Find a self defense classes in St Petersburg, FL

Find self defense classes in St Petersburg, FL

Find self defense classes in St Petersburg, FL

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

Disciplines interested in

Find self defense classes in St Petersburg, FL

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

Disciplines interested in

Top 10 self defense classes in St Petersburg, FL

Students agree: these instructors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Suncoast Martial Arts

Suncoast Martial Arts

New on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves St Petersburg, FL
We teach Adults, Children, an After-school Program/Summer-camp. One very important aspect that the students gain is confidence in themselves. www.suncoastmartialarts.com 1901 13th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 727-327-9800
Tactical Defense

Tactical Defense

5.0Exceptional(23)
6 hires on Lessons
8+ years in business
Serves St Petersburg, FL
Jeanna O. says, "Very helpful and eye opening! Mike and Dan are very knowledgable and patient. Definitely coming back to practice and keep learning!" Read more
Multi-Cultural Martial Arts

Multi-Cultural Martial Arts

5.0(1)
19+ years in business
Serves St Petersburg, FL
Nate T. says, "I hit it off with Adam the first time we talked on the phone. I had a kung fu school at the time and after a two hour convo I had invited and he agreed to come teach. About a week later he came in and began engaging with my students in a relaxed relatable manner that made everyone feel comfortable right away. I can count on one finger how many times this has happened where I immediately trusted and invited a guest instructor. As he began to teach it was easy to see both his skill and genuine passion for the arts. He carries a wide array of knowledge from a wide variety of traditional martial arts. I fell in love with his practical "real to life" self defense applications, weapons training and conditioning and even incorporated the material into my own training. He teaches hands on, step by step- fine tuning your technique and answering questions openly as he goes. You will get value from every single lesson and leave feeling confident, strong, and wanting more! Training with an instructor of his caliber is priceless. Don't waste your time! Train with Adam if you want authentic martial arts and immediate results. -Nate " Read more
Phi Phi Muay Thai LLC

Phi Phi Muay Thai LLC

New on Lessons
2+ years in business
Serves St Petersburg, FL
We believe that muay thai is more than just a competition, it’s a way of life that broadens your vision, amplifies your senses and enhances your mind-body coordination. Muay Thai teaches its practitioners the means to be more aware of their surroundings, which is done by facing an opponent with an arsenal of 8 weapons: Two fists, two elbows, two legs and two knees. After a couple of rounds with our instructor you will diffidently start to be more caucious in the way you move your body in order to reach the highest level of protection while waiting for the right moment to strike. Also Muay Thai is one of the greatest sports that can make ...
Tampa Bay Krav Maga

Tampa Bay Krav Maga

5.0Exceptional(16)
Offers online services
Serves St Petersburg, FL
Dave R. says, "I moved to St. Pete last year from the UK with 4 years Krav Maga experience. I came from an amazing club in London so I was absolutely thrilled to find an amazing club here. Joe and the team have been super welcoming. Their knowledge and experience is top notch and the sessions are always high intensity! 100% recommend this club to anyone wanting to learn self defence and fighting skills while keeping super fit." Read more

Your self defense questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

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 St Petersburg self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the St Petersburg area.
Alecia L.
Great class! My daughters learned a lot!
Tactical Defense
Taylor
What started out as an effort to learn some quick self-defense techniques has turned into an essential part of my mental and physical well-being. The self-confidence boost, stress relief, and continuous learning have all been great a great addition to my weekly routine over the past 4 years. The TBKM community is extremely friendly and a great place to start as a beginner or at any skill level.
Tampa Bay Krav Maga
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