Book onlineBook
Defiance Jiu Jitsu
“I would highly recommend checking the gym out if you're thinking about getting started in BJJ or are experienced and looking for a new gym”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Tacoma, WA
15 schools listed · 6 in Tacoma · 10 open weekends · 12 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Wave Combat Sports
“Rudy runs an amazing Bjj class and the culture of the gym is top tier.”
Conquest Self Defense
“He's mindful of safety, keeps his gym space clean, loves the Lord and serves him by welcoming us, and you, to participate in really great martial arts training for the cost of a donation.”
Amerindo Self-Defense Systems
“To study under an instructor in a Silat system that can trace its lineage to at least 5 separate Silat traditions is a rare opportunity indeed”
Seibukan Jujutsu of Washington
“Many of the dojos I've attended have either provided lessons with no structure or never varied from a single lesson plan, but Shihan Sauders always has something new to focus on and it keeps the same material interesting.”
Self Defense Tacoma
“I did take the 4-hour class with 2 friends, but the instructors did a great job of mixing up pairings so you end up practicing with everyone in the class.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Tacoma, WA 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: Tacoma, WA
6 of the 15 schools we list are based in Tacoma; the other 9 serve Tacoma from towns including University Place (4 mi), Fife (3 mi) and Fircrest (3 mi). 14 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.1 to 5.0 across 651 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews and 12 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 10 are open on Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. 5 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 36 years. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 2 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 Tacoma?
Many do. 6 of the 15 listed here sit in Tacoma and the others are within 15 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.
Certified Martial Arts
“Super friendly community being built that has room for you no matter what kind of background you come from.”
Gracie Barra Tacoma
“He is a physical kid and is learning how to use his physicality appropriately as well as learning basic respect, listening, and communication skills.”
Vital Jiu Jitsu
“Everyone's learning and can learn at their own pace but gets pushed to be their very best”
Book onlineBook
Legend Jiu Jitsu Academy
“I've been to many gyms in the past where you kind of just blend in and don't get the help or attention you want to improve your game but not here.”
Kenzodin Jiu Jitsu
“Many gyms recycling stale and cookie-cutter curriculum, but Kenzodin keeps the training fresh and relevant to each student while still emphasizing strong fundamentals.”
Freedom Martial Arts Academy
“They aren't afraid to give tough love too, which I, as a parent, appreciate because sometimes that's what a child needs.”
Demile Martial Arts
Seattle Taekwondo Academy
“A student is required to be able to lead, help their community and their fellow classmates with activities such as working together on activities such as paddle work with another classmate, leading poomsae drills, and encouraging and helping lower belts.”
Nova Self Defense
“The movements are easy to learn, especially with their trainers who are great at providing positive feedback and guidance to help you improve your techniques.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
