Marjorie MillerLearning to defend yourself is something everyone should try out at least once. Even if you don’t work out at the gym and train, a basic self-defense class can easily help in the toughest of situations.
I’ve found that the best places to learn this are through martial arts schools. Jacksonville has some great ones that I truly admire, where tutors combine the philosophy of the art with its practical application to form a cohesive curriculum.
With that in mind, I’ve gathered my choices for the best ones in the city. Through their services, I’m sure that anyone can become a great martial artist—and might even earn their black belt.
How much does a martial arts membership cost in Jacksonville?
Martial arts membership in Jacksonville typically costs around $15 to $30 per session. This price can vary depending on the discipline taught, contract length, and class frequency.
1. Elite Martial Arts
Address: 9041 Southside Blvd #137, FL 32256
Contact Details: +1 904-883-8464
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Focusing on Taekwondo, Elite Martial Arts builds more than just physical skills. This school focuses on life skills, boosting personal development, and teaches students a variety of practical self-defense techniques.
Teaching students of all ages, this school also offers classes in kickboxing, boxing, and open-style martial arts—all of which I think are excellent choices.
I love that scheduling is convenient and fits into each student’s daily routine. As for the facility, it’s clean and safe, with excellent instructors keeping an eye on all the students.
If classes aren’t enough, the school also encourages students to join its summer camp. Priced at $250 per week, the camp offers 8 weekly sessions focused on a range of activities, including Ninja Warrior Training and drone piloting.
However, slots for both classes and the summer camp fill up quickly, so it’s best to sign up as soon as possible.
It’s a great environment for all experience levels
“We’ve been attending for a little over two months now, and one of my favorite parts of the school is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Having trained in traditional martial arts for seven years, I really appreciate that this school focuses on practical, real-world application. And for someone like my wife, who doesn’t have a martial arts background, the instructors are patient and willing to work with her to make sure she understands and performs the techniques correctly. It’s a great environment for all experience levels.”
– Total Spraying LLC, Google Review
We love it here
“Elite Martial arts is exactly as the name implies. We have been training with Master V and Mister Furr for years! Both of our girls are challenged and fully engaged in training here. The lead instructor uses a mix of tough love, discipline and humor to keep the kids training hard. We love it here at EMA and would recommend it for anyone serious about learning martial arts.”
– Greg Adame, Google Review
2. Art of War Jiu Jitsu
Address: 2170 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
Contact Details: +1 904-826-5928
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 4:45 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 4:45 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 4:45 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Established in 2018, Art of War Jiu-Jitsu trains students of all ages and genders, at all experience levels, offering equal opportunities to learn various martial arts.
This school not only teaches self-defense skills but also how to apply them in real-world situations. It offers training in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai, each with its own distinct approach.
I simply adore that each class is action-packed and lets each student’s confidence shine. Students can also get their black belts at this school, and the duration depends on their skill level and dedication.
There are even limited-time offer programs that allow students to experience one of each martial arts for a single session, and I simply adore that this is an option.
Do note that some classes are only available at the Orange Park location, so check their website to see where each one is offered.
One of the best decisions of my life
“Signing up to train at Art of War Jiu Jitsu was one of the best decisions of my life. Two years ago when I moved to the area for work I had no community / family with me. Through my time at AOW I have now established that community and built great relationships with my fellow students. Art is an amazing owner along with his wife, Sarah. They place an emphasis on making every student feel appreciated and valued. They also have a great staff of coaches working alongside them. Wether you’re wanting a place to become a great competitor, trying to get in shape, or just want to learn the best base martial art for self defense, AOW is the place I recommend looking at first.”
– Chance Logan, Google Review
Very friendly and welcoming
“Being in the military i have bounced around to a few different academies over the years since I started jiu jitsu and I can confidently say that AOW is one of the best places I have trained.
The staff is all very friendly and welcoming and consistently makes an effort to make sure everyone is getting what they need and foster a positive training environment.
I especially liked that they have a very clear code of conduct that they review with new members to ensure hygiene, safety, and respect are paramount.
Whether you have trained before or are looking to begin your jiu jitsu journey, AOW is an excellent academy that always strives to build a community and better its students on and off the mats.”
– Josh Cullum, Google Review
3. Tersak’s Family Martial Arts Academy
Address: 12276 San Jose Blvd Ste 201, FL 32223
Contact Details: +1 904-262-8200
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
An enthusiastic and dedicated team, Tersak’s Family Martial Arts Academy has been providing superb martial arts services for over 35 years. With a group of black belts and instructors at the helm, students are sure to learn a wealth of skills at this location.
