Best Self Defense School Pasadena Near Me

4worldlovers: Our mission at American Kenpo Karate is to provide a safe and encouraging training environment for all ages. Our school offers self-defense training that emphasizes confidence and growth for all individual students at their own pace, through physical and mental conditioning. We are committed to helping our students set goals and achieve them. Our focus on the traditional values of martial arts- respect, discipline, honor, loyalty, and courage cultivate personal qualities such as leadership skills, integrity, inner strength, confidence, and self-esteem.


Our school is an elite martial arts training center for adults of all ages with over 30 years of experience. Our focus is on teaching practical self-defense for real-life violent encounters.

4worldlovers: Request more information today to find out how you or your child can start training!

Honestly, I have nothing to compare this place to, but from my experience, it’s awesome. The atmosphere is welcoming, family friendly, and non-intimidating. The coaches are the friendliest people you will ever meet, funny, knowledgeable, patient, and understanding.

My kids started training almost a year ago, then my husband started, and I finally did my first class in March. I would recommend this place to anybody, and quite frequently do! SBG SoCal feels like family, I love it there!

…everything is explained in detail, with great patience, perfect articulation and with great attention to the details. I never felt intimidated and all the higher belts make an effort to make you feel welcomed and go out of their way to make sure you are doing the drills correctly.

This gym has been absolutely incredible for me and my 3 kids! The prices are around the same from what I’ve seen in other gyms in the area, however, the coaches here are incredible! I’ve definitely noticed the difference in my kids’ listening skills as well as confidence since they’ve started. I take the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes myself and it’s most definitely better than any gym I’ve been to!

If you’re looking for a class to take your kids to, look no further! SBG offers both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts where the kids learn important life skills while also learning discipline and body awareness. Coach Marco is fantastic with children. He’s engaging, patient, and fun! The classes are a great mix of games and lessons. My kids are involved in a few

Different activities but they definitely have the most fun in their MMA class.

I’ve been training here for over 6 months now, and it’s an amazing place. I was training for a few years back in Massachusetts before I moved to Pasadena, and of all of the gyms I tried, this one was my favorite! The coaches are great teachers and provide detailed explanations of

Techniques. The classmates are fun and kind, but also super hardworking and will make you work really hard during training and sparring. I’m constantly trying to recruit my friends to come

Train with me because of how much I enjoy training here.

My oldest son has been with Coach Marco since 2010. Then my youngest joined in 2012. A few years later, my husband and I joined the gym. Coach Marco, Coach Petar, Coach Lynda, and Coach Dakota are great role models for my boys, both on and off the mats. The entire family is learning self-defense while having fun together. What a way to spend quality time with

Some really awesome coaches! We love it here. You will too.

4worldlovers:
Fun, exciting classes that will teach your child self-defense, help them get in great shape, and most importantly… give them the tools they need for a happy, rewarding and successful life.

Teens and adults who join can gain the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones. Develop a profound sense of inner-peace and confidence. And get in great shape – all at the same time!


Ready for the funnest, most fat-melting workout of your life? Our Kickboxing classes use real gloves, real heavy bags, and proven fat-burning exercises to get you in awesome shape, fast.

Give your kid the most fun (and educational) birthday party of their life with our awesome kids birthday package. Kids rave about these things for MONTHS after they happen. They’re just that awesome. Book now!

Sign your kid up for the Martial Arts Day Camp (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). Parents are literally raving about it! Kids learn powerful life lessons, develop confidence in themselves and respect for others, get fit and have FUN!

Do you have a question or would you like more information on our school, classes or programs that we currently offer? Feel free to get in touch with us at any time! We look forward to hearing from you!

Bet you thought our Pasadena martial arts school was just a super cool place to get fit and learn self-defense… well, you’re right, but it’s a lot MORE than just that!


As you get strong and physically fit, you’ll also start to see some changes that most of our students didn’t know would happen. Especially the younger ones. They are totally amazed by the subtle changes that happen when you train in our programs.

Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 Pasadena was started by Instructor Antranig (Anto) Parseghian to give the youth a chance to learn the true essence of Kenpo… to become a warrior and a scholar.

Our martial arts family not only offers self-defense classes, but our warm and family-friendly school becomes the student’s second home. Instructors and fellow students alike are here to cheer you on and help you achieve your goals, both on and off the mat.

As a martial arts school, we specialize in the art of Kenpo 5.0 as revolutionized by Master Jeff Speakman. We have acquired a variety of skills that we filter through our classes to our young and eager-to-learn students. We incorporate MMA fighting style, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and the art of Kenpo Karate all into one AMAZING art.

Our center offers a FUN and EXCITING self-defense system of karate for kids and adults in a positive, safe and clean environment.

Beginners are welcome! Our team takes a well-planned approach to teaching beginners that focuses on fitness, self-defense, and fun. We want you to be able to relax and learn the basics with ZERO nervousness or pressure to compete. No matter your age, shape, size, or skill level is, we have a program that will fit your needs and meet your goals.

We have a variety of specialized programs available for any and all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds such as group classes, private classes, an afterschool program and all day camps.

Kenpo 5.0 is a system of practical self-defense based on logic and common sense. You’ll learn to defend yourself while developing physical and mental conditioning, coordination, and concentration.

Kenpo provides a wide variety of blocks, strikes, kicks, punches, and mental focus exercises to avoid or subdue an attacker. Each student advances at their own pace with the guidance and expertise of our outstanding instructors. They will help you set and reach goals in karate, fitness and personal development…all of which help to ensure your SUCCESS in life.

Life skills for your personal growth and success. Whether you’re 4 or 84, character-building skills are developed and improved with Kenpo 5.0’s traditional values and philosophy. You’ll gain…

Check out the SUPER-LOW web special going on right now! These deals definitely won’t last long and classes fill up fast so reserve your spot today. This special is 100% RISK-FREE so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

4worldlovers:
At Kim’s Hapkido, we teach Jang Mu Won Hapkido which was founded by Grandmaster Chong Sung Kim. Jang Mu Hapkido emphasizes timing and precision in the execution of techniques with great devotion to detail. Grandmaster has often stated that the difference between mediocre technique and outstanding, effective technique is paper thin. Jang Mu Won Hapkido teaches techniques that are readily applied by students in any situation.


This unique style of martial arts was founded by Grandmaster Kim, and incorporates three principles into the physical and philosophical aspects of the art.


Our youth program focuses on improving basic motor and listening skills of preschool-age children, which will help as they enter school and society.


Martial arts offer a safe and an exciting environment for children and will help shape their lives in a positive manner. Children learn the importance of self confidence, discipline and respect. We strive to teach our students to have a “never give up” attitude.


Our teen and adult classes are offered for students who wish to learn how to defend yourself from an attacker or for those who want a great workout.


The Women’s Self Defense Course is a 10 week course that emphasizes self defense techniques and striking techniques for women.

This class offers the opportunity to learn traditional Hapkido weaponry such as short stick (Dan Bong), middle stick (Joong Bong), long stick (Joong Jang Bong), knife, and traditional sword techniques.

As the founder of Jang Mu Won Hapkido, Grandmaster Kim is known for his devotion to detail in his teaching, and his high rank of Tenth Degree Black Belt (Chong Jae Nim Founder) in Hapkido.

Breathe deeply and learn the key to health, vitality and inner peace with Grandmaster Chong S. Kim’s Relaxation, Breathing and Meditation classes and videos.

This is a very specific program oriented towards those who want to become professional level instructors of the highest quality. This program appeals to that elite corps of serious students seeking a wider and deeper knowledge of Hapkido in all of its facets.

