Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Carrollwood
“Totally recommend signing your child up for a free trial to see if it's a good fit for them and for your family!”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Tampa, FL
22 schools listed · all 22 in Tampa · 16 open weekends · 21 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Fight Team LLC
“It's perfect option for those that don't wanna be a part of a large meat market place and you get great personal attention w the training.”
Elevate Martial Arts South Tampa
“The coaches are always attentive to each and every person that walks into their class.”
Gracie PAC MMA
“Came here for a birthday party and was really impressed with the quality of the teachers and their abilities to adjust the difficulty of their classes.”
Robson Moura Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tampa
“The coaches are very helpful, the team is friendly, and the environment is welcoming.”
South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
“If you're experienced and have trained for years, you'll love all the high quality exercise equipment and variety of excellent classes here too.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Tampa, FL are spread across the 22 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: Tampa, FL
All 22 schools we list here are in Tampa itself. We have 23 schools in Tampa on file; this page shows the highest-rated 22. The schools on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 2,406 reviews; 18 have 50 or more reviews and 21 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 16 are open on Saturdays and 8 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 13 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 27 years. 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 22 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 15 list a public email and 12 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 Tampa?
By email, and 15 of the 22 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.
Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
“On that first day what I discovered was a place that was welcoming, an instructor who was warm, patient and who had a great sense of humor.”
Hellman's Mixed Martial Arts
“They have made so much growth not only with their MMA skills, but most importantly in their confidence!”
Gracie Westchase
“Being such a highly celebrated and know gym we were nervous of how accepting they'd be - but the owner & his coaches are all just wonderful.”
Gracie Tampa South MMA & BJJ
“Thank you to the Arroyo Family, Coach Matt, Coach David and Coach Lugo for sharing your wisdom, being such positive role models for my family, making jiu jitsu fun again and helping us become better humans”
J. Park Martial Arts
“We switched our son from a different dojo, and it was the best decision we could've ever made”
Caridian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“One thing that really stands out is how Coach Alan takes the time to work with everyone individually, correct techniques, and emphasize the fundamentals.”
Gracie Barra
“The environment is welcoming, respectful, and fully focused on growth — both physical and personal — not just for me, but also for my children who train here as well”
Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
“Saulo, James, and Kyle are phenomenal instructors and will find their way into the crevices of your heart as they correct your technique for the 1,000th time and then repeat the cheesiest jokes you've ever heard.”
Kowkabany's Family Martial Arts
“Highly recommended for anyone looking for quality Taekwondo training with outstanding teachers and a supportive environment!”
Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu
“The Master, his disciples, and students, take his training sessions very seriously.”
Tampa Jiu-Jitsu
“I love that they are also a yoga studio - it really appealed to my sense of holistic well-being where vitality is the bedrock of all other abilities like self-defense or combat.”
Traditional Taekwon-Do Center of Westchase
“They are so nice and friemdly and my daughter loves going there🥳🤩”
Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New Tampa
“The professor and Adam really took their time to make sure that I understood the variables of Brazilian jujutsu and what I need in order to be successful each day.”
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Koenig Martial Arts
“He is extremely knowledgeable and talented, making him an incredible teacher of Shotokan Karate.”
Koh Muay Thai and Fitness- Brandon
“A group of friendly assassins who will take you in as one of their own.”
Marcel Weidenbacher Program
“It was a unique experience and he is incredibly passionate about his craft.”
Why these companies made our list
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