Find a self defense classes in Washington, DC

Find self defense classes in Washington, DC

Find self defense classes in Washington, DC

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Find self defense classes in Washington, DC

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

Top 10 self defense classes in Washington, DC

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
K.O. Artist Boxing

K.O. Artist Boxing

5.0(1)
5 hires on Lessons.com
15+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Cynthia B. says, "First I love the fact he's always prompt and he works with my schedule. Eric us an excellent boxing instructor in the short amount of time he's taught me so much. " Read more
AKODLLC

AKODLLC

1 hire on Lessons.com
6+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
What warms my heart is when my kids, teens and adults start see results. I believe in fast but well thought out results. Ive been around boxing all my life. Trained with some of the best. Only thing that could get in your way is, yourself.
Coacherbo Boxing

Coacherbo Boxing

5.0(2)
11 hires on Lessons.com
20+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Andrew T. says, "Coach is incredibly and supportive of new students. He’s great at starting with the fundamental and building up as student’s progress. And he is passionate about both boxing and teaching." Read more
Positive Self Defense (PSD)

Positive Self Defense (PSD)

5.0(2)
4 hires on Lessons.com
20+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Nikki S. says, "very infomative and empowering " Read more
Advance Self Defense

Advance Self Defense

Serves Washington, DC
Welcome to Advance Self Defense, where your safety and empowerment are our top priorities. Located in Edgewater, MD, I offer comprehensive martial arts classes, personal training sessions, and gun and firearm training tailored to meet your unique needs. With personalized attention and a commitment to excellence, I am dedicated to helping you build confidence, strength, and self-defense skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your abilities, I provide expert guidance to ensure you achieve your goals. Join me and take the first step towards mastering self-defense today.
Urban Oasis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC

Urban Oasis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC

Serves Washington, DC
No frills jiu jitsu gym located by DC in Hyattsville, MD, that teaches both modern and traditional jiu jitsu techniques for all skill levels and ages. We offer both Gi and Nogi training taught by Coach Paul and Coach Jose, under 3rd degree Renzo Gracie black belt Professor Cesar Cabrera.
Triad Martial Arts & Self Defense

Triad Martial Arts & Self Defense

21+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Martial arts and self-defense done well lead to a more meaningful life because everybody is fighting something! We offer FREE martial arts and self-defense training by a lifelong martial artist and Blauer Tactical Systems SPEAR-certified personal defense readiness coach serving the Lanham/Greenbelt/Bowie area for fifteen years. (See https://blauerspear.com/ for more information.) We care about your development as a person and want to make good people safer. That's why we do what we do....
Taekwon-do,soccer Instructor

Taekwon-do,soccer Instructor

19+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
I have a top notch service in Soccer training, and Teakwondo!! Full class conducted with enthusiastic and energetic way of coaching!!! I have been a martial art instructor and soccer coach since 2005, and been working high class clubs and academy, like Real Madrid, Barca, Arsenal USA soccer camp & graduate from SMWW, sport management and scouting & Grade A class taekwondo refree from ITF vienna
Bartman MMA And Self-Defense

Bartman MMA And Self-Defense

5.0(2)
25+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Adam M. says, "Thank you very much for the excellent classes- Lynne is enjoying and benefiting." Read more
The Rowland Fitness & Fighting Method

The Rowland Fitness & Fighting Method

11+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
The amount of care I put into each & EVERY client as individuals. I carefully craft individualized lesson plans to maximize each client and the differences they need to achieve our goals

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 Washington self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Mike S.
Coacherbo is a outstanding coach very patient supportive motivational I learned so much about the art of boxing
Coacherbo boxing
Barry P.
It's practically and easily usable the same day you learn especially if you unfortunately have to be in a situation to use it. Besides the physical skill set you have receive the mind set to deal with critical life scares.
Positive Self Defense (PSD)
Olivia C.
Have a great time in your class! Thanks again for providing a safe, fun, educational space
Bartman MMA and Self-Defense
Jenna F.
Training sessions and classes with Greg are always the perfect mix of challenging and fun. He pushes you to do better than your best and helps you holistically improve your health and well being. Sometimes you even get more of a workout from belly laughing than you do from the actual exercises.
TEAMNEWBY FITNESS
Lynn H.
Adina was very knowledgeable about Tai Chi and she made the class very enjoyable. She was the best Tai Chi instructor I have ever had.
Adina @ Satya Sattva Studio
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