Find a self defense classes in Pleasanton, CA

Find self defense classes in Pleasanton, CA

Find self defense classes in Pleasanton, CA

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
Zip code

Find self defense classes in Pleasanton, CA

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
Zip code

Top 10 self defense classes in Pleasanton, CA

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
PDT San Jose

PDT San Jose

5.0(3)
1 hire on Lessons.com
8+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Alexander A. says, "Guru Jule Simms is just a cool guy. He will make you a better martial artist." Read more
Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

Serves Pleasanton, CA
Certified Ed Parker American Kenpo We make sure self-defense is customized for the individual Family environment Reasonable rates and payment programs No contracts Myself and my instructors all have day jobs. We teach to share the gift we have been given and we train with effectiveness in mind. We are not commercial-driven and we are focused on high quality training. Our martial arts is a way of life and we enjoy the physical and intellectual education of American Kenpo....
Island Style Kajukenbo

Island Style Kajukenbo

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons.com
12+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Steven B. says, "It's about Tradition and Respect not only for the school but foe the students as well." Read more
Zuluboxx MMA & Self Defense

Zuluboxx MMA & Self Defense

Online now
16+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
I've been training, learning, practicing, and teaching martial and combat arts for most of my life, over 40 years. I can truly say it's my passion and that you will receive an honest and realistic form of practical self defense training while training with me, and at the same time improve your physical and mental conditiom.
Street Smart Self Defense

Street Smart Self Defense

5.0Exceptional(8)
15+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Danielle W. says, "Rudy takes the time to explain how to avoid situations where you need to rely on self defense tactics. His explanation and demonstration of various moves is clear. Being able to practice is key. My coworkers and I left feeling more prepared to handle many of the situations we find ourselves in. " Read more
Cutthroat Training

Cutthroat Training

6+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Cutthroat Training is Started by Salaiman Ahmadyar a World Champion Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter. One of the top ranked Middleweights in the country and a former Dragonhouse Lightweight Champion . Over 20 years experience as professional mma fighter. I teach all mma disciplines from Wrestling, Boxing, Jiu Jiitsu, Muay Thai Etccc
Esteller Martial Arts

Esteller Martial Arts

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons.com
41+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Eric C. says, "I started with EMA before it was called EMA. 28 years ago my mom took me and my brothers to a small sweaty room at the San Leandro Boys club for a Karate class. We were avid Kung Fu movie fans and really excited to join the class. So we take off our shoes and socks and attempt to join in ..."HOLD ON ! it doesn't work like that" was the first thing Sifu ( he was dasihing back then ) said to us. "You have to watch first, if you come back, then you can join the class." He was looking for a commitment and an understanding of what we were getting ourselves into. Because the classes were fun, but they can be a challenge. He was hard on us but encouraged us every step of the way. He never held us back in anyway, always encouraging us to go out and learn then bring it back and teach the rest. I did just that and went on to become a national heavyweight Muay Thai boxing champion. EMA instilled this amazing sense of accomplishment and self confidence, along with a healthy need to give back" Read more
Spark Martial Arts

Spark Martial Arts

8+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing classes for kids and adults.
Movement Arts. Training. Resource. Instruction. X-cellence  / MATRIX

Movement Arts. Training. Resource. Instruction. X-cellence / MATRIX

40+ years in business
Serves Pleasanton, CA
Master Lowell Rojon is a Black Belt Practitioner of martial arts for over 30 years in the Bay Area, and has taught for over 20 years "self defense" specializing in effective kicks, blocks and punching. Training for speed, strength, coordination, agility and flexibility. Classes 90 mins to 2 hours. Builds confidence physical skills and practical responses to life threatening situations.
S Class Combat

S Class Combat

Serves Pleasanton, CA & Online
I am a professional martial artist with over 12 years of training experience. I specialize in striking and movement, but have experience in grappling and weapons as well. I am still an active competitor, and will continue to be active for the next 15-20 years. My martial arts background include: Muay Thai, Kajukenbo, BJJ, and Filipino stick fighting. I can turn you into a legitimately lethal fighter, or just get you in better shape. Whatever your goals in fitness or combat sports are, I can be the catalyst to help get you there.

Your self defense questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much are self-defense classes?

Self-defense classes cost $150 to $400 on average for a 6- to 10-week program at a martial arts studio or dedicated self-defense school. Classes held at community centers typically cost less than those offered by professional marital arts studios, and some local police departments and offer free classes.

Some martial arts studios offer single-session self-defense classes for $30 to $80 each, depending on the studio, class size, length, and location. Most one-time classes last 2 to 3 hours.

Are self-defense classes worth it?

Self-defense classes are worth it for individuals who want to be prepared for a life-threatening situation. A self-defense class teaches you how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations, and how to survive situations that can't be avoided. Many people consider the added peace of mind worth the investment.

