T.o.westlake Karate Studio
“The kids karate classes were exciting, engaging and so much fun, all the while learning self control, discipline and curriculum.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Thousand Oaks, CA
15 schools listed · 4 in Thousand Oaks · all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks
“This is the first school I have trained jiu jitsu at and it has been an amazing experience!”
Morumbi Jiu Jitsu & Fitness Academy
“Professor Fabio and the coaches are great — they really take the time to focus on technique, positive attitude and overall discipline that is hard to find anywhere else!”
10th Planet Thousand Oaks
“My nogi game needs some work, so I'll definitely be popping back in there to learn some new techniques!”
Camarillo Shotokan Karate
“His teachers and therapists have all expressed how much his confidence has grown and his regulation has improved”
805 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“My husband and kids have been coming here for a while, they absolutely love it!!”
Short self-defense courses listed for Thousand Oaks, CA 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: Thousand Oaks, CA
4 of the 15 schools we list are based in Thousand Oaks; the other 11 serve Thousand Oaks from towns including Agoura Hills (7 mi), Westlake Village (5 mi) and Simi Valley (9 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.7 to 5.0 across 986 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills", "atmosphere" and "confidence". 14 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 5 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1999. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 14 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 7 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 Thousand Oaks?
Many do. 4 of the 15 listed here sit in Thousand Oaks 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.
Level 3 Martial Arts Performance
“I personally like it be because I think it places good emphasis on focus, discipline and fitness in a way that is fun for the children.”
Gracie Barra Agoura
“I occasionally train here as well as my 10 yr old & really enjoy the school!”
Akxe Jiu Jitsu Academy
“There is nothing like having my 2 girls feel confident in themselves and confident learning they can defend themselves if needed.”
Elite MMA Gym
“Everyone there is friendly and nice.”
Gracie Barra Simi Valley
“I really feel like I get individual attention even in a full class.”
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Israeli Martial Arts Academy Westlake Village
“It will give you all the tools to navigate the world more confident and strong!”
Humanartwork Jiu Jitsu
“Coach Henry and Coach Val are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely care about their students' progress.”
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Mod My Fight
“Definitely a must for anyone who is looking to be a part of something that not only gets you in shape but also teaches you different ways to defend yourself in any situation.”
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Conejo Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“Truly just an awesome family who like rolling for the sake of rolling.”
Why these companies made our list
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