The Jiu Jitsu Company
“I did a few drop in class throughout a week and found the team to be friendly and knowledgeable.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Upper Darby, PA
These schools serve Upper Darby from nearby bases in towns including Philadelphia, Paoli and Lansdowne.
15 schools listed · all 15 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Water and Rock Studio
“I was nervous i wouldn't be able to play with them so much cause of the yoga factor but that wasn't a problem at all.”
Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
“The instructors are all top quality, and everyone is respectful and friendly.”
Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu
“The Dojo is clean, fun, accepting, and those who enter and train there become part of a family.”
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Daniel Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
“I did trials at other gyms throughout Philly but when I went to Gracie it sparked interest immediately and I was exactly where I wanted to be!”
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Shorty's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The gym's location on Baltimore Avenue is convenient, and the facilities are well-maintained, creating a perfect setting for learning and practicing.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Upper Darby, PA 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: Upper Darby, PA
The 15 schools on this page are rated from 4.6 to 5.0 across 1,882 reviews; all 15 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 8 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 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 11 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 5 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.
Which course providers listed for Upper Darby describe their courses online?
All 15 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.
Purenergy Studio
“Very clean tons of variety and Kristin Hernandez taught a very safe yet challenging aerial yoga class.”
Commando Krav Maga and Diamond Mixed Martial Arts
“I've also learned so much about self defense and general fighting tips.”
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Elevate Martial Arts Deptford
“Your child will gain many skills necessary to succeed in school but most importantly in life.”
Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
“Great place for small kjds to lear self defense, is hot in summer no AC, bilingual instructors they also speak spanish fiendly environment”
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Onyx Combat Sports
“Coaches here are also super nice and they have a good community of fighters”
Santiago Jiu Jitsu
“Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, everyone is treated with respect, creating a supportive community that encourages each student to reach their full potential”
Close Quarters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“The coaches have all been good mentors to my son and challenge him to better himself.”
Daniel Pope Karate
“He points out everything Making sure it's done right from the punches to kicks to even how you position your toes.”
The Vault Jiu Jitsu
“Special thanks to Matt and Julien who knew exactly when to take it slow for muscle memory absorption, hone in on the details, and genuinely put their best instruction forward.”
Why these companies made our list
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