Best Self-Defense Classes near South San Francisco, CA

1 of these schools is based in South San Francisco; the others serve South San Francisco from towns including San Francisco (7 mi), San Jose (40 mi) and San Mateo (9 mi).

23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 16, 2026

Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

(31)
“This is really great because while these things are inevitable in a contact sport, the leadership at this gym are extremely situationally aware of their students' physical state and manage your session(s) so that you stay safe and can recover and co...”
In Business Since 2019
Coupons & Offers
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
Impact! Kickboxing Fitness

Impact! Kickboxing Fitness

(27)
  • Bags
  • Trainers
  • Self Defense
“I came here from ILKB and was looking for a friendly, approachable environment that would encourage me to keep coming back and it has far exceeded expectations.”
In Business Since 2015
Average Price Tag
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
Coupons & Offers
San Carlos, CA · 14 mi from South San Francisco
i
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo

(48)
  • Train
  • Kickboxing
  • Check
“Sensei and gym owner Adam Sachnoff goes above and beyond every day with the help of his team to ensure each student is not only learning but growing, whether you're a world class fighter or it's your first day, they're willing to break down every tec...”
In Business Since 2017
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
BBB Rating: A+
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Mateo, CA · 9 mi from South San Francisco
i
Caio Terra Academy

Caio Terra Academy

(48)
“The incredible skill & detail of instruction in both the adults and kids classes, the cleanliness of the facility, the inclusive "One Team" environment and the commitment to working through the pandemic with members to ensure they had the support, tr...”
In Business Since 2011
Coupons & Offers
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

(50)
“I can say they are all family they help you guide you in a way that I never had real life care and I respect the message they are putting out there when I first walked in there establishment they didn't judge me at all this is real vibes there peop...”
In Business Since 2005
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

(45)
  • Train
  • Vaccinated
  • Belt
“What I love most is that Romulo still teaches the self-defense aspect of jiu-jitsu, while keeping a playful environment allowing all practitioners to incorporate the newer and innovative styles that have been sparking up in the competition scene.”
In Business Since 2015
Transparent Fees & Pricing
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i

Short self-defense courses listed for South San Francisco, 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: South San Francisco, CA

The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,086 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (89%), quality (86%) and value (71%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "community" and "skills". 23 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 17 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 24 years. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 6 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; 16 list a public email and 14 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 South San Francisco?

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.

Evolve Training Center

Evolve Training Center

(42)
“I joined evolve 9 months ago and my life changed for the better, I met people who are interested in my health and physical condition and more important to learn disciplines such as jiujitsu, boxing , muay thai and more, the experience was incredible,...”
In Business Since 2012
Transparent Fees & Pricing
647 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA
i
Silicon Valley Kung Fu Academy

Silicon Valley Kung Fu Academy

(2)
“My son has been going here for 5 years and he really loves the activities and the tournaments where he gets to win Medals, 🏆Trophies great great Kung Fu teacher.”
In Business Since 2012
Coupons & Offers
Accepts Check
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Academy

Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Academy

(48)
  • Train
  • Injury
  • Learn
“I'm very impressed with the trainers on how they try to give each person or kids their attention, They are always there to answer any questions at any given time that you may have No matter what the situation is Whether it's billing scheduling 1 on 1...”
In Business Since 2014
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
AB Mixed Martial Arts Academy

AB Mixed Martial Arts Academy

(19)
  • Learn
“We're all there because we like the idea of learning something new and finding a fun way to stay in shape for the most part.”
In Business Since 2010
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
BBB Rating: A
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Empire Jiu Jitsu

Empire Jiu Jitsu

(48)
  • Train
  • Competition
  • Belts
“There's a bunch of fundamentals classes throughout the week where you learn the basic movements and concepts needed for the sport, then hop into the evenings/ nogi/ wrestling classes when you feel ready.”
In Business Since 2018
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Colhado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Colhado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(34)
  • Train
  • Black Belts
  • Skill
“Profesor Matheus is like no other, his classes are always fun, always learning something new, the most important thing for me as female is feeling safe and confident, training at Colhado provides that, love the sense of community and positive attitud...”
In Business Since 2019
Family Business
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Aikido by the Bay

Aikido by the Bay

(23)
  • Sensei
  • Community
  • Adult
“Besides classical martial arts Aikido, Daniel also teaches the self defense classes (like the one he gave to my daughter through girl scouts) and the real world core classes.”
In Business Since 2002
San Mateo, CA · 9 mi from South San Francisco
i
Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

