Find a self defense classes in Elgin, IL

Find self defense classes in Elgin, IL

Find self defense classes in Elgin, IL

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Find self defense classes in Elgin, IL

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Top 10 self defense classes in Elgin, IL

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Safe International Milwaukee

Safe International Milwaukee

Serves Elgin, IL
Safe International Milwaukee Self Defense, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a leading mobile self-defense company. They are not your typical martial arts or fighting system. Instead, they focus on violence management and prevention, offering comprehensive self-defense strategies that cover physical, psychological, verbal, and emotional aspects. Certified Partner William Stedman and his team are committed to helping individuals in the Greater Milwaukee area feel safer and more confident in their day-to-day lives.
Kyuki-Do Martial Arts Of Bartlett

Kyuki-Do Martial Arts Of Bartlett

7+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Kyuki-Do is a Korean blended form that takes the best out of Karate, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Judo and Jujitsu, which basically is saying it takes the best of striking, kicking, locking, throwing and grappling. It covers top to bottom. This is what makes it stand out. I also have fantastic PreK programs. PreK 3 - 4 year olds and PreK 5 - 6 year old classes. They focus on developing their physical, intelluctual, emotional and social skills. It is so much more than marial arts. Helping develop kids to be confident and have a Yes I Can Attitude! Being a woman small business owner, I love helping other women become knowledgable from my Ladies S...
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

5.0Exceptional(8)
1 hire on Lessons.com
28+ years in business
Serves Elgin, 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
Master Moses Karate Center

Master Moses Karate Center

13+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL & Online
;7 Dan Black Belt Tae Kwon Doe ;40 years experience in martial arts ;teaching tae kwon doe, karate, kung fu ;group lesssons and private lessons ;can travel to you up to 5 miles ;learn self defence, get in shape, lose weight, more cofidence, more control, more self discipline and more ;5 years and up; female and males; children and adults ;martial arts ranking system from white belt up to 6 dan black belt for tae kwon doe ;helping children to be able to defense themselves ;helping children to learn respect and manner...
Elite Pro Performance

Elite Pro Performance

5.0(2)
3 hires on Lessons.com
38+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL & Online
Ivania R. says, "I had been looking for a boxing instructor and found Milan, he is a great teacher that is very insightful in what he teaches and has a lot of experience. I went from knowing nothing to being confident in defending myself! " Read more
Rogue Warriors Training Compound

Rogue Warriors Training Compound

5.0Exceptional(6)
9+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL & Online
TJ P. says, "Training the old way full go no BS! You earn what you keep the dues keep the doors open the passion to teach in a manner that proves it's not about the money it's about the student. In the chance you are forced to use what you have learned you WILL be ready! The knowledge stays with you and evolves every secound. If you are serious about your training you have come to the right place, if not you get hurt plain and simple. Come ready and come often and never loose your focus or you will be the first to realise why that is the most important aspect of training, so your partner and you get the most from these highly respected and knowledgeable instructors and the man who brings it all together, as serious as a heart attack and as understanding and kind as a best friend, Len Sly! If you live in the area hands down you are waiting your time anywhere else, and I speak from many years of training in multiple places. So if you are serious about your training and growing in the combative arts this is the place for you, no questions asked! If I was in a place were my life was in danger I would be Honored to have any of these men and women by my side old or new young and distingguished they would have your back till the end any given day. That's what a family is all about." Read more
DF Training Methods

DF Training Methods

5.0(2)
3 hires on Lessons.com
4+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Chris L. says, "Working with Dylan is awesome, learned a lot and had fun " Read more
Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

47+ years in business
Serves Elgin, 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.
Misfits JiuJitsu

Misfits JiuJitsu

Serves Elgin, IL
Misfits JiuJitsu, situated in St. Charles, Illinois, is not an ordinary jiu-jitsu school but a vibrant community united by the love for grappling, fun, and mutual growth. They provide a welcoming environment where each member feels comfortable and included. They host regular classes, team gatherings, and even an annual Halloween costume jiu-jitsu session, fostering camaraderie both on and off the mats. While they take their training seriously, they believe in making it fun and safe. Join Misfits JiuJitsu for a unique, enjoyable fitness experience in a friendly, supportive community.
FLO Fitness And Martial Arts

FLO Fitness And Martial Arts

1 hire on Lessons.com
18+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
We are a long standing gym in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Focusing on weight loss and toning through boxing, kickboxing, HIIT, etc. We pride ourselves on helping our members accomplish their goals while keeping them happy and safe during the process.

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 Elgin self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Elgin 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
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
Nora T.
The attention to detail from the instructor, and the willingness for everyone to help me learn.
Rogue Warriors Training Compound
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
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