Self Defense Classes in Arizona: Phoenix &amp; Valley Guide (2026)

Gracie Bullyproof at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix

Phoenix · +1 more city•5-7, 8-13, 13-18

ESA accepted•See website for schedule details

PHX Martial Arts

Anthem•Ages 3+, our oldest 83!!

Our program will teach your kiddo confidence, discipline, social skills, problem solving, and self-defense!!

ESA accepted•All year round

Centerline Jiu-Jitsu

Chandler · +3 more cities•3 and up

At Centerline Jiu-Jitsu, we believe martial arts should build far more than physical skills. Our mission is to help children, teens, and adults develop confidence, character, resilience, and the ability to protect themselves and those they love—all within a welcoming, family-oriented environment. As a locally owned, family-operated academy serving the Chandler and Mesa communities, we are committed to creating a culture where people encourage one another rather than compete for status. Every student, regardless of age or experience, is treated with dignity and respect. Our instructors strive to lead by example, emphasizing humility, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and servant leadership—values that resonate with many Christian families while warmly welcoming students from all backgrounds. Unlike many martial arts schools, our classes feature live, interactive training from the very beginning. Students learn through carefully designed games, drills, and partner exercises that build real skill in a safe and supportive setting. Whether your goal is practical self-defense, improved fitness, competition, or personal growth, our curriculum helps students develop confidence that comes from experience rather than false bravado. We offer programs for children as young as three years old, youth classes, teen and adult classes, and a dedicated Women's Only program. Our children's classes focus not only on effective jiu-jitsu but also on respect, discipline, teamwork, emotional control, and learning how to respond wisely to conflict. We believe the strongest person is often the one who knows when not to fight. At Centerline Jiu-Jitsu, success isn't measured solely by belts or medals. It's measured by the shy child who finds confidence, the teenager who learns resilience, the parent who discovers renewed health, or the individual who gains the courage to face life's challenges with calmness and integrity. We recognize that many families are searching for an activity that reinforces the values they teach at home. Our goal is to provide an environment where honesty, kindness, accountability, and genuine care for others are part of everyday training. We seek to build a community where friendships grow, families feel welcomed, and students encourage one another to become better people both on and off the mats. Whether you have never stepped onto a mat before or have years of martial arts experience, you'll find a supportive community dedicated to helping you grow. We would be honored to welcome you to the Centerline family and help you begin your own journey toward confidence, character, and lifelong learning.

Year round

2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale AZ

2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale AZ

Glendale · +2 more cities•3+

🥋 More Than Martial Arts. We Build Stronger People. 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness is a family-first dojo built on discipline, respect, accountability, faith, and earned progress. Through Nikidokai, our exclusive martial arts system available only at 2KnuckleSports, students develop practical self-defense skills through striking, grappling, fitness, and traditional Mixed Martial Arts training. Programs for ages 3 through adults: ✅ Build lasting confidence ✅ Develop discipline and self-control ✅ Become physically and mentally stronger ✅ Learn practical, real-world self-defense ✅ Develop leadership, respect, and accountability ✅ Train in a positive, family-focused environment Our faith is not separated from everyday life. We train with **faith in Jesus Christ**, striving to lead with humility, courage, self-control, service, and respect for others. Because what is built on the mat should carry over into home, school, work, family, and the community. This is more than training. This is transformation. ⭐ Start with our $45 Starter Course Your Starter Course includes: 🥋 2 Private Lessons 🥊 1 Group Class 🎯 An opportunity for our instructors to learn your goals and help place you in the right program ✅ No experience necessary ✅ Ages 3+ ✅ Arizona ESA Direct Vendor It’s a great opportunity for your family to experience 2KnuckleSports before deciding on the right membership program. 📍 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness — Glendale, AZ 👉 Get started here: https://2knucklesportsglendaleaz.com/intro 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale, AZ Your Family First Dojo Philippians 4:13

ESA accepted•Mon - Sat . Hours vary based on class•Co-op

Great Start Karate

AZ•5+

Great Start Karate offers live, instructor-led online karate and skill-based physical education for homeschool children ages 5+. Students build physical skills, confidence, focus, and perseverance through guided practice, individual feedback, and clear progress from beginner through advanced levels. Classes are 30 minutes, taught live in small groups, and easy to include in the homeschool day. Great Start Karate is an approved Arizona ESA provider and offers a free first class.

ESA accepted•Year-round; live classes offered throughout the week

Pre-K to 12thESA Accepted Verified

Arizona programs: Christian & Homeschool Martial Arts in Arizona

Directory listings that match this guide. Tap a card to call, email, or visit the program's site.

