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.
Conscious Defense | Women's Self-Defense

Conscious Defense | Women's Self-Defense

5.0(3)
9+ 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
FightFit Personal Trainers

FightFit Personal Trainers

5.0Exceptional(43)
1 hire on Lessons
10+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Saif A. says, "Matt is a consummate professional. He has helped me rediscover my love for muay thai as well as reinvigorating my personal conditioning. He runs his sessions intelligently and directly while avoiding the "drill instructor" model. He motivates and instructs effectively. He tracks my progress and advises me with off session nutrition guides and training regimens. If you are looking for an effective and innovative training regimen to get you into shape, Matt is your man!" Read more
Coach Julian - Fight Science MMA

Coach Julian - Fight Science MMA

5.0Exceptional(5)
1 hire on Lessons
8+ 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
22+ 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
BOXER IQ

BOXER IQ

5.0(4)
Offers online services
35+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Sheila H. says, "Coach Adam is a true professional. My 15 year old son loves working with Adam. My son isn’t easily impressed or engaged by many people, but Adam has been able to keep him engaged and inspired in boxing. We plan to be with Adam for a very long time because he is teaching my son much more than boxing. Adam is a great mentor to my son too. He teaches awesome boxing technique, athleticism, professionalism, and motivates kids to be their best while having fun doing it. From my heart…❤️ Sheila Harbour" Read more
A*International Security Affiliates

A*International Security Affiliates

5.0(1)
22+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Laura A. says, "Instructors are always willing to listen to students and are very patient" Read more
Athena Martial Arts

Athena Martial Arts

5.0(4)
6+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Taylor says, "Great instruction. Vince is an amazing teacher. He is really good at walking you through the details step by step and figuring out how to make you better! Highly highly recommend." Read more
Kravgirl Tactics

Kravgirl Tactics

5.0Exceptional(5)
30+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Jennifer T. says, "I have taken a few classes with Kravgirl, (Jennifer). She is passionate about Self Defense skills for women of which was deeply expressed in by her to our group in my first session. I feel comfortable with how she facilitates her techniques, as they are done in a way that is interactive and real life, but safe for the learning group. I have been able to retain in my memory particular skills learned and have even implemented a new awareness by her in a recent situation. Not only does she offer life saving techniques, but also the mental and emotional awareness to be in when using self defense. She has a fierce determination and many creative ideas in promoting her work for women. I highly recommend any woman who wants to feel more confident, more empowered, and to learn life saving skills to work with Jen. She lives and breathes this work and I look forward to doing more classes with her in the future." Read more
Vincent Swim Lessons

Vincent Swim Lessons

New on Lessons
10+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I have been teaching swim lessons for the past few years and have gotten really good at it, with most of my group lessons continuing with me for private lessons. I recently moved to Frederick and could not keep all of my lessons from Towson. I am a certified water safety instructor, lifeguard, and pool operator. I put 100% of my time and effort into planning and teaching custom fit lessons to improve skills in the water from the very basics to competitive training. I also teach karate and I am studying for med school so I’ve dedicated my life to improving the quality of life of others. I can and have taught all age groups, and am able to ...
Aaron Stone MD Aikido Iaido Wing Chun

Aaron Stone MD Aikido Iaido Wing Chun

New on Lessons
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Seeing students improve their posture, health and martial arts abilities.

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.
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
James D.
Matt is such a great trainer. His boxing and Muay Thai skills are world class and he is a very patient and motivating coach. He is not only a skilled martial artist; he is also a genuinely nice person who cares about your success! Do yourself a favor and book a session with Matt so you can see what all the fuss is about.
FightFit Personal Trainers
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.
Coach Julian - Fight Science MMA
Jeremy M.
Adam is an amazing coach with great insight to the sport of boxing. He is very knowledgeable and really cares about his athletes.
BOXER IQ
Chelsea K.
I've been training with Vincent for a few years now, and it's always been a great experience. Vincent is a really effective teacher. He always knows how to explain or demonstrate techniques so that they make sense. And I appreciate the way that he manages to challenge me while building foundational skills.
Athena Martial Arts
Anne M.
She was very knowledgeable and skilled. Patient and perceptive. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know before training with other martial artists.
Kravgirl Tactics
Asher G.
Coach Jackson is an amazing coach!
Coach Jacksons Gym
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