Self-defense training can be especially helpful if you find yourself in any of these common circumstances:

  • Walking alone at night
  • Jogging in a secluded area, such as a wooded park or trail
  • In a crowded bar or club where alcohol is served
  • During a home invasion

Are self-defense classes effective, and what are the benefits?

Self-defense classes are an effective way to learn how to avoid dangerous confrontations and how to deescalate or escape the confrontations you can't avoid.

Self-defense classes provide a wide range of benefits:

  • Builds your confidence
  • Improves your physical fitness
  • Increases your awareness of your surroundings
  • Improves your balance
  • Provides a sense of personal empowerment

In addition to teaching you how to defend yourself against a human attacker, self-defense training can also be useful when defending yourself from an animal attack.

What do self-defense classes teach?

Self-defense classes teach you these skills to defend yourself from an attacker:

  • Situational awareness and how to detect danger where you might not expect it
  • Verbal skills to prevent or deescalate a confrontation
  • Strikes, including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows
  • How to avoid being dragged to the ground
  • Grappling techniques that are useful if you find yourself on the ground
  • How to defend yourself with improvised weapons or objects in your environment

During a self-defense class, you will practice physical skills alone and with a partner. Practicing with a partner provides a sense of what real physical contact with an attacker may feel like.

Many self-defense schools teach Krav Maga. Developed by the Israeli Defense Forces, Krav Maga remains one of the most popular defense systems among military personnel and law enforcement agencies.

What to wear to self-defense classes?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely, such as a T-shirt or tank top and leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, or shorts. Opt for breathable moisture-wicking fabric to minimize sweating.

Where to take self-defense classes near me?

Follow these tips to find the best self-defense classes near you:

  • Decide whether you want to attend women-only classes or co-ed classes.
  • Compare costs from at least three local schools or martial arts studios.
  • Read school and studio reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Avoid schools that include pre-rehearsed self-defense demos, as these demos typically don't reflect real-world circumstances or outcomes.
  • Visit the class location to confirm it's well-maintained and the staff is professional.
  • Ask about special offers for new students. Some schools offer a free trial class.
  • Take one class to ensure the studio is a good fit for you before enrolling in a multi-week or ongoing program.
  • Get a copy of the membership contract in writing before making a payment.

What questions should I ask self-defense teachers?

Before signing up for a self-defense class, ask the instructor these important questions:

  • How much do your classes cost?
  • Do you require a membership contract, and if so, what does it entail?
  • What is your class schedule?
  • Do you offer any specials for new students?
  • How many people are in a typical class?
  • Are your classes women-only or co-ed?
  • How long does a class last?
  • What should I wear to the class?

Reviews for Pleasanton self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Pleasanton area.
2CoolJ
Guru Stan makes the hardest techniques look so easy and doable. Stan is easy-going and makes training fun and applicable to real-world situations. Always worthwhile to train with the one of the best!
PDT San Jose
Robert R.
The instruction from Professor Gomez is genuine, and reality based. Everything I have personally witnessed being taught is effective, and could very easily save your life. I cannot recommend Island Style Kajukenbo enough!
Island Style Kajukenbo
CHEWY
Incredible teacher.! Knowing my surroundings has me feeling confident and the techniques are amazing thank you Street Smart Self Defense
Street Smart Self defense
Erika Y.
I can't say enough wonderful things about Sifu Ron and this Dojo! We've been going to Esteller Martial Arts in Pleasanton since it opened up (beginning of 2015); so we've been with Sifu Ron for over (2) years now. We just moved back to Livermore at the end of 2014 and I visited (5) different Dojos (including several much closer to our home) before we found Sifu Ron. He's the real deal and definitely worth the drive! Sifu Ron has the right combination of patience, discipline, dedication and genuine love and adoration for all his kids; he refers to us as Ohana - which means family. My oldest 2 Littles first started with him when they were 2 and 3 years old. Now, all (3) of them go to classes there. My youngest started when he was just 1 year old. Not many Martial Arts instructors will teach the Littles when they are so young. This is definitely a testament to Sifu Ron and his passion for this art. The kids love Sifu Ron and their Kaju classes. In fact, my nearly 6 year old, just requested to go to Kaju an additional night every week (3 nights per week now). His technique and knowledge have improved so much over the last 2 years. Even his previous martial arts instructor (another wonderful teacher from New Jersey) was impressed with the skills he's gained. What I also love about this Dojo is that Sifu gives some of the older kids the opportunity to help mentor and teach some of the younger ones. Its a great experience for all the children; those able to learn to teach and those that are able to look up to their older peers. Many of the classes are actual Ohana classes and open to students of multiple ages. In fact, I (as a female adult) even I can take classes with my kids. That's so much fun. Bottom line - this is the best Dojo and Sifu Ron is the absolute best instructor. We just love him!
Esteller Martial Arts
How Lessons.com works
Search

Search, get cost estimates, contact teachers, and book—all for free.

Compare

View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.

Hire

Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right tutor when you're ready.

Pleasanton self defense classes by service