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Freestyle Muay Thai
- Skills
- Feel
- Train
“Scott and Brian are remarkable trainers with a contagious passion for the art, as well as a wealth of knowledge gained from some of the greatest Thai fighters of our time.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Tampa, FL
24 schools listed · 20 in Tampa · 19 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
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Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Carrollwood
- Parents
- Respect
- Discipline
“This is a very loving caring environment that still believes in traditional family values and teaches the young ones, the values of family and self confidence along with discipline and self defense”
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Fight Team LLC
- Kickboxing
- Individual
- Train
“Upon entry take note that you do have to go behind the first building and immediately you will see them on the left if you are coming in from the right .”
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J. Park Martial Arts
“If you're working an action film, you owe it to your cast and the quality of your project to hire a choreographer/stunt coordinator, and he is one of the best.”
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Hellman's Mixed Martial Arts
“Coach Hellman is a great and very knowledgeable coach who makes everybody that walks into the gym feel like family and does so much for people without expecting anything in return.”
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Gracie Westchase
- Knowledge
- Muay Thai
- Skill
“My daughter has been a student since 2017 learning and practicing martial arts, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing and conditioning under the best coaches around.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Tampa, FL 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: Tampa, FL
20 of the 24 schools we list are based in Tampa; the other 4 serve Tampa from towns including Land O' Lakes (14 mi), Wesley Chapel (17 mi) and Odessa (18 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.1 to 5.0 across 1,927 reviews; 16 have 50 or more reviews and 23 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (94%), professionalism (85%) and communication (83%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "skills" and "atmosphere". 19 are open on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays. 5 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 16 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 53 years. 4 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 22 publish a contact page; 18 list a public email and 12 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 Tampa?
Many do. 20 of the 24 listed here sit in Tampa and the others are within 20 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.
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South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA
- Robson Moura
- Shape
- Facility
“Best coaches, best facility around ( and I've been around), and highly competitive or casual, has an amazing kids program, I wouldn't train anywhere else”
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Elevate Martial Arts South Tampa
- Son
- Discipline
- Skills
“The best part about Elevate is the wide variety of things for my child to enjoy from weekly field trips, martial arts, arts and crafts, and learning activities.”
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Gracie PAC MMA
“More active, more interactive, more confident, more loving, the coaches at gracie Pac have a way with kids, they show so much positivity and compassion”
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Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ
“The owners Mat and Nat are heavily involved and you can feel the attention to detail everywhere from the coaching and events to the thoroughly cleaned training mats.”
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Robson Moura Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tampa
- World Champion
- Facility
- Environment
“Without a doubt, RMNU stands out as one of the premier destinations for martial arts training, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in the North Florida region.”
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Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
- Classes
- Knowledge
- Tai Chi
“He does not place your growth in a box, but instead helps guide you to your true potential and what works best based on your strengths… both physically and mentally.”
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Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Train
- Feel
- Sifu
“Since I've started 9 months ago, i have more confidence, better self control, increased energy, punching power, rotator cuff strength, and coordination”
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Caridian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Matter
- Self Defense
- Team
“The gym is female and family friendly, and also provides competition classes and with adult and children competing at local and national tournament venues.”
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Traditional Taekwon-Do Center of Westchase
“Also to mention that I and you will be able to defense ourselves, and those in need, make the right decision at any time and be a great example to others and the world :)”
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Gracie Barra Tampa
- Life
- Professor
- Team
“Pleasant and comfortable environment, the attention starts at the reception with Eduardo, where he helps you with all the documentation, answers your questions, he is super kind, polite, attentive!”
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Tampa Jiu-Jitsu
- March
- Competition
- Belt
“The expertise the staff has to impart has kept me coming back for many years; however my knowledge that this is the only school from me has been solidified by how wonderfully I am treated there.”
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Kowkabany's Family Martial Arts
- Family Oriented
- Feel
- Black Belts
“The instructors are passionate about martial arts, experienced in running an outstanding quality school, and dedicated to their students and families (both 8th degree Black Belts).”
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Koenig Martial Arts
- Self-Defense
- Respect
- Sensei
“He is great with the kids and they have a ton of fun in class while getting exercise, learning to be respectful (they have started saying yes ma'am/sir to use at home - thanks Sensei!”
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Classic Martial Art Inc
- Health
- Money
- Tae Kwon do
“I love to travel so payment by the year makes since to me, i get the best deal upfront, do not have to keep signing a contract every month and I can come in for a session anytime I like.”
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Heimberger's Martial Arts
- Respect
- Life
- MMA
“This is a pick of me with Jeff Smith World Champion being tested for my green belt at Heimberger's Martial Arts School in Temple Terrace at Sherwood Plaza!”
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Reflex Martial Arts
“I plan on joining my daughter soon and I know it will be rough getting myself back into shape at 43 but I don't think I would be treated as well anywhere than how I see Mr.”
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VIP International Krav Maga & Martial Arts Academy
“We have been part of this dojo for almost a year; I am extremely satisfied with the discipline, the technique, the family environment, and their values and principles.”
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MA Fitness Kickboxing
“Thanks to the encouraging workouts by these radiant instructors and a personal determination, I now feel happier, confident, and full of more overall energy.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Tampa, FL Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$186
Maximum cost
$557
National Average
$285
Avg Per Hour Rates
$75
$248
$384
Typical price range is based on 484 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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