Allegiance Jiu Jitsu
“The coaches are very knowledgeable with years of experience in Judo and Jiu jitsu.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Sterling Heights, MI
2 of these schools are based in Sterling Heights; the others serve Sterling Heights from towns including Troy (6 mi), Shelby Township (6 mi) and Rochester (8 mi).
13 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
College of Martial Arts
“We are grateful for all that our son learns not only about karate and self defense but about respect and confidence!”
Troy Martial Arts
“Troy Martial Arts is a fantastic place to not only learn courtesy, integrity, and self control but also an institute to push your body to do amazing things!”
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Krav Maga Detroit
“My son really enjoyed the class and learned a lot at the same time.”
Mada Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu
“What a great place to learn the art of self defense and you also get in great physical shape.”
Victorious MMA
“Most importantly the welcoming nature of Vic and the members, no egos on the mat, with an emphasis on training safely and effectively.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Sterling Heights, MI 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: Sterling Heights, MI
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 1,743 reviews; 11 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "facilities". 13 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. Domain records put 10 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 2 offer a free trial or consultation and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 14 of the schools on this page; 10 publish a contact page; 7 list a public email and 6 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 Sterling Heights?
Many do. 2 of the 15 listed here sit in Sterling Heights and the others are within 10 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.
Black Mountain Defense
“Pjeter was great instructor, down to earth and taught us practical skills in an easy to follow format (which I greatly appreciated).”
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Proving Grounds Jiu Jitsu & MMA
“Plus, they have people like the US Muay Thai champion teaching kids and beginners Muay Thai which shows how much they care.”
Apex Jiu-Jitsu
“We've been super pleased with the instructors energy and joy training the kids classes.”
Master Tong's Martial Arts
“LOVE Master Tongs because they are really nice, I made lots of friends!”
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Rhamma Krav Maga
“RHAMMA isn't just for kids however, they offer a wonderful adult program where you get to learn the basics of Krav Maga.”
Rochester School of Martial Arts
“Patrick Donahue is an excellent instructor who cares deeply about his students.”
Elite Tactical Defense
“I would, most definitely, recommend Ermir, and Elite Tactical Defense, to anyone interested in a CPL class.”
Phan's Academy of Tae Kwon-do
Patriot Defense Studio
“The atmosphere is great and even if things got tough i was encouraged to continue to push through and do my best!”
Why these companies made our list
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