Find a self defense classes in Buffalo Grove, IL

Find self defense classes in Buffalo Grove, IL

Find self defense classes in Buffalo Grove, IL

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 Buffalo Grove, IL

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 Buffalo Grove, IL

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

New on Lessons
46+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
We have been teaching karate for over 40 years and teach children and adults all over the Chicagoland area become more confident and learn to protect themselves. All instructors have 15+ years of experience, all CPR certified and have a passion and love for karate. We love teaching students respect for themselves and others as well as confidence. We love seeing our young students become community leaders.
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

5.0Exceptional(8)
1 hire on Lessons
27+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Amy M. says, "Eric is an amazing teacher. Patient, funny, and kind. I love that he adapts moves to work for MY body (I'm a little teapot, short and stout), and also that he fosters an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. He uses bits and pieces from many traditions to create a toolkit for each person that is both fun to learn and practical to use. I've taken lessons with him for years and brought my teen-aged niece and young daughter to learn self-defense as well. I can't recommend Kicking Dragon's Circle enough!" Read more
Krav Maga Illinois

Krav Maga Illinois

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Jason M. says, "The atmosphere is amazing. The facility is very clean and the students and staff very welcoming. The workout is fun, yet very serious. If you want to really learn to defend yourself, meet new people and get in great shape, you must try it out." Read more
Shambala Yoga Assn

Shambala Yoga Assn

New on Lessons
Offers online services
3+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Trained in Tae Kwon Do (black belt) and Muay Thai- I am also a certified yoga instructor which I find helps students to center their mind for more rigorous training and prevents injuries-
Mitchell Nix

Mitchell Nix

5.0(2)
Offers online services
14+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Rodney M. says, "Mitchell is great to work with. He really takes the time to learn what your goals are and individulizes what you need. He was very knowledgeable and explained stuff in a way that I could understand. His delivery of feedback was done professionally, and in the moment when it mattered most. Highly reccomended if you're just starting or trying to hone in on a particular area." Read more
Body And Beyond LLC

Body And Beyond LLC

5.0(4)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Sharon O. says, "I joined a gym about 5 yrs. ago and I started training with a personal trainer. I was on my way to achieving my goals of losing weight and building muscle. Things were going well for a few years until I tore my rotator cuff about a year ago and my trainer moved out of state. I was in need of a new trainer and also needed direction on how to workout with a injured rotator cuff. I had met Marcus a few years ago at the gym when I took his Alpha class. I was impressed by his teaching of the class and thought he was a very knowledgeable trainer. He was attentive to everyone in the class and his workouts were tough. I thought Marcus might make an excellent trainer for me and decided to give him a try. I was so glad that I did. Marcus has been very good about tailoring an exercise program for a full body workout that always challenges me, but also protects my torn rotator cuff from further damage. He is very good with helping Clients reach their goals even when they have health or injury issues. In the short few months that I have been training with Marcus I have lost 2% body fat and gained 3 lbs. of muscle. I am impressed with his passion for working out and his knowledge of nutrition. In every workout session Marcus always encourages and motivates me to train harder and try new exercises. Marcus inspires me and has helped me so much in working out not only harder, but smarter and eating healthier. I am a much happier person inside and out as I get closer to achieving my goals and I couldn’t have done it without Marcus beside me. " Read more
Underground Fitness Krav Maga

Underground Fitness Krav Maga

5.0Exceptional(20)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
3+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Joshua M. says, "I've had the pleasure to be sergios student for 4 years and I can say he's changed my life I'm more aware of my sorundings and know what I'm capable of" Read more
Axé Academy

Axé Academy

5.0(3)
Top Pro
15+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Martha C. says, "Professor Bambu is knowledgeable, well prepared, witty, and insightful. A highly experienced practitioner who takes his craft seriously. He trains not only your body, but also your thoughts. Despite his advanced rank, he is humble, compassionate, and humorous, creating a welcoming learning environment for all. Take his classes every chance you get. The world has few such teachers." Read more
DF Training Methods

DF Training Methods

5.0(2)
3 hires on Lessons
3+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
Chris L. says, "Working with Dylan is awesome, learned a lot and had fun " Read more
Best Defense Concepts

Best Defense Concepts

New on Lessons
Offers online services
12+ years in business
Serves Buffalo Grove, IL
I teach practical and effective self-defense which combines the best techniques and concepts from krav maga, kenpo karate, hapkido, escrima and boxing. I focus on what the student wants to learn, and then try to match the best techniques to the student's needs and strengths. My classes can focus on everything from defending against the most common unarmed street attacks, to dealing with weapons (clubs, guns and knives), or just focusing on learning a more selective skill, such as how to utilize joint locks. The student tells me if he/she wants a crash course or ongoing lessons, and then we make a plan of action. Take a look at my website fo...

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 Buffalo Grove self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Buffalo Grove area.
Sebastian G.
Eric Miller, the head of Kicking Dragon's Circle Martial arts, is a fantastic teacher. I've been training for 30 years and competing in boxing and grappling for 10 years. I reached an impasse while sparring and competing so I reached out to Eric to ask for help. His ability to assess a person's strengths and weaknesses and build off of then is invaluable. I pretty much just go to him now when my coaches don't have any answers. I even signed up at an mma school with a weekly open gym just so I could invite Eric since his school is too far from me. During our first session Eric helped us learn more than we had in the last four weeks. He kind of reminds me of Dean Thomas in the sense that he seems to have an answer for everything except Eric's knowledge goes way beyond just grappling. I can't recommend this school enough!
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts
Joseph M.
He's a great sensei, who helped craft me into the threat I've remained to be ever since I've worked with him.
Mitchell Nix
Madden Z.
I started training because I was very self conscious with my fitness abilities, and overall health. I Wanted a personal approach to improving my fitness abilities, and to become better in gym class (4th grade.) I feel that I am a lot stronger since I first started. Not only stronger, but it’s built my self esteem much higher than it was when I began training. I continue to work with Marcus because I feel that I still need more improvement, and I know that this is a good way to do it.
Body and Beyond LLC
Ezi S.
I really like going to Sergio's classes. I'm not just learning self defense, it is fun and makes me feel confident. If you have a question at the end of a Class, he'll help you and put even put you in the position with an opponent So then you can figure out how to get out.
Underground fitness Krav maga
Michael W.
The instruction is great, and the instructor cares about his craft and his students.
Axé Academy
Laura N.
Dylan has been great to train with! He is friendly, relaxed, professional, and comfortable to work with. He knows his stuff and provides helpful advice and tips throughout the session. You can tell he is pationate about what he does. We work at a pace that isn't overwhelming, but still he makes the most out of the hour session. I always leave feeling good about what we've worked on!
DF Training Methods
Becca A.
Coach Joshua has been outstanding with our family! Started with general fitness for my husband and I but ended up teaching our son boxing aswell. It's been such encouraging experience and coach has really surpassed expectations.
Personal Progress
Alexa R.
Milan is AWESOME! I am so happy to be working with him. He comes to my home to train me. He is extremely informative and very comfortable to be around =)
Elite Pro Performance
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