Find a self defense classes in Cleveland, OH

Find self defense classes in Cleveland, OH

Find self defense classes in Cleveland, OH

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

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

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Cleveland Wing Chun

Cleveland Wing Chun

6+ years in business
Serves Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Wing Chun, located in Parma, Ohio is a martial arts school specializing in Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and self defense. With a unique approach to training, they are committed to producing high-quality students and promoting traditional Chinese internal martial arts. Their expertise and dedication make them a premier choice for martial arts training for both beginners and advanced students.
Beachwood Tai Shin Doh Academy

Beachwood Tai Shin Doh Academy

Serves Cleveland, OH
Before the current time of the internet and mass marketing, a student would search for a martial arts master that was special. A master that could teach not only a broad range of self-defense skills to match the students body type and size, but also life lessons. One that would take that student in and make him or her feel like family. That is what you can find today at the Beachwood Academy. Our style, Tai Shin Doh, is one of the broadest styles available anywhere. Our Master Instructor started in the Martial Arts over 40 years ago, and personally is involved with every class. I'm very passionate for the martial arts, and I feel that it's no...
Greater Cleveland Self Defense

Greater Cleveland Self Defense

Serves Cleveland, OH
Senior Master Instructor with 47 years experience. We teach real world self defense.
3N Martial Arts Academy Of Martial Science

3N Martial Arts Academy Of Martial Science

16+ years in business
Serves Cleveland, OH
I teach a Royal system of Indonesian Gung Fu past down from Willem Reeder's family that he past to Grandmaster Arthur Sykes on down to our current Grandmaster Reginald McKissick. It teaches animal systems, Kun Tao, Weapon systems, Silat and other various fighting techniques involving many methods of fighting strategies. It helps builds self awareness, confidence as well mind ,body, and spirit. I have been teaching martial arts well over 15 years also was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2018 for my dedication to the art and my passion for teaching. I love being able to pass these teaching to the next generation as it has helped
Smiths Karate Academy

Smiths Karate Academy

6 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Cleveland, OH & Online
Hi my name is Sensei Mike and I provide excellent service for men,women and children we/I teach self confidence,self defense self respect for oneself and for others while keeping it safe and fun while in the pandemic I enjoyed the process of when a new student comes in to the Dojo from when they first started to they reach their goal as a karateka
Fresh Xperience Boxing Academy

Fresh Xperience Boxing Academy

5+ years in business
Serves Cleveland, OH
I Love the sport of boxing as much as I love to teach. So I get the best of both worlds, teaching the youth how to protect themselves and how to be strong. My program is about more than boxing, but also about combating single parent house holds, and giving the youth an alternative to ghe streets. I've been coaching for the last five years.I just recently got my own gym, but before that I worked in two other gyms Little Giants & Revolution Fight and Fitness.
Krav Maga Cleveland

Krav Maga Cleveland

Serves Cleveland, OH
Krav Maga Cleveland, located in Warrensville Heights and other surrounding areas, is a renowned self-defense school. They offer a range of programs including Krav Maga, a hybrid martial art, Muay Thai, BJJ, and others. Their comprehensive programs also include youth martial arts, cardio kickboxing, personal and group training, and even yoga. Known for their versatility, they cater to all, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn self-defense skills effectively.
Mayfield Academy Of Self-Defense

Mayfield Academy Of Self-Defense

Serves Cleveland, OH
Mayfield Academy of Self-Defense, serving Cleveland, Ohio, and surrounding areas including Mayfield Heights, is your go-to personal self-defense specialist. With their expertise, they've been a staple in Northeastern Ohio for over 50 years. Whether it's Karate or Minna Jiu Jitsu, their training programs are designed to empower and instill confidence in every participant. Discover the difference at Mayfield Academy of Self-Defense.
Shaolin Kung Fu Institute

Shaolin Kung Fu Institute

28+ years in business
Serves Cleveland, OH
Founded in 1997, Shaolin Kung Fu Institute is based in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, serving the surrounding areas. The institute is driven by a passion for teaching authentic Chinese fighting arts in a family-friendly atmosphere. Welcoming everyone from age three upwards, the center offers programs aimed at health, fitness, self-defense, and instilling discipline, respect, and confidence. The institute has been serving the community, including Euclid and Richmond Heights, for over 15 years, making them a trusted choice for your family's Kung Fu education.
Powers Martial Arts Academy

Powers Martial Arts Academy

Serves Cleveland, OH
Powers Martial Arts Academy, based in North Olmsted, Ohio, offers comprehensive martial arts training in Isshinryu karate and Gracie jiu-jitsu. Catering to students aged 4 and up, the academy focuses on instilling self-confidence, focus, and socialization while ensuring fitness and pure enjoyment. The school offers a free initial class, allowing prospective students an opportunity to experience the benefits firsthand. Additionally, it is a recognized member of both the Okinawa Isshin Ryu Karate Kobu-Do Association and the Pedro Sauer Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association.

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?

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