Best Self-Defense Classes In San Francisco
As one of the fittest cities in America, San Francisco offers all sorts of fitness related activities from aerobic training to Zumba classes. Among the most popular and certainly the most useful classes to take in the city is a martial arts or self-defense class. That's evidenced by the presence of dozens of local businesses that offer these types of classes, most of which are open to all ages. Whether you're interested in a self-defense class to improve your overall fitness or you want to build your self-confidence, it won't be hard to find a program that works for you and your level of ability. Here are just five of the best self-defense classes in San Francisco.
Eskabo Daan
1475 Polk St., Ste. 11
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 674-4388
www.eskabodaan.org
Led by Grandmaster Robert Castro, Eskabo Daan offers self-defense classes in its namesake form of Filipino martial arts created in San Francisco in 1993. Named the Bay Area's best martial arts businesses for the past four consecutive years, Eskabo Daan is a weapons-based system and its name is an acronym for six different fighting styles, such as boxing and eskrima, the national sport and martial art of the Philippines, and the Tagalog word daan which means "path", or "the way". Self-defense classes are offered six days and a week and include programs for adults and children, in addition to personalized instruction in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Among the best classes offered that's best suited for the general public is Self Defense for the People, a donation-based ongoing program for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
Related: Best Budget Fitness Classes In The Bay Area
Five Animals Kung Fu Academy
2408 19th Ave.
San Francisco CA 94116
(415) 298-9958
www.fiveanimalskungfu-sf.com
Five Animals Kung Fu Academy offers a variety of classes in the Chinese martial art form of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, better known simply as kung fu. Consistently named one of the Bay Area's best martial arts studios, the academy offers courses for children as young as 4 years old, a self-defense program for women and girls ages 12 and up and adults. In addition to an ongoing women's class on Wednesday evenings, a Women's Self Defense series offers students methods on practical street self-defense and the Girls on Guard system. Founded in 2013 by kung fu masters Alexander Cardenas and Cindy Hom, Five Animals Kung Fu Academy is named after one of the Choy Lay Fut hand forms known as Ng Ying Kuen, which translates into English as Five Animals Fist Form, as well as the five main animals used in the martial arts system.
Hybrid Training SF
350 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 999-5270
www.hybridtraining415.com
Established in 2011, Hybrid Training SF has quickly risen to one of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) gyms in San Francisco and in the entire Bay Area. The recipient of a perfect rating from Yelpers, the highly rated business offers classes seven days a week and includes instruction in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. Also among the classes available are a Youth Fundamentals of Self Defense for students between the ages of 6-12 years old and Boxing Fundamentals for first time participants and/or beginners. Hybrid Training also offers 1-on-1 personal training with instruction provided by one of the best boxing coaches in the city. Among the specials currently offered by Hybrid Training SF one week free with the purchase of a 30 day unlimited gym pass by texting the gym.
Krav Maga San Francisco
1455 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 921-0612
www.kravmaga-sf.com
Krav Maga San Francisco offers a large number of courses in Krav Maga, the official self-defense technique developed for the Israeli Defense Forces, with a special emphasis on real life situations. Founded in 1999 by martial arts expert Barny Foland, Krav Maga San Francisco offers more than 60 classes per week and currently has more than 600 members. Among the classes offered are five levels of Krav Maga, as well as jiu-jitsu CrossFit and other conditioning courses. Krav Maga San Francisco is currently offering a trial class for $20, which can be used as a credit towards the first month of membership.
Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1313 Mason St.
San Francisco, Ca 94133
(415) 816-9104
www.romulomelobjj.com
Named after the owner Romulo Melo, this top rated Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy offers private and group jiu-jitsu classes for children and "adults" 15 years and over. Founded in 2012, the academy features classes six days a week in the Brazilian martial art and self-defense system of which Melo himself is a former world champion. Program packages for both adults and children can be purchased as a month, six month or 12 month membership. Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also available for corporate self-defense seminars that can be held at the academy or onsite at a local company.
Related: Best Kids' Martial Arts Classes In San Francisco
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer covering national/international travel for CBS Local and all things San Francisco for CBS San Francisco. In 2012, he received a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. He may be contacted via Twitter or Linkedin .