Evkm Self Defense & Fitness
“That instructors are real and down to earth and when they are training us not only are they tracing us but they make sure everybody is having some fun while learning.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Tempe, AZ
24 schools listed · 9 in Tempe · 21 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“EVERY professor is there to help you succeed no matter your rank or experience.”
JAB Fitness
“Brenden and Jen have cultivated an environment at this place that makes it feel like you're family and working out with friends whenever you're there.”
Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do Arizona
“She learns discipline and self-control through games and interactions with other little kids.”
Phoenix JKD Institute
“I myself am a beginning but I still felt taken care of even in a class of more advanced fighters.”
Soul Fighters Headquarters
“They've not only helped me improve but have also been fantastic with my kids, adapting their teaching to all skill levels.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Tempe, AZ 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: Tempe, AZ
9 of the 24 schools we list are based in Tempe; the other 15 serve Tempe from towns including Gilbert (12 mi), Chandler (9 mi) and Mesa (12 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 2,491 reviews; 18 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (90%), professionalism (86%) and communication (79%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "confidence". 20 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. Domain records put 14 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 21 publish a contact page; 14 list a public email and 10 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.
Which course providers listed for Tempe describe their courses online?
All 24 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
Dark Matter Jiu Jitsu/Ares BJJ Tempe
“Martial arts gyms can be intimidating for people that are new to the art, but you should not have any reservations here.”
Fluid Martial Arts Academy
“Did a week trial here and sat in on some BJJ lessons With my girlfriend, I would HIGHLY recommend this place, The instructor was super cool and supportive.”
Karate For Christ of Arizona
“Great instructors and role models who really care about the well being of their students.”
Carlson Gracie Team AZ
“Everyone was very friendly and supportive and the teaching was very high caliber!”
Farias Jiu-Jitsu
“Coach is literally world class (check his history) but is one of the most caring, kind people you will ever meet.”
Kiko France BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
“Kiko has been great teaching various techniques with a particular focus each week.”
First Taekwondo
“I recently enrolled my son a few months ago and First Taekwondo feels like family.”
Black Flag Submission Co.
“Very respectful and very knowledgeable coaches are involved with black flag jiu jitsu I love to go here once again.”
Next Level Krav Maga & Gracie Humaita BJJ
“Head Coach Joseph Edmondson is a highly skilled, professional martial artist who takes great pride in being an Alpha leader.”
Precision Martial Arts
“He is in a great mood when he is done with classes and has really challenged himself by looking up the forms and techniques on their website.”
Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness
“The other members are hard working and supportive, and it really feels like being on a team instead of just another number on the register.”
Roots Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Also the coaching there is very high skilled and technical which makes it easier for you to learn especially since they explain the technique so well.”
Gracie Barra Ocotillo Jiu Jitsu
“He has enjoyed the classes, along with the coaches, who make sure that all the students properly understand techniques.”
Gilbert Defense Arts
“My teen daughter has been attending GDA for about one year now and she sees herself being there for a long time to come.”
Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix
“Learn in a laid back environment if you want to get to the next level, the coaches will help you get there.”
Alpha Krav Maga Scottsdale
“They make class fun but also focus on making sure you understand how to execute the movements they are teaching.”
Boxout
“Most importantly they know what their talking about whether its boxing or weight lifting, they dont give bad advice or teach you the wrong things.”
Van Buren Jiu Jitsu Chandler
“The gym is newer and still small and growing, but we like that as my kids get lots of personal attention from the coaches and we feel very much valued as a member of the Van Buren BJJ family.”
Why these companies made our list
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