(15)
  • Injury
  • Back
  • Knowledge
“He noticed my previous experiences with Shaolin and Wing Chun by briefly watching my moves, and has been teaching me how to add what I had learnt before, which is one of the main principles of Jeet Kune Do.”
In Business Since 2004
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Heroes Martial Arts

Heroes Martial Arts

(21)
  • BJJ
  • Mats
  • Train
“What is wonderful as well, I believe Gumby is one of the first people to really develop a fundamentals curriculum that continuously rotates allowing beginners to jump in whenever.”
In Business Since 2008
Transparent Fees & Pricing
Accepts Debit, Check, Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Coupons & Offers
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
Bay Jiu-Jitsu

Bay Jiu-Jitsu

(19)
  • Learn
  • Train
“The program focuses on basic things like lining up in belt order (amazing at what this does to help kids listen at school), then staying in order during the warmup, and finally learning the moves with partners respectfully.”
In Business Since 2008
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Marco Nascimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Marco Nascimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(25)
“There are lots of ways it can be bad fit: one who injures training partners consistently, who is not considerate, who doesn't listen to Marco's instruction or advice, or who doesn't follow the rules and guidelines of the gym - these rules are there f...”
In Business Since 2004
Transparent Fees & Pricing
San Mateo, CA · 9 mi from South San Francisco
i
Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(17)
  • Confidence
  • Role Models
  • Skills
“Coach Alex, his dad, Giani (apologies for potentially butchering the spelling of your name) are all wonderful teachers, on the mat in terms of practical Jiu Jitsu skills, but also and maybe as importantly off the mat, with life lessons that my 2 kids...”
In Business Since 2019
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
510 Judo

510 Judo

(25)
  • Sensei
  • BJJ
  • Community
“I've been wandering around the bay area like a puppy, looking for a dojo to call home, and the minute I walked through the door and saw Jonah sensei teaching a kid's class with the biggest smiles on their faces I knew I had found it.”
In Business Since 2019
San Leandro, CA · 15 mi from South San Francisco
i
Saiko Fitness and Martial Arts

Saiko Fitness and Martial Arts

(15)
  • BJJ
  • Strength Training
  • Passion
“Working with Rob has completely changed my life and helped me achieve things I never thought possible - three full marathons, (and all the other foot races in between), personal bests for all kinds of lifts, and now, reintroducing me to martial arts ...”
In Business Since 2022
San Jose, CA · 40 mi from South San Francisco
i
Team Santos Jiu Jitsu

Team Santos Jiu Jitsu

(20)
  • Train
  • Community
  • MMA
“When I asked Mike Bueno if it was ok to train with him and Team Santos in preparation for an upcoming fight, Mike and the fighters at Team Santos welcomed me with open arms.”
In Business Since 2002
Coupons & Offers
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
San Ramon, CA · 27 mi from South San Francisco
i
Quantum Martial Arts

Quantum Martial Arts

(13)
“But what drives me to train is not only the black belt master, Rachael Evans, who consistently shows me the beauty of the movement, but also the community we have here of advanced martial artists honing their craft, taking their athleticism to the ne...”
In Business Since 2007
San Francisco, CA · 7 mi from South San Francisco
i
Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

(11)
“If you live in San Mateo or are staying in the area for a while and you are interested in BJJ, I would strongly recommend you to at least make a visit to the gym, say hello and try a class.”
In Business Since 2013
Accepts All Major Credit Cards
San Mateo, CA · 9 mi from South San Francisco
i
Martial Arts America

Martial Arts America

(17)
“The discipline and conditioning my kids receive from martial arts (Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Eskrima, and Krav Maga) have helped them do well in school, sports, and community service.”
In Business Since 2006
San Ramon, CA · 27 mi from South San Francisco
i
HomeSelf-Defense CoursesCaliforniaSouth San Francisco, CA

Self-Defense Training Services in South San Francisco, CA Cost Estimates

Minimum cost
$165
Maximum cost
$495
National Average
$253
Avg Per Hour Rates
$66
$220
$341
Fair price range is based on 392 cost profiles
Click to copy
Successfully copied!
Average Cost $253
Minimum cost $165
Maximum cost $495
Avg Per Hour Rates $66

Fair range $220 to $341 is based on 392 cost profiles.

Why these companies made our list

Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
Back To Top