Ballard Jiu Jitsu
“Great place to train BJJ, everyone is super friendly and the coaches are legit”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Seattle, WA
23 schools listed · all 23 in Seattle · all 23 open weekends · 20 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Mat Chess Mixed Martial Arts
“Colored belts are generous with advice and their time, which creates a comfortable environment that is easy to learn in.”
Marcelo Alonso BJJ
“Training under the Encyclopedia of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a complete honor!”
MKG Martial Arts
“Safety Is also stressed as most combative skills here are developed through interactive learning as students pair up for drills.”
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Praxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Larry is great at teaching those little details that help improve your technique.”
Seattle Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“This has been my first experience with bjj, everyone has been very kind and willing to help.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Seattle, WA are spread across the 23 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: Seattle, WA
All 23 schools we list here are in Seattle itself. We have 27 schools in Seattle on file; this page shows the highest-rated 23. 22 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.1 to 5.0 across 1,479 reviews; 14 have 50 or more reviews and 20 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "community" and "skills". 22 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 14 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 57 years. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 23 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 6 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; 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 Seattle?
By email, and 12 of the 23 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.
Identity Jiu-Jitsu
“Identity has an incredible and welcoming community!”
Family Black Belt Academy
“And while martial arts moves are taught in every class, the instructors are careful to emphasize that in the real world fighting is the last option”
Zoo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“I like that we are exposed to both new and experience partners in the classes.”
Lotus Jiu Jitsu
“Professor Bravo was very communicative when I reached out to him about training and all the teammates were great partners to roll with.”
Combat Arts Academy
“They offer foundational skills and are always willing to work with you!”
Alpha Martial Arts
“My son has been going here since he was 10 years old, and it has made positive impact on him physically and mentally.”
Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seattle
“If you're ever in Seattle and looking for a place to train Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend checking out Renzo Gracie Seattle.”
Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Brian is an amazing instructor and his school is one of the best, and cleanest gyms around!”
Greenlake Martial Arts
“I started training as a way to get exercise and learn body control and it has quickly expanded beyond that to include a love for the art form”
Seven Star Women's Kung Fu
“We learned to use our voice, set boundaries (in all arenas of life) and provide practical and logical solutions to potential threats.”
Quantum Martial Arts
“I also received the unexpectedly benefit of stretching/warm-ups every class - I feel way more amazing on the inside than I ever did a year ago due to training my flexibility”
Feminist Karate Union
“As a newly promoted 2nd blue belt, I have had a wonderful experience with it.”
Kim's Tae Kwon Do Rainier Valley
“! The instructor was very knowledgeable and explained how to integrate the various techniques into real life events”
Seattle Close Range Tactics
“I initially sought out a competent Wing Tsun instructor (which I found in Cory), but was also introduced to and learned to love Muay Thai as well as Escrima.”
Washington Karate
“Been training here for 10 years and I can say that this community is a family, and training here has shaped who I am today.”
Strategic Living
“I have taken self-defense classes from different instructors, and Joanne's classes are definitely the one I recommend the most!!”
White Dragon Kung Fu Seattle
Why these companies made our list
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