Self-defense Classes for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Are you concerned with the rise of bullying and what you can help your child do about it? Unfortunately, it has become more common recently.

“Between 1 in 4 and 1 in 3 students in the United States report being bullied at school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics,” says Psychology Today.

It is important for parents to talk to their children about what to do in situations like this and how to handle them. Although Michigan has laws against bullying, it still happens.

Concerned parents are wondering what they should tell their kids to say or do in those types of situations. Self-defense classes are a good way to give your children the confidence they need to handle themselves.

Check out the list below for self-defense classes for kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Birmingham Martial Arts

  • Address: 2219 Cole St., Birmingham
  • Phone: 248-646-6608
  • Hours: 4-8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, 9-11:45 a.m. Saturday. Private sessions available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Cost: Contact for details

Classes for kids include Tae Kwon Do (ages 6-plus) and Power Rangers (ages 4-5) as well as adults. Will focus on self-esteem, respect, fitness, focus and discipline. While the studio is open, it also currently offers online classes due to the pandemic.

Bushido Martial Arts

  • Address: 33801 32 Mile Road, Richmond
  • Phone: 586-727-3381
  • Hours: 1-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 1-9 p.m. Thursday, 1-7 p.m. Friday, and 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Kids 4-12 years old will develop confidence and the ability to defend themselves. Classes will also focus on good manners, listening skills and self-discipline.

Butoku Karate Dojo

Lil Dragons is for kids Pre-K through second grade and the youth karate program is for ages 7-14.

Champion Martial Arts

  • Address: 32588 Warren Road, Westland
  • Phone: 734-338-8050
  • Hours: 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday

This family friendly Tae Kwon Do school offers classes individually (as young as 4 years old) or together with parents and/or siblings. Offers family rates.

Detroit Martial Arts Institute

Offers instruction for kids as young as 3 as well as adult classes. Has classes for teens with autism and ADHD, an after-school program, private lessons and camps.

Family Karate Academy

Children class are ages 3 1/2-11 years old and teen/adult classes ages 12 and older. Preschool kids will learn basic skills such as perseverance, self-control, high-goal setting, positive mental attitude and confidence.

Farmington Martial Arts

  • Address: 24105 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington
  • Phone: 248-474-0700
  • Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, noon-7 p.m. Tuesday, 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-8 p.m. Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday

Your son or daughter will have fun, while learning important skills like self-defense, character development, discipline, focus, respect and more.

Krav Maga Detroit

  • Address: 950 W. Maple Road, Suite D, Troy
  • Phone: 248-688-9501
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-midnight Monday, 5-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, closed Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Young Warriors is intended for kids 6-11 where they will learn leadership, team building and confidence. Kids will learn how to defend themselves from bullies and conflict resolution skills. They’ll improve their strength and athleticism, too. Their classes are perfect for students of all ages and experience levels.

Macomb Martial Arts

  • Address: 50786 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb
  • Phone: 586-226-0508
  • Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Offers karate for kids 4-plus. Has a fun and engaging curriculum for your child and will teach him/her effective ways to stand up for themselves. Will also improve listening skills, self-discipline and building confidence.

Mada Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu

  • Address: 48796 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
  • Phone: 586-838-1466
  • Hours: 6 a.m.-noon, Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4:15-9:20 p.m. Tuesday, 11 am.-1 p.m., 4:15-0 Thursday, 6 a.m.-noon, 5:15-119 p.m. Friday, 8:45-11:30 a.m. Saturday, 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday

Kids can take Jiu Jitsu or Krav Maga classes for kids 7-14. They will learn courage, knowledge and discipline. First class is free.

New Way Martial Arts Academy

Kids’ Kudo/Karate classes start at age 4. Kids’ karate classes are for ages 4-10. Family karate classes are for students 10-plus. Offerings also include boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, TRX Suspension Training and MMA.

PKSA Karate

Classes begin for kids at the preschool age. The programs teach fine and gross motor skills, listening positions, life skills, discipline, more.

Prestige Martial Arts

It currently is offering virtual kids classes. Its goal is to live by the Black Belt lifestyle and help kids to be stronger physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Classes start at age 3.

Pro Martial Arts – Canton

  • Address: 44948 Ford Road, Canton
  • Phone: 734-459-4000
  • Hours: 4:45-6:55 pm. Monday-Thursday, 4:45-7 p.m. Friday, 11:45 a.m.-2:50 p.m. Saturday

Little Rhinos is for preschoolers ages 3-5 and basic classes for kids ages 5-12 and for teens 13-17.

School of Martial Arts

Measures their students not only by rank, but also by how their lives have improved. Reduce stress, increase concentration and raise confidence in their students. Junior Wushu starts at age 6.

Sidekicks Martial Arts Studio, Inc.

  • Address: 21617 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores
  • Phone: 586-779-5425
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and 9-11:30 a.m. Sunday

Offers traditional martial arts for ages 3 and up, Krav Maga for ages 13 and up and Kickboxing for ages 13 and up. Also has mixed-ages classes for families who want to train together. It also is offering virtual classes.

TNT Martial Arts

  • Address: 206 S. Main, Romeo
  • Phone: 586-752-7000
  • Hours: 5-8:15 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9-11 a.m. Saturday

Offers Lions, Tigers & Bears karate classes for young children ages 4-8. Boys and girls will learn physical and character skills such as agility, balance, teamwork, confidence and much more.

Troy Martial Arts

Offers unlimited classes six days a week in Taekwondo, Karate, Self Defense and Cardio Exercise. Teaches self-confidence, leadership, self control, respect, perseverance and courtesy.

True Martial Arts 

Students learn the importance of respect and perseverance, along with self-discipline and self-defense, all while developing confidence. Find karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, Tai Chi and more for kids, teens and adults. Krav Maga, too. Some virtual classes offered.

X-Martial Arts

Helps your child build rock solid confidence and laser sharp focus. Trainings will teach self-respect and respect of others.

This post was originally published in 2020 and is updated regularly. 


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