Enrichment Program

Gilbert, AZ

Maximum Impact Academy

Maximum Impact Academy is a Christian rooted martial arts program that helps students build confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills while growing in faith and character. Our age appropriate classes serve children, teens, and adults, welcoming beginners in a structured, encouraging environment. Training combines striking, movement, and self-defense with lessons in respect, responsibility, courage, and self-control. Students learn to overcome challenges, respond wisely to bullying, and treat others with dignity. Led by Sensei J, who has trained in martial arts since age five, our program develops the whole person, mind, body, emotions, and spirit. We pair clear expectations with compassionate instruction, helping each student grow at their own pace. For homeschool families, our classes provide purposeful physical activity, opportunities to build friendships, and character development grounded in Christian principles. Maximum Impact Academy: Where Strength Meets Spirit.

Chandler, AZ

Bautista Kajukenbo MMA

Our mission is to build the well rounded martial artist that can navigate life using martial arts as the platform to deliver tenets from the Bible. And spread the good word of Jesus as we build an ohana to serve people in this world God has created. Our Tiny Dragons, Little Dragons, and Dragon Warrior classes are a great opportunity to start your Family’s Kajukenbo journey. Along with Kajukenbo we offer Lady Dragons(Women’s self defense), Muay Thai, Boxing, individual fitness training, and tai chi for the senior dragons (coming soon) Kajukenbo is more than just learning martial arts techniques, it’s a way of life. Ready for a fun-filled experience? Get your gear and mark your calendars. We can’t wait to see you soon!

K-7ESA Accepted Verified

High SchoolESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Peoria, AZ

Strong & Courageous Women- Mother/Daughter Protection Series

Strong & Courageous Women Mother & Daughter Protection Series Faith. Confidence. Awareness. Preparedness. Designed specifically for Christian homeschool families, these classes equip mothers and daughters with practical skills to recognize danger, avoid violence whenever possible, and respond confidently if they must protect themselves or those they love. Topics include: Situational Awareness & Threat Recognition Personal Safety in Everyday Life Building Confidence Under Stress The Mindset of Personal Protection Women's Combatives & Practical Self-Defense Using Structure Instead of Strength Escapes from Common Grabs & Assaults Protecting Yourself at School, Church, Work, and While Traveling Arizona Self-Defense Laws & Use of Force Becoming Your Own First Line of Defense Our philosophy is simple: You are the weapon system. Our goal is not to create fear—it is to build confidence, preparedness, and the ability to protect yourself and the people you love while honoring your faith and values.

Littles ages 4-8, Jr team 8-15, mixed adults and Women only classESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Phantom AZ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Welcome to Phantom AZ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Phantom AZ BJJ emphasizes self-defense, fitness, and a balanced approach to training. While we encourage our students to compete, it’s never a requirement. People train for a variety of reasons, and whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defense, or engage in an exciting competitive sport, you’ll find the instructors and fellow students at Phantom AZ BJJ welcoming and supportive.

Mini NInjas 4-6, Kids 7-13, Teens 13+ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

EMK teaching Martial arts, Self defense, Leadership skills and more!

Our mission is to build strong leaders in the community. One family and one black belt at a time. We are open from 2pm-8pm and offer multiple classes every day.

3 Years Old & UpESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Premier Martial Arts - Scottsdale, Glendale

Premier Martial Arts helps children build confidence, focus, discipline, respect, and practical self-defense skills in a positive, encouraging environment. Our structured martial arts program develops strong character, leadership, fitness, and perseverance while giving homeschool families a fun way to stay active, learn valuable life skills, and make friends.

3 through adultESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Premier Martial Arts

At Premier Martial Arts AZ, our mission is to empower students through martial arts to build strong, confident, disciplined people of all ages who are prepared for the real world and encouraged to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Since 1998, Premier Martial Arts has helped kids, teens, adults, and families grow through practical martial arts training that combines MMA, Krav Maga, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our training is grounded in real-world experience and tested, practical techniques. Students aren't simply learning moves or working toward their next belt, they're developing skills, habits, and character that can impact every area of their lives. A typical week at Premier is active, challenging, structured, and FUN. Students learn striking, grappling, self-defense, fitness, coordination, and situational awareness while developing discipline, focus, confidence, respect, good manners, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit. As a Christian-owned and operated program, we believe in developing the whole person. We want students to become stronger physically, sharper mentally, more confident emotionally, and grounded spiritually. We reinforce Christian values such as integrity, respect, service, personal responsibility, perseverance, and treating others with dignity. The lessons learned on the mat should carry into a student's faith, family, friendships, education, and everyday life. Every student comes to us with different strengths and needs. Some need confidence. Others need greater discipline, focus, or physical activity. Some want practical skills to protect themselves, while others are looking for a positive community where they can be challenged, have fun, and belong. We meet students where they are and help them continue growing. What makes Premier different is that we aren't just developing martial artists, we're developing the whole student. Our goal is to help people become capable, respectful, resilient, faith-centered leaders who know how to do hard things and have the confidence to stand strong. Premier Martial Arts AZ has locations in Scottsdale and Glendale and proudly serves Arizona homeschool families. ESA funds are accepted. Come train, grow, have fun, and become stronger in every way.

