Find a martial arts class in Santa Monica, CA

Find martial arts classes in Santa Monica, CA

Find martial arts classes in Santa Monica, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best martial arts classes in your area.
Zip code

Disciplines interested in

Find martial arts classes in Santa Monica, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best martial arts classes in your area.
Zip code

Disciplines interested in

Top 10 martial arts classes in Santa Monica, CA

Students agree: these Santa Monica martial arts classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Amirboxing

Amirboxing

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Walter L. says, "Admir is helping me get fitt and I never knew I could do a very high muay Tai kick I feel I will advance my game and get the self defense and most importantly my health" Read more
Fight Science MMA

Fight Science MMA

5.0Exceptional(5)
1 hire on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Adriana V. says, "Coach Julian is a martial arts encyclopedia; he is well-versed in all forms of combat sports. He is very patient when teaching, and makes his class time fun, yet informative. I highly recommend taking a course with Julian." Read more
Daria

Daria

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
21+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Ida A. says, "My 2 young boys (now 11 and 8) have been working with Daria for over a year now. They went from not knowing how to guard their faces to winning PBSC matches! What I love most is my kids are always excited about the different teaching methods. They are never bored and happy to be learning more and more. She also works on plyometric techniques to build speed and agility. I myself did some self-defense/boxing classes with her as well. It was a great workout and really helped me out. I highly recommend her to anyone who is interested in working out with someone who makes every class fun and full of activities." Read more
Conscious Defense | Women's Self-Defense

Conscious Defense | Women's Self-Defense

5.0(3)
8+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
CHRISTINE S. says, "Full of very valuable information on how to protect yourself in a life threatening situation. The opportunity to practice these self defense moves with Elliot was extremely important. I feel more confident in my ability to disable an aggressor and get to safety. I have been recommending this class to my female friends. " Read more
Self Defense Concepts

Self Defense Concepts

New on Lessons
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
17+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
When the light comes on in the student and they get it. What you teach them.
Wall Team

Wall Team

New on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I teach Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA and capoeira Master, teacher I teach in English, Spanish and Portuguese
Shaolin Wugong And Taichi Academy

Shaolin Wugong And Taichi Academy

New on Lessons
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Traditional Chinese martial arts for all levels.
Spencer Steele Boxing

Spencer Steele Boxing

New on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I personalize the training to each individual student. Whether you want to learn the sport, get in shape, build confidence, or just pick up a new hobby, boxing is a great vehicle to many destinations. I enjoy watching students progress in fitness and technique, and get to the point where they can defend themselves and enjoy the art.

Your Martial Arts Classes questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

What is mixed martial arts (MMA)?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat spot that incorporates striking, footwork, and grappling techniques from boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. Many MMA fighters also blend techniques from judo, karate, kung fu, kickboxing, and other martial arts.

Mixed martial arts competitions take place in an octagon-shaped ring, sometimes called a "cage", with fighters competing against others in their weight class. Fighters are free to punch, kick, knee, elbow, slam, and grapple their opponents. However, for safety purposes, biting, eye gouging, head butting, and certain other moves are against the rules.

How much do mixed martial arts classes cost?

Mixed martial arts classes cost $100 to $180+ per month on average, depending on the class age range, number of classes per week, combination of martial arts taught, and the coach's expertise and reputation. MMA gyms are typically more expensive if they have well-known coaches who are UFC champions on staff, with some membership fees reaching $300 per month.

Many MMA gyms offer a 1-day drop-in option for $10 to $20 to give you the chance to attend a class and see if the gym is right for you.

Is mixed martial arts good for self-defense?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is ideal for self-defense training because you'll learn a combination of skills and techniques to help you escape dangerous confrontations without injury. MMA's "no holds barred" style is often considered the closest to real-life fighting when compared to other martial arts.

However, MMA does not teach you techniques like knife defense or how to disarm an opponent with a weapon. MMA training is also geared toward dealing with only one attacker at a time.

What does mixed martial arts training help with?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) training incorporates strikes—including punches, knees, and elbows—short and long-range kicks, groundwork, and grappling. You'll also practice controlled and supervised sparring. This training provides a wide range of benefits:

  • Build your confidence
  • Improve your discipline
  • Get fit and increase your endurance
  • Improve your strength, balance, and flexibility
  • Reduce stress and improve your concentration

Where can I learn mixed martial arts near me?

Follow these tips to find the best mixed martial arts gym near you:

  • Research the instructors' competition record and reputation.
  • Read gym and instructor reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Confirm the gym offers classes for your experience level.
  • Visit the gym in person to confirm it is clean and well-maintained and the staff is professional.
  • Take advantage of their free one-day pass to take a class and ensure the gym is a good fit for you.
  • Get a copy of the membership contract in writing before making any payments.

What questions should I ask mixed martial arts gyms?

Before deciding on an MMA gym, be sure to ask these questions:

  • Is the gym beginner friendly?
  • What kind of membership contracts do you offer?
  • Do you offer a free trial class or one-day pass?
  • What is your class schedule?
  • How many students do you have?
  • How many students are in a typical class?
  • What is the instructor's competition record?
  • What kind of uniform or clothing is required?
  • Do your students and instructors compete regularly?
  • How often do you clean your mats?

Reviews for Santa Monica martial arts classes

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Monica area.
Del
Working with Coach Rush has great experience for me. Always professional, and you can tell that he does research with his scientific approach to training.
Fight Science MMA
Kimberly B.
This course was a game changer for me! 1 in 3 American women experience domestic violence, in their lifetimes. This is a shocking statistic! As a survivor of domestic abuse, I had gone to therapy to address the emotional scars, but it had never occurred to me to take a self-defense course and learn how to fight back. Elliott encouraged me to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did! It was empowering to discover that I am equipped to defend myself, effectively, in the face of an attack, without any special equipment, at my current weight and fitness level! The course required 4 hours of time and a modest fee. The results were priceless! Every woman in American needs this information!
Conscious Defense | Women's Self-Defense
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