Find a self defense class in San Rafael, CA

Find Self Defense Classes in San Rafael, CA

Find Self Defense Classes in San Rafael, CA

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Find Self Defense Classes in San Rafael, CA

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Top 10 self defense classes in San Rafael, CA

Students agree: these San Rafael self defense classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Hanabi Judo

Hanabi Judo

5.0(1)
61+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Gill says, "My son (age 6) started Judo during their summer camp and we have loved it ever since. " Read more
Master Eagle Taekwondo

Master Eagle Taekwondo

New on Lessons.com
Serves San Rafael, CA
Hello! I'm Master Eagle, a 4th-degree black belt and the Head Instructor of TG Taekwondo. With two decades of martial arts training, 13 years of teaching experience, and three years leading TG Taekwondo, I’m proud to have won 'Best Martial Arts Studio in Albany' every year of my tenure as head instructor. I have a deep love for martial arts and a passion for sharing it with everyone. My teaching style is adaptable, approachable, and highly personalized—I am always willing to work with and around any health or injury constraints you might have. Whether you want to build your stamina, sharpen your kicking, punching, and footwork, or simply boo
Wisdom Warrior Training

Wisdom Warrior Training

New on Lessons.com
26+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
My name is Hal Mosher and I am the head instructor at my school. I have been practicing Martial Arts for 32 years and teaching for 20. I have trained with masters all over Asia, including Taiwan, Japan and China. I love teaching people how to feel good in their bodies and confident in how they move and interact.
Zuluboxx MMA & Self Defense

Zuluboxx MMA & Self Defense

New on Lessons.com
17+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, 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.
El Cerrito Martial Arts

El Cerrito Martial Arts

New on Lessons.com
Serves San Rafael, CA
El Cerrito Martial Arts, based in El Cerrito, CA, is a premier martial arts school offering classes six days a week for children, teens, and adults. The school not only provides physical fitness and mental strength training but also focuses on the development of social skills. Standout features include an afterschool program, a summer camp, adult jiu-jitsu, and fitness kickboxing. Under the expert guidance of Cody Wilson, with his 20-plus years of experience, the school is a beacon of martial arts training in the community.
Hand To Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center

Hand To Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center

New on Lessons.com
46+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center, founded in 1980, is based in Oakland, CA and serves the surrounding areas. Renowned for its traditional martial arts training and self-defense classes, the center offers a comprehensive curriculum in the eclectic art of Kajukenbo. Students at Hand to Hand benefit from advanced body conditioning, balance, power, and fluid movement. The center, one of the largest woman-led schools on the West Coast, was established by Professor Coleen Gragen, an 8th Degree Black Belt. It continues to honor her legacy with a focus on women's self-defense and an annual award in her name.
Mojo Dojo Karate

Mojo Dojo Karate

New on Lessons.com
26+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Founded in 2000, Mojo Dojo Karate in Mill Valley, California, is more than just a karate training center. It is a diverse, family-centered community that focuses on personal development. Mojo Dojo Karate offers classes for different ages, from pre-K to adult, including those with ADHD. They believe in building self-confidence, teaching life skills, and promoting an "I CAN" mindset. This black and women-owned business is dedicated to helping students become their best selves through the blend of physical, mental, and spiritual elements of karate.
Guardian Gym

Guardian Gym

New on Lessons.com
11+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Guardian Gym, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organization located in Oakland, California. They offer boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and strength and conditioning classes for adults. Moreover, they support a 100% free after-school and weekend program for young people, which includes boxing, Jiu Jitsu, and educational mentorship. Revenue from donations, apparel sales, and adult memberships fund these youth programs. Guardian Gym started with a dream of providing Oakland's youth with free boxing and jiu jitsu training, and has grown to over 255 students in just over a year.
Wen Wu School Of Martial Arts

Wen Wu School Of Martial Arts

New on Lessons.com
53+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Established in 1973, the Chung Hua Clinic and Wen Wu School of Martial Arts, Inc., located in El Cerrito, California, have been an integral part of the community. The clinic, founded by Dr. Y.C. Chiang, has been treating a range of conditions through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapies, and is known for its support in cancer, dermatology, fertility, and pain. The Wen Wu School, an extension of the clinic, promotes traditional Chinese culture, teaching martial arts, Taiji, Qigong, and Shaolin to promote health and longevity.
Deleon Judo Club

Deleon Judo Club

New on Lessons.com
56+ years in business
Serves San Rafael, CA
Founded in 1970, DeLeon Judo Club is a non-profit judo dojo based in Petaluma, California. As one of the oldest members of the United State Judo Association, the club is also affiliated with the United States Judo Federation and the CENCO Yudanshikai. Catering to all ages, DeLeon Judo Club specializes in teaching traditional Kodokan Judo to students from as young as 6 years old. With a welcoming environment, it seeks to promote the discipline and art of Judo throughout the surrounding areas.

Your Self Defense Training 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 San Rafael self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the San Rafael area.
Megan M.
Youssef has been my boxing coach for a couple months now and I absolutely love it! He’s teaching me the techniques behind boxing and helping me gain my skills in this sport. He pushes me past my limits and encourages me to stay motivated. He’s the perfect balance of determined & hardcore and friendly & fun! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get into boxing as a sport or just to get a killer workout in!
Bay Area Boxing and Fitness
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