Martial Arts and More of Wilmington
“He absolutely loves his classes here and the structure and discipline everyone here works to provide is so helpful and has made a huge impact on our son.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Wilmington, NC
10 schools listed · 6 in Wilmington · 1 open 24/7 · 8 open weekends · 9 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Paragon of Jiu Jitsu
“I stopped by while in town for a class and can't wait to get back in for another class: excellent instruction, fantastic students, and a beautiful facility.”
The Jiu-Jitsu Institute
“I highly recommend for anyone nervous to plunge into the BJJ world that this is the studio for you.”
Epoch BJJ
“They focus on community over competition though if you compete they are with you every step of the way.”
Wolfs den Self Defense Academy
Shaolin Martial Arts Academy
Short self-defense courses listed for Wilmington, NC are spread across the 10 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, NC
6 of the 10 schools we list are based in Wilmington; the other 4 serve Wilmington from towns including Hampstead (16 mi), Burgaw (24 mi) and Supply (30 mi). 9 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.8 to 5.0 across 515 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "skills". 1 is open around the clock; 8 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 2 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 15 years. We have a website on file for 9 of the schools on this page; 8 publish a contact page; 8 list a public email and 2 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 Wilmington describe their courses online?
9 of the 10 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.
Crest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Highly recommend for anyone in the area looking to start or continue their jiu jitsu journey!”
Lion's Crest Martial Arts
“My son was not comfortable at first but has slowly warmed up over the past week and coach Mike and everyone else has been very patient with him.”
Dosher Fitness & Martial Arts
“The Dosher BJJ Youth competition team is highly successful because the way the program is run.”
Fight to Win Coastal Carolina
“As someone new to BJJ, and as an older student, I've found Coach Shane to be a very patient, encouraging teacher.”
Why these companies made our list
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