4-16ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

One Ten Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu Program Build confidence, discipline, fitness, and self-defense skills at One Ten Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy! Our homeschool program offers a fun, structured environment where kids develop strength, coordination, teamwork, and friendships. * Classes 4 days a week * Arizona ESA Approved Vendor * All skill levels welcome * Self-defense and anti-bullying skills * Confidence, discipline, and physical fitness Stronger Kids. Brighter Futures. 📍 Scottsdale, AZ 🌐 Onetenbjj.com 📞 (623) 272-0478 We offer 1-1 private lessons. Uniforms. Everything is covered by ESA!

Ages 4+ kids program, plus a separate adult programESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

10th Planet Scottsdale

10th Planet Scottsdale is North Scottsdale's home for high-level No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with programs for kids as young as four through adults. Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program blends games, conditioning, and technique to build confidence, discipline, self-defense skills, and emotional regulation in a fun, supportive environment, ideal for after-school or homeschool enrichment. We are an approved Arizona ESA vendor through ClassWallet, so families can apply their ESA funds directly toward our regular Kids Jiu Jitsu program at our existing class times, no separate class or extra paperwork required. A typical week includes multiple kids classes plus adult No-Gi and striking sessions at our Scottsdale facility, which also features an on-site sauna and cold plunge recovery suite. We welcome beginners and experienced students alike, with a no-contract, no-registration-fee membership policy. Families love our friendly instructors, welcoming community, and the confidence their kids build on and off the mats.

ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Anthem, AZ

Infinite Jiu-Jitsu

Infinite Jiu-Jitsu in Anthem, AZ offers a welcoming, family-friendly martial arts program for homeschool students of all skill levels. Our dedicated homeschool class builds confidence, discipline, fitness, and character in a supportive community. Open to families of all backgrounds, tuition also helps fund local nonprofit organizations, making every class an investment in our community.

3+ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Tempe, AZ

Lees ATA Martial Arts

My academy teaches individuals ages 3+ of all abilities. We have dedicated homeschool classes, special abilities classes, women's only classes, Tigers (3-6 years), kids (7-12 years), teen/adult classes, fitness, leadership training, and even a 55+ class. We teach Taekwondo as well as life skills to help build confidence, self esteem, and discipline. We have non-contact options for those that do not wish to spar yet.

ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Tempe, AZ

Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do AZ

We are a family owned and operated business. We have 6 beautiful children that we homeschool. Our goal with our business is to change lives one individual at a time.

Pre K to AdultESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Gilbert, AZ

Unstoppable Martial Arts

Our Mission: At Unstoppable Martial Arts, our mission is to empower every student to achieve their goals by building confidence, discipline, and an Unstoppable mindset that carries far beyond the mat. We believe martial arts is about more than learning kicks and punches. It’s about developing character, resilience, respect, self-control, and the confidence to overcome life’s challenges. Every class is designed to help students grow into stronger leaders at home, in school, and in their community. As a locally owned, Christian family business, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment where families can grow together. Monday through Friday, we strive to build a positive community where students of all ages are encouraged, challenged, and supported every step of their journey. Our instructors are passionate about teaching life skills alongside martial arts because we know true success isn’t measured only by belts earned, but by the kind of person each student becomes.

