This section lists martial arts studios offering dedicated self-defense instruction for adults and specialized women's safety courses. Programs range from single-day weekend workshops covering practical escape tactics to ongoing weekly classes focused on situational awareness and physical response. Before booking, confirm whether the curriculum focuses on scenario-based real-world defense or standard sport martial arts techniques.
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Kick Martial Arts
7683 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151-1544
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PRIDE Martial Arts - Gladstone
6927 N Oak Trfy, Kansas City, MO 64118
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Blue Wave Foundation
2300 McKelvey Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-1532
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Gateway Shidokan Karate
11705 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-2514
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Lyndell Institute of Tae Kwon Do
4446 Parktowne Dr, St Charles, MO 63304
Saturday mornings at 11:30
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Midwest Krav Maga
10 Jason Ct, St Charles, MO 63304-1233
Ballwin 1
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Gracie Barra West County
15425 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011-3056
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JRMA Family Martial Arts
3100 SW State Route 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014-4914
Branson 1
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Ron Leach Karate
3000 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616-4011
Cedar Hill 1
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Missouri Martial Arts and Fitness
6699 Veterans Dr, Cedar Hill, MO 63016-2336
Monday Juniors 5 – 6
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Inertia Martial Arts and Fitness
620 N Woods Mill Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017-3219
Columbia 1
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Gracie Humaita Columbia Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
2010 Chapel Plaza Ct Suite B, Columbia, MO 65203-6382
Eureka 1
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USA Martial Arts Academy
89 Hilltop Village Center Dr, Eureka, MO 63025-1188
Monday: 9am - 11am
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Wilcox Karate Academy
2400 S Lees Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055-1900
Kearney 1
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Limitless Martial Arts
2031 Commerce Dr, Kearney, MO 64060-7631
Ozark 1
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Self Defense Concepts
6001 N 23rd St, Ozark, MO 65721-5834
Palmyra 1
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Royce Gracie Academy of Palmyra, MO
811 N Main St, Palmyra, MO 63461
Tues./Thur. (Ages 4-9) 4:15-5:00PM
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Pride Martial Arts
6438 N Crooked Rd, Parkville, MO 64152-3497
Shrewsbury 1
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu St. Louis
7545 Ravensridge Rd, Shrewsbury, MO 63119-5502
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Pride Martial Arts - Smithville
1502 US-169, Smithville, MO 64089
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Dynamic Edge Martial Arts
2768 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807-3506
St Ann 1
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Zen Budo - Mizukagami Dojo (Kyokushin Karate)
10443 Breckenridge Rd, St Ann, MO 63074
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Gracie Barra Washington
1629 A Roy Dr, Washington, MO 63090-5008
Weldon Spring 1
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Lyndell Institute
515 Huber Park Ct, Weldon Spring, MO 63304-8621
Also in Missouri
- Traditional Martial Arts Schools234
- Kids Martial Arts Classes171
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools153
- MMA Gyms69
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Gi Training Programs63
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Training Academies61
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Classes59
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ Training Classes58
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Martial Arts Schools57
- Dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies35
- Mixed Martial Arts Gyms and Training20
- Karate Classes for Children and Adults15
- Family Martial Arts Classes and Academies14
- Kickboxing Classes for Beginners and Adults10
- Filipino & Historical European Martial Arts Schools10
- Martial Arts Schools with Fat Loss Programs8
- Historical European & Filipino Martial Arts Classes7
- Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals and Beginner Classes6
- Tai Chi and Qigong Classes for Seniors and Adults6
Good to know
How much do self-defense classes usually cost?
Single-day workshops typically cost between $25 and $75 per participant for a 2-to-4-hour session. Ongoing monthly membership programs range from $100 to $180 per month, often including access to regular martial arts classes.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No, beginner self-defense courses require zero prior martial arts or combat experience. Instructors teach simple, high-leverage movements and situational awareness concepts designed for people of all fitness levels.
What should I wear to my first self-defense class?
Wear flexible athletic clothing such as a t-shirt, athletic pants or leggings, and clean sneakers. Remove all jewelry, watches, and hair accessories with sharp edges before training to prevent injury during practical drills.
How to lose body fat percentage?
Reducing body fat percentage involves maintaining a moderate energy deficit while engaging in strength training and high-calorie combat sports. Regular practice in disciplines like MMA or Muay Thai builds lean tissue while driving down overall body fat. Users in Missouri can browse 24 verified martial arts academies offering structured weight management programs.
How to drain fluid from ear?
Draining fluid from an ear—often caused by trauma such as cauliflower ear in grappling—requires sterile medical aspiration using a syringe followed by a compression wrap. Performing this procedure at home without medical expertise carries a severe risk of infection and permanent cartilage deformity. Practicing martial artists in Missouri should consult qualified medical professionals or ask coaches at one of the 24 listed local academies for proper sports health protocols.