Seven Places to Learn Martial Arts and Self Defense

Self defense photo via istock.com/YinYang

Mastering a martial art is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—ways to work your body and mind. From tai chi to karate, we rounded up a few great classes in Boston.

1. Women’s Self Defense Boston

It’s always a good idea to have a few basic self-defense skills in your back pocket. This free course, offered every Saturday, is perfect for women of all fitness levels.

Free. 200 Terminal St., Charlestown, charlestownselfdefenseboston.com.

2. Boston Fight Center

Not only does this unique fitness facility offer kickboxing and krav maga, it also teaches self defense and firearms safety.

Times and prices vary. 796 Broadway, Revere, bostonfight.com.

3. Boston Ultimate Fitness

This Chinatown studio is offers martial and fighting arts you may have never tried before, such as Hung Gar, Wing Chun, and Daoist arts. 

Prices vary. 70 Beach St., Boston, bostonultimatefitness.com.

4. Davis Square Martial Arts

This center offers kung fu, tai chi, and Qigong for beginners, all taught by black belt instructors. Bonus: Your first class is free.

Starts at $80/month. 408 Highland Ave., Somerville, davissquaremartialarts.com.

5. Jae Hun Kim Taekwon-Do Institute

Head here for expert lessons on sparring, balance, and general fusion of the mind and body. It offers more than 60 classes for adults each week.

Prices vary. 102 Brookline Ave., Boston, tkd-boston.com.

6. Florian Martial Arts Center

Ex-UFC Fighter Kenny Florian owns this studio, where you can learn mixed martial arts, Jiu Jitsu, striking, and more. Try it out with a week of free classes.

Prices vary. 6 Webster St., Brookline, florianmartialartscenter.com.

7. Impact Boston

Impact offers a wide range of self-defense classes and workshops, including self-defense for all genders, college-bound safety, and classes specifically tailored to assault and abuse survivors.

Sessions are roughly $200. 420 Pearl St., Malden, impactboston.com.