Adults, women and teens
Self-Defense Classes in Santa Monica, Built on Jiu Jitsu
CJJF Santa Monica teaches self-defense through Brazilian jiu jitsu. You learn to get out of grabs and holds, get back to your feet and control someone without throwing a punch, and you practice it in every class with a partner who resists at a safe pace. You don’t need experience or a fitness base to start.
- 5.0 on Google · 81 reviews
- No experience needed
- First class free
The curriculum
What You’ll Learn in Self-Defense Class
- Escaping grabs, holds and pins
- Getting back to your feet safely
- Controlling a person without strikes
- Posture and distance, so you’re harder to take down
- Staying calm when someone is on top of you
Why it works
Is Jiu Jitsu Good for Self-Defense?
The Gracie family shaped jiu jitsu so a smaller person could defend against a bigger one using leverage and timing instead of strength. Our head coach, Professor Maycon Carvalho, comes from that Gracie lineage. Because you practice against a resisting partner, the moves become reflexes instead of steps you try to remember under stress.
Who it’s for
Beginner Self-Defense Classes in Santa Monica: Who They’re For
Adults starting from zero
Begin in Fundamentals, the class built for complete beginners.
Adult classesWomen’s self-defense classes
Women pair with other women when they can, and with size-matched partners otherwise.
Women’s jiu jitsuTeens 13–17
Technique, confidence and control without strikes.
Teen jiu jitsuStarting after 40
Light rounds are optional, so you set the pace.
Adult classesGetting started
Your First Self-Defense Class
Your first class is free. Wear a T-shirt and athletic pants with no zippers. You’ll start with fundamentals: posture, distance, escapes and control before anything else. Here are the self-defense moves to learn first.
What students say
What Students Say About Our Self-Defense Training
“I attended a self-defense class and it was extremely informative. It was great to be able to learn from the instructor who was patient with us and simple to understand. I learned at least four techniques that I can use which would allow me to defend myself against someone even larger than my size, this has allowed me to feel safer when walking around.”
“The people here are so nice. The mats are very clean. BJJ is required for self defense. I’m 6’7” 300 lbs. and the instructors can tap me in like ten seconds. It’s like trying to wrestle with smoke.”
Is jiu jitsu good for self-defense?
Yes. It teaches you to escape, get up and control someone using leverage rather than strength, and you practice against real resistance, which is what makes it work under stress.
Do you teach punching and kicking?
No. We teach jiu jitsu, which is grappling: escapes, control and takedown defense.
Do I need to get in shape first?
No. Fundamentals classes start at a controlled pace, and fitness comes with training.
Will I get hurt?
Safety comes first: clean mats, coach supervision, clear tapping rules, partner choice and optional light rounds.
Is a one-day workshop enough?
A workshop is a good start. Regular classes turn the moves into habits you can rely on. Here’s how to choose a self-defense class for women.
What age can you start self-defense classes?
Kids start jiu jitsu at 3.5 in Little Champions I and move to Little Champions II from 7 to 12. From 13, teens join the Fundamentals, All Levels and Advanced classes, and self-defense is part of every Fundamentals class.
What should I wear to a self-defense class?
A T-shirt and athletic pants with no zippers. Take off jewelry and bring water. You don’t need a gi for your first class, and we’ll help you choose one later.
Is jiu jitsu or Krav Maga better for self-defense?
They train different things. Krav Maga focuses on striking and fast responses to an attack. Jiu jitsu covers what happens when someone grabs you or you end up on the ground: escaping, getting up and controlling a bigger person, practiced against a partner who resists. Compare eight martial arts for self-defense.
Where are your self-defense classes in Santa Monica?
At 320 Wilshire Blvd #101 in Downtown Santa Monica, between the Third Street Promenade and 4th Street. Parking is $1 for 90 minutes in Public Parking Structure 1, right behind the building, and the Downtown Santa Monica E Line station is about a 15-minute walk.
How much do self-defense classes cost?
Call (714) 872-1604 or email us for current rates. Your first class is free. See membership options.
Learn Self-Defense That Works
Your first class is free. No experience or fitness base needed.