I was impressed that they have won several Bold City Best Winner awards since 2020. Additionally, students have seen improvements in just 7 days at this school, which truly shows the instructor’s dedication to their craft.
Classes are divided by age group, with instruction tailored to each student’s skill level. The school has two locations—Jacksonville and Silverleaf—allowing students to choose the most convenient option.
However, classes are limited per semester, so if you are unable to secure a slot, you will have to wait for the following one.
Has been one of the best decisions our family has made
“Joining Tersak’s has been one of the best decisions our family has made! My kids have benefitted physically as well as mentally and emotionally, and they look up to the instructors as role models. When I started taking classes too, I was anxious about having no idea what I was doing, but that didn’t last long. The instructors and other students are so supportive and helpful, and it is truly an inclusive space and doable for every age, type of body and fitness level. I haven’t been excited about exercise in more than a decade, but I genuinely look forward to the days when I’m taking class! Doing this as a family has been so much fun and helps us keep each other accountable. Plus, it feels good to kick your kid sometimes 😉 (safely, of course!)
We will be martial artists for life thanks to Tersak’s and the amazing environment they’ve created!”
– Elizabeth Middlebrooks, Google Review
There is such a wide variety of what you learn
“My kids started first. Then they loved it so much that my wife started. Then they finally got me to start. It’s so much fun. I really enjoy the classes. I wish I started sooner so my wife wasn’t a belt ahead of me :). There is such a wide variety of what you learn. I really like the real life skills you learn as well. My whole family enjoys it! I’m glad our friends recommended it to us. Worth the 20 minute drive from our house!”
– Kyle Mikals, Google Review
4. Jax (Jacksonville) Muay Thai
Address: 14255 Beach Blvd, Suite I, FL 32250
Contact Details: +1 904-500-5425
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Jax Muay Thai, also known as JMT, is a zero-judgement school that focuses on the wonderful benefits of martial arts. Most of the coaches here have been training for decades and are some of the best Muay Thai practitioners in the world.
Some of the notable instructors at this facility are Ricardo, Dora, and Presley. All three of which have participated in local and national competitions across the country.
Sessions are available in either one-on-one or group formats, depending on the student’s needs and preferences. Free introductory one-on-one sessions are also offered for those who want to try the program.
However, I found these free sessions to take up quite a lot of time due to the amount of waiting.
Nonetheless, I like that classes are divided by age group, and scheduling can be done through their website.
A supportive environment that’s conducive to growth
“Jax Muay Thai offers quality instruction that will help develop your skills and reach your goals. Whether you’re looking to compete, improve your fitness, or just try something new, this gym provides a supportive environment that’s conducive to growth. I’ve been to countless gyms all over the country and abroad and I can confidently say this gym is the best that Jacksonville has to offer.”
– Jay C, Google Review
Best Muay Thai facility I have trained at
“Best Muay Thai facility I’ve trained at. I’ve been training martial arts for 12-14 years. These guys are amazing. There’s so many people to help you grow and the energy is fantastic. The instructors experience levels and teaching styles are all phenomenal. They also take gym hygiene seriously and clean daily. The atmosphere and training environment will leave you feeling motivated to improve and become the best you that you can be.”
– S Grams, Google Review
5. Gracie Barra Jacksonville
Address: 8210 Cypress Plaza Dr #104, FL 32256
Contact Details: +1 904-605-4684
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Gracie Barra Jacksonville focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is led by Professor Roberto Cuartero III. Due to his military background, I found his leadership skills to be quite profound, and he’s able to teach students of all ages and backgrounds.
Classes are divided by age group, with training tailored to each student’s skill level. The school also offers a variety beyond Jiu-Jitsu, including kickboxing and wrestling.
Additionally, I appreciate that there are women-only classes that teach a more well-rounded form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on self-defense.
Booking classes is simple and can be done through their website. The school is also recognized as a veteran- and minority-owned business.
However, cancelling a membership can be costly due to a $170 cancellation fee.
11/10 recommended
“the BEST MMA & BJJ gym in all of Jax. bar none.
home of pro fighters, that have reached the highest levels of MMA (UFC & PFL)
and black belts who compete & win at the highest levels (IBJJF)
as well as a stellar kids program & family knit community.
GB Jax is the premiere martial arts gym in Duval.
11/10 recommend!”
– Mikey Conlon, Google Review
The team and staff are highly professional and knowledgeable
“The Gracie Barra team and staff are highly professional and knowledgeable, with many years of experience in Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, striking, and mixed martial arts, as well as coaching. The Academy maintains a family-like culture that fosters a fun, safe environment and community for everyone to train.”
– Nelson Blanco, Google Review