4 year old to AdultsESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Glendale, AZ

Keene's ATA Martial Arts

Keene's ATA Martial Arts is more than a martial arts school—it's a community dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults develop the confidence, discipline, and life skills needed to succeed both on and off the mat. Senior Master and Mrs. Keene have served the Arrowhead community through the proven Songahm Taekwondo curriculum teaching students to build practical self-defense skills while strengthening their character, leadership. What truly sets Keene's ATA Martial Arts apart is its commitment to personal development. Every class is designed to teach more than kicks and punches, incorporating lessons in respect, perseverance, self-control, goal setting, and confidence that students can apply in their everyday lives. The instructors are professionally certified, background-checked, and passionate about helping every student reach their full potential, regardless of age, experience, or fitness level. Unlike many martial arts schools that focus primarily on competition or physical techniques, Keene's ATA Martial Arts emphasizes creating confident leaders, stronger families, and healthier individuals. With structured age-specific programs, a welcoming community, a clean and modern training facility, and a curriculum backed by one of the world's largest martial arts organizations, students receive expert instruction in an environment where they are encouraged to grow beyond what they believe they are capable of doing. While the process may become uncomfortable the higher belt rank you become, students gain true confidence in their ability and the processes pushes them what they believe they are capable of achieving. After having taught Taekwondo for nearly 30 years it has become our legacy of "Training Students Through Taekwondo Today to Create Leaders for Tomorrow."

5-99ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Surprise, AZ

De Boa Jiu Jitsu Academy

At De Boa Jiu Jitsu, we believe we’re doing more than teaching martial arts—we’re helping shape confident, respectful, and resilient young people. Our kids program is built on world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction in a positive, family-oriented environment where every child is encouraged to grow both on and off the mats. As a Christian-owned and family-operated academy, our faith influences the way we treat others. While our classes focus on high-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we strive to lead with Christian values such as love, humility, integrity, kindness, servant leadership, and respect. Every child is welcomed, encouraged, and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs. Led by experienced Black Belt instructors, our program helps children develop: * Confidence and self-esteem * Respect and discipline * Self-defense skills * Focus and perseverance * Leadership and responsibility * Healthy friendships and teamwork * Physical fitness, coordination, and body awareness * The ability to overcome challenges with resilience Whether your child wants to build confidence, learn self-defense, make new friends, or compete at the highest levels, our coaches are committed to helping them reach their full potential. Our structured curriculum emphasizes safe training, technical excellence, and character development. Students learn that success isn’t just measured by medals or belts—it’s measured by how they treat others, respond to adversity, and continue growing every day. At De Boa, we’re more than a gym—we’re a family. Our mission is to create an environment where children feel supported, challenged, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.

3-100ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Surprise, AZ

2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness Surprise/El Mirage

As a family-first dojo, we are a community dedicated to improving lives and uniting families through mixed martial arts. Our mission is to develop confident leaders with strong character through mixed martial arts, fitness, discipline, and mentorship. Every class is designed to help students grow physically, mentally and emotionally while learning valuable life skills such as respect, perseverance, integrity and self-control. We proudly serve children, teens, adults and families throughout Surprise, El Mirage and the surrounding communities because we believe strong families build strong communities. Whether your goal is to gain confidence, improve fitness, learn self-defense, compete, or simply become the best version of yourself, you'll find encouragement, accountability, and a place to belong.

ESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

ONYX BOXING Mesa

ONYX BOXING Mesa brings structured, coach-led boxing instruction to East Valley ESA students. As an approved Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account vendor, we bill your ESA directly through ClassWallet Direct Pay - no out-of-pocket costs and no reimbursement paperwork. ESA students can enroll in our weekday Homeschool PE block, book private 1-on-1 lessons, or hold an individual student membership. Every session is led by USA Boxing-certified coaches and follows a progressive curriculum: footwork, stance, punch technique, defense, conditioning, and sportsmanship. We provide itemized, ESA-compliant invoices with the student's name, dates of service, and instruction description every time. ONYX BOXING has trained Arizona athletes since 2021 in Scottsdale and opened Mesa in January 2026. Located at 1316 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite D7, Mesa, AZ 85204. Visit boxonyx.com or call (480) 660-9001 to enroll.

3 to adultsESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

San Tan Valley, AZ

iTaekwondo, Arizona

3 and upESA-Eligible Expenses Verified

Chandler, AZ

Victory Martial Arts - Chandler (Riggs/Gilbert)

Victory martial arts schools are dedicated to shaping confident, responsible, passionate, joyful human beings, preparing them to conquer the many challenges they will face in life, and inspire others to do the same. Beyond attaining a healthier lifestyle, our martial arts philosophy shapes successful human beings – true champions – ready to make a positive impact on our world. By reinforcing family values such as respect, honesty and integrity, and sharing traditional martial arts knowledge, our students grow in self-esteem and essential life skills for success. They are able to overcome their fears in order to live a fulfilling life. With 3 decades of experience, our professional instructors continue to make Victory Martial Arts a safe and empowering place for your family.