-Do ITF
“More than a martial arts school, they teach imortant values like discipline and respect.”
Forte Jiu Jitsu
“This part of town has long needed a solid BJJ program, and who better than the highly talented and charismatic Professor Luke Boston to bring Jiu Jitsu to Maryvale!”
753 Academy
“The facility and atmosphere everyone at 753 Academy have built is amazing!”
Why these companies made our list
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