Best Online Self-Defense Classes

Gracie University stands out as one of the best online self-defense programs available today. It offers several in-person and online classes that emphasize how jiujitsu is one of the most effective, reality-based self-defense systems available.

The Gracie Combatives beginner program is an excellent place to start, especially if you are new to jiujitsu. It features 36 lessons covering positions like trap and roll escape, leg hook takedown, straight armlock, elbow escape, double leg takedown, and many more.

The course consists of 36 classes averaging about 27 minutes, and all can be completed in any order at your own pace. It costs about $189 for the entire course. Gracie University also offers a number of different types of instruction, depending on the student's skill level.

If you’re looking for a class that will educate and empower you and that’s also free, then sign up for the SEPS Women’s Self-Defense Program.

SEPS, or Situation Effective Protection System, consists of nine modules that walk you through topics concerning personal safety. You will learn how to predict, identify, and avoid violence before it occurs in a variety of settings including potential sexual assault, abusive partners, stalkers, muggers, home and car security, and more.

The course will also teach you de-escalation strategies you can use when involved in a verbal altercation. Although this class is geared toward women, men can also benefit from this free class, especially since it teaches you how to assess a situation to determine if harmful intent is present.

The SEPS Women’s Self-Defense online course is available to anyone with internet access. You can complete each module in the order laid out, or pick and choose the lessons that most apply to your situation. For maximum benefit, it’s best to go through all of the modules.

If you’re new to self-defense and want a quick overview of techniques and skills, ProTrainings Online Practical Self-Defense class is worth checking out. In a little over an hour, you’ll learn the basic principles to help you defend yourself against an attacker.

Self-defense skills covered in this course include hair and wrist grabs, chokeholds from behind, the front, and against a wall, and various bear hugs. You’ll also learn how to escape an aggressor with a mount escape and between-the-legs position.

The course curriculum reviews common fears of self-defense, as well as how to use pepper spray and how to practice without a training partner. Every concept is covered from scratch, which makes it easy to follow for anyone, anywhere.

The ProTrainings Online Practical Self-Defense class costs about $29.95 and is appropriate for both men and women. The course includes video training, a weekly video refresher, and lifetime access to materials.

Instructor Jennifer Cassetta teaches women the basics of self-defense in her online She Warrior Self-Defense Complete Beginner Training program. From learning the ABCs of Self-Defense: Awareness, Boundaries, and Communication to all the beginner moves like standing and fighting from the floor, you’ll feel educated and empowered to embrace your inner strength.

The course consists of 24 short video lessons and lasts about 90 minutes. A few of the defense moves you’ll learn include the shoulder grab, bear hug, front choke, choke from behind, and the ponytail grab defense. You’ll also have access to three bonus lessons: meditation, a beginner kickboxing workout, and an intermediate kickboxing workout. 

For about $67, you get access to the She Warrior Self-Defense Complete Beginner Training course. The class is self-paced, which means you decide when to start and when to finish. Plus, you’ll have unlimited access to the course for as long as you like. And, if you’re not satisfied with the training program, She Warrior will refund your money within the first 30 days after purchase.

Girls Fight Back offers online workshops for individuals or groups of any size. These are taught by women for women and focus on the basics of personal safety and self-defense.

Originally designed for college women, the program combines core values, a fun and empowering attitude, and the best safety and self-defense methods available. Participants will practice both verbal and physical skills to help them feel more confident handling a variety of sketchy situations and speaking up for their boundaries.

Topics covered include safety tips, how to set boundaries, verbal de-escalation skills, and the basics of self-defense. It also offers a Students Fight Back course that is gender inclusive.

Girls Fight Back pricing varies, depending on the needs of the group or organization. The group tries to produce national tours based on geographic areas to keep prices lower, and they recommend booking in the off-season to get the best deal. The fee for an online program for groups, organizations, or colleges has no limit when it comes to audience size.

The Self-Defense Company offers a series of self-defense training classes suitable for men and women of all levels. Taught by founder Damian Ross and his instructors, the 60-Minute Self-Defense class is an excellent starter program that will teach you everything you need to know about how to protect and defend yourself in a fraction of the time of other systems.

Included in this course are lessons on how to stop an attack before it starts, how to break down every situation to its common denominator, how to control an assault, ground fighting without grappling, and more. The 60-Minute Self-Defense class is only about $37, which includes lifetime, on-demand access. Plus, the class comes with a risk-free guarantee.

If you like the 60-Minute Self-Defense course, consider trying one of the company's other programs. Classes include a comprehensive Self-Defense Training System, Combatives Fast Course, Police Training Pack, and a Family Safe program appropriate for kids ages 5 to 12 that teaches the six rules every child should know.