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Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“I'm learning self defense skills from very knowledgeable people and getting excercise at the same time!”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Westerville, OH
15 schools listed · 4 in Westerville · all 15 open weekends · 13 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Dragon E's Black Belt Academy
“In spite of our different levels of experience, the instruction is of great quality for my wife as a beginner but rigorous enough to challenge me.”
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Columbus Self-Defense
“Dan, our instructor, was incredibly helpful, patiently answering all of our questions and offering personalized advice during practice sessions.”
Apex Martial Arts
“I highly recommend Apex for anyone looking into a great learning and bonding experience for you and your kids!”
Rick Moore Academy
“Very knowledgeable teachers that push the students to be their best in all aspects of life.”
U A Jiu Jitsu
“The instructors are caring about your progress and everyone is very friendly!”
Short self-defense courses listed for Westerville, OH 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: Westerville, OH
4 of the 15 schools we list are based in Westerville; the other 11 serve Westerville from towns including Gahanna (8 mi), Columbus (10 mi) and Reynoldsburg (13 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 3.9 to 5.0 across 538 reviews; 2 have 50 or more reviews and 13 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "knowledge" and "skills". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 7 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 34 years. 1 lists coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for 14 of the schools on this page; 10 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 3 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 Westerville?
Many do. 4 of the 15 listed here sit in Westerville and the others are within 15 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.
Mat Lab Brazilian Jiujitsu
“The training environment is truly conducive to learning and one can feel comfortable with training to exhaustion, in a safe place.”
Ruffhouse Jiu Jitsu Columbus
“Classes run the gamut from self defense to sport/competition emphasis, early morning to later classes to suit your lifestyle, and also the kids classes are popular!”
Dynamic Self Defense- New Albany
“My group of 30 had a great day with so many stories and pictures to share along with many new tools and tricks when it comes to defense.”
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Buckeye Self Defense
“Jack, one of the owners and instructors, is not only a great teaher, but he also fosters a challenging but supportive atmosphere.”
Summit Martial Arts
“Affiliated with the Pedro Sauer Association, Summit holds its instructors and students to the highest standard and the techniques are all technically sound and taught as they should be taught in a professional BJJ gym.”
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Western Lotus Athletics & Martial Club
“I've trained at plenty of places in the past but training at WLA is far and away the best time I've spent in martial arts.”
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Super System BJJ
“If you want to take your Jiu Jitsu seriously but be laid back about everything else, this is the place for you.”
Team Perry American Karate/Tkd
“They help our kids become the leaders for our future and that says a lot about them.”
Notorious Jiu-Jitsu
“But James Guynn and his academy is not only welcoming, very friendly, responsible and offer a safe learning environment, but is also loads of fun!”
Why these companies made our list
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