TBD will be our annual Hapkido family picnic day @San Dimas Canyon Park.(All Schools Closed)

TBD 3PM Black Belt Test @Alhambra Studio (90th Black Belt Test)

4worldlovers:
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is a martial arts academy located in Pasadena, CA. We specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Our coaching staff is dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whether those goals are to improve your level of health and fitness, acquire self-defense skills, practice cutting-edge martial arts techniques, or even compete in combat sports. Our hope is that our modern vision of a martial arts and fitness gym has a positive impact on your life as you work toward your physical, mental, and spiritual goals.

Group classes and private lessons are offered for adults of all genders in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). If you are in the Pasadena area, contact us to book your free class today!

We drive about 30 minutes to come to Modern Martial Arts and Fitness for their Youth BJJ class. We have come both during the weekdays and for their Saturday class in the morning. The instructors are professional, knowledgeable and kind. Classes are structured toward students wherever they are in the learning process. My daughter Juliet (age 9) always has so much fun in classes. If you're looking for a great place for either yourself or your children to learn martial arts, THIS is the place!

I came to the Saturday MMA class and this was my very first time training in any kind of art. Justen and his team are so incredibly welcoming and made sure I felt respected and welcome! I highly recommend this gym for all levels and it was great to workout with some experienced athletes.

From the moment I walked in the studio, I instantly felt part of the team. The studio is perfect size with beautiful white mats. I've taken BJJ classes taught by Justen and Roy who are both great instructors! Justen's classes are all about the submissions while Roy's teaches the escapes! They also have Muay Thai classes too that I'm going to start taking soon! I'm so happy I started training with the Modern Martial Arts family!

4worldlovers: Our exciting martial arts program for kids can develop your child’s focus, self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall sense of purpose the way NO OTHER sport, hobby, “activity,” or program can.


HUNDREDS of parents and families in the Pasadena area are singing the praises of our children’s program, and telling other parents about it every day, because they’ve seen it for themselves, too.


Our unique martial arts program for adults is the best way in the Pasadena area to lose weight and get in shape because every movement has a purpose – a self-defense purpose that might one day save your life!


Students from 18 to 80 also tell us they use the benefits of improved concentration, self-discipline, and self-confidence every day at home, at work, and in social situations.

In our innovative martial arts program for Families, everyone participates: children, parents, and grandparents can attend classes and progress at their own pace. In our action-packed family classes, no one sits on the bench! Children practice with other children, and adults practice with other adults. Martial arts classes are one of the only family programs where children and parents get the same kind of healthy exercise at the same time.

And I’m very PROUD that hundreds of families all over the Pasadena area are singing the praises of our programs and telling their friends and neighbors how much of a positive impact it’s having on their lives.

National Taekwondo Center-Pasadena has become a landmark of Pasadena martial arts!

Get started now and find out how you can be healthier, happier, and more confident with National Taekwondo Center-Pasadena training!

Our members tell us that they feel our school is more of an institution of self-improvement, physically and mentally, rather than “just” a gym or some “activity”.

I pride myself on helping our adult members safely build muscle, quickly burn fat, gain flexibility, and release stress in a FUN, positive, and injury-free environment! And for the children, parents all over the Pasadena area give my martial arts classes credit for increasing their child’s ability to focus, building their self-esteem, and igniting a passion for self improvement they never would have expected.

Although many people think the martial arts are just about fighting, the truth is that the physical “kicking and punching” are really just the “tools” that I use to teach the more important, and MUCH more valuable lessons about “yourself”.

When you train in our Pasadena martial arts program (which also serves Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa), you take advantage of the best self-improvement system in the world.

Through the practice of physical self-defense skills, you will follow a blueprint for a successful life based on discipline, focus, and perseverance. Please take a few moments to browse this website, get familiar with us, then, take me up on my “No Strings Attached” offer, and see the benefits of my Pasadena martial arts program for yourself!

Give me a call at: (626) 797-2900 Or click the program (above) that you’re most interested in!

I sincerely look forward to meeting you, and helping you and your family accomplish your goals!