Best Self-Defense Classes in Wilmington, DE

15 schools listed · 6 in Wilmington · 1 open 24/7 · 14 open weekends · 12 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 18, 2026

Elevated Studios Martial Arts

Elevated Studios Martial Arts

5.0 138 reviews
“The coaches do a great job of teaching that BJJ is not just about techniques on the mat, but also about discipline, respect, integrity, perseverance, and how you carry yourself.”
Since 2015
1708 Lovering Ave
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Book onlineBook
Riverfront Jiu Jitsu

Riverfront Jiu Jitsu

5.0 94 reviews
“A great place to train and everyone that trains is super welcoming.”
Free trial classAges 3–13Since 2019
512 Justison St
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Gentlemen's Jiu-Jitsu•mma•muaythai

Gentlemen's Jiu-Jitsu•mma•muaythai

5.0 123 reviews
“Great atmosphere and every one is friendly help each other get better”
Free trial classOpen 24 hoursSince 2023
3306 Old Capitol Trl Suite A&B
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Master Pagano's Red Dragon Martial Arts

Master Pagano's Red Dragon Martial Arts

4.9 47 reviews
“The classes strike the perfect balance between learning technique and building character, and the positive, fun atmosphere makes every session something he always looks forward to”
Since 2013
Glen Mills, PA · 9 mi from Wilmington
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302 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

302 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

5.0 31 reviews
“Wild Bill's technical details, Larry's MMA insights, Nick's wrestling expertise, and Rob's positive energy and attention to detail make every class an enriching experience”
Free trial class200+ students taughtSince 2007
3904 Evelyn Dr
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Goju Training Center

Goju Training Center

4.8 24 reviews
“The team at Goju Training Center go hard for their entire squad!!!”
Free trial classFree Class: Martial ArtsAges 3–12Since 2006
402 Justison St
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Short self-defense courses listed for Wilmington, DE 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: Wilmington, DE

6 of the 15 schools we list are based in Wilmington; the other 9 serve Wilmington from towns including Newark (12 mi), Kennett Square, PA (12 mi) and Boothwyn, PA (8 mi). 14 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.0 to 5.0 across 949 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews and 12 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills" and "atmosphere". 1 is open around the clock; 14 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 12 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2001. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 13 list a public email and 1 takes 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 Wilmington?

Many do. 6 of the 15 listed here sit in Wilmington 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.

Gentle Palm Martial Arts Center

Gentle Palm Martial Arts Center

5.0 7 reviews
“My son loves his experience here and can't wait to go back for his next lesson!”
Trial classSince 2004
1500 Philadelphia Pike
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Legacy Martial Arts

Legacy Martial Arts

5.0 59 reviews
“I recently had the opportunity to visit Legacy Martial Arts, and I was thoroughly impressed by the studio's commitment to excellence and professionalism.”
Since 2015
Kennett Square, PA · 12 mi from Wilmington
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Dauntless Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Dauntless Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

4.2 44 reviews
“Had a great first experience, me and my fellow teammates from the university of Delaware have learned a lot from just one class.”
Coupons & offersSince 2007Prices online
Newark, DE · 12 mi from Wilmington
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Gary Quillen's Moo Sa Black Belt Academy

Gary Quillen's Moo Sa Black Belt Academy

5.0 33 reviews
“Master Quillen is a great teacher, motivator and role model for his students.”
Since 2012
Aston Township, PA · 11 mi from Wilmington
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Elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu LLC

Elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu LLC

4.9 22 reviews
“My favorite part is that most of the upper belts are patient with the whites and will let them "work" for a while during live rolls.”
Free trial classSince 2006
Newark, DE · 12 mi from Wilmington
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Lawler's Kenpo Karate

Lawler's Kenpo Karate

5.0 9 reviews
“He is interested in promoting well being and providing you a genuine understanding and appreciation of the martial arts”
Since 2001
Kennett Square, PA · 12 mi from Wilmington
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Book onlineBook
Delaware Jiu Jitsu

Delaware Jiu Jitsu

5.0 7 reviews
“Jay, the lead instructor, has extensive experience and skill as a practitioner and teacher.”
Free trial classSince 2005
Chadds Ford, PA · 9 mi from Wilmington
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Level Up Black Belt Academy

Level Up Black Belt Academy

4.0 7 reviews
“I have a lot of fun there”
Since 2018
Boothwyn, PA · 8 mi from Wilmington
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Fight Flow BJJ & MMA

Fight Flow BJJ & MMA

Coupons & offersSince 2007Prices online
Newark, DE · 12 mi from Wilmington
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HomeSelf-Defense CoursesDelawareWilmington, DE

Why these companies made our list

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