Explore Services
Join as a pro
Log in
Home
Explore Services
Sign up
Log in
Find a self defense instructor in your area

Find a self defense instructor in your area

Find a self defense instructor in your area

Confirm your location to see quality pros near you.

Zip code

Self defense instructors near Manhattan, NY

Top pros for your project

These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

Filters
Interested in the following discipline(s)
Student age
Level of experience
Learning goals
Lesson type
Number of students
Get quotes from your top 3 matches

These pros match your project, are highly-rated, and respond quickly.

Avatar for TrueFitness
Avatar for TrueFitness
TrueFitness
TrueFitness

5.0

(4)

5.0

(4)

In high demand
  • 2 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Manhattan, NY
  • 2 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Manhattan, NY
Octavio D. says, "Manuel is absolutely the best trainer in the area, hands down. ​What truly sets him apart is his deep knowledge in different martial arts and his ability to customize that knowledge to my unique experiences and learning style. This approach has helped me progress faster than I ever thought possible. ​His sessions are incredibly comprehensive. He combines a lot of technical detail to ensure a solid foundation, but he also pays close attention to personal weaknesses, actively targeting areas where I was specifically lacking strength. This personalized focus makes every session highly effective."See more
Octavio D. says, "Manuel is absolutely the best trainer in the area, hands down. ​What truly sets him apart is his deep knowledge in different martial arts and his ability to customize that knowledge to my unique experiences and learning style. This approach has helped me progress faster than I ever thought possible. ​His sessions are incredibly comprehensive. He combines a lot of technical detail to ensure a solid foundation, but he also pays close attention to personal weaknesses, actively targeting areas where I was specifically lacking strength. This personalized focus makes every session highly effective."
Avatar for Type A Training - In Home Personal Training
Avatar for Type A Training - In Home Personal Training
Type A Training - In Home Personal Training
Type A Training - In Home Personal Training

Exceptional 5.0

(13)

Exceptional 5.0

(13)

Great value
  • Serves Manhattan, NY
  • Serves Manhattan, NY
Michelle Almanzar says, "I am so grateful for Type A Training. Before I started, I struggled to figure out how to work out or live a healthier lifestyle. I kept turning to articles online, TikTok, and Instagram, but every platform offered different advice, and it quickly became overwhelming. That's when I realized I needed a personal trainer to help me start over from the basics.When I decided to try out Type A Training, Nathaniel responded to my inquiries so quickly that I was able to start the 45-minute starter pack training the very next day. During his assessment, he asked thoughtful questions about my motivation, goals, and even my medical background. He then connected me with a personal trainer who perfectly aligned with what I was looking for.As someone who works a full-time job and goes to school, the flexibility of Type A Training has been invaluable. I could schedule sessions at times that fit my busy life and choose a convenient location. Nathaniel was always easy to reach, and rescheduling was a breeze.I genuinely appreciate Type A Training and would recommend it to anyone looking to start their fitness journey, no matter how many times they've tried before. I'm already seeing results and feel motivated to keep working on my health."See more
Michelle Almanzar says, "I am so grateful for Type A Training. Before I started, I struggled to figure out how to work out or live a healthier lifestyle. I kept turning to articles online, TikTok, and Instagram, but every platform offered different advice, and it quickly became overwhelming. That's when I realized I needed a personal trainer to help me start over from the basics.When I decided to try out Type A Training, Nathaniel responded to my inquiries so quickly that I was able to start the 45-minute starter pack training the very next day. During his assessment, he asked thoughtful questions about my motivation, goals, and even my medical background. He then connected me with a personal trainer who perfectly aligned with what I was looking for.As someone who works a full-time job and goes to school, the flexibility of Type A Training has been invaluable. I could schedule sessions at times that fit my busy life and choose a convenient location. Nathaniel was always easy to reach, and rescheduling was a breeze.I genuinely appreciate Type A Training and would recommend it to anyone looking to start their fitness journey, no matter how many times they've tried before. I'm already seeing results and feel motivated to keep working on my health."
Reviews for Manhattan self defense instructors on Thumbtack

From Paul S.

Self Defense & Training with Lior
Self Defense & Training with Lior
Very professional; really knows his stuff; and very patient! I would highly recommend Lior for self defense and training.

From Jon h.

SergeFX
SergeFX
Serge is great! He has an expert knowledge of martial arts and self-defense, and can explain things in a clear way for novices.

From Thumbtack Customer

IronLIFE Fitness
IronLIFE Fitness
Joe instructed a self-defense class for one of my corporate clients and they were thrilled! Employees learned a lot of useful tools to defend themselves and are eager to learn more!

From Thumbtack Customer

SergeFX
SergeFX
Serge is a great teacher! Very motivational. I came in with very little knowledge about self-defense and felt like I left with enough to train on the side on my own. I highly recommend Serge for a beginner like myself.

From KRISTINA C.

John Broderic Karate and Self Defense
John Broderic Karate and Self Defense
Terrific, articulate coach for practical self-defense techniques for my 16-year old daughter to understand, practice and excel at also for a good cardio workout. He's super nice and very knowledgeable about different techniques and what works best for her.

From Barry C.

SergeFX
SergeFX
Serge knew just how to push me so I was a little sore the next day without being too sore. That’s the mark of a trainer that knows what he is doing. I had no experience with any kind of self-defense training and he made me feel perfectly comfortable.

From Tom D.

SergeFX
SergeFX
I came to Serge after being involved in an assault in my building. While I was able to subdue the assailant I realized I had no strategies for self defense. I told him that I wanted to learn some self defense strategies while getting a workout. He listened to what what I was looking for and presented an extremely thoughtful session that literally addressed all of my needs that could possibly be dealt with in a one hour session. I now feel as if I have several tools in my toolbox should I be faced with this situation again. And I got one heck of a workout. As lucky as I was to walk away from the recent assault, I am equally lucky to have found Serge to educate me in these strategies. I know I'll be coming back to him again. I strongly recommend his services.

From Thumbtack Customer

DefensiveFit - Cross Training
DefensiveFit - Cross Training
Andre explained some basic Krav Maga techniques and had us pair up to practice these moves. He was punctual, friendly and answered any questions that we had with extreme care and detail. It was an enjoyable experience that left us wanting to practice more. He also shared valuable information on NYC laws regarding self defense that were very good to know.

From Thumbtack Customer

DefensiveFit - Cross Training
DefensiveFit - Cross Training
Andre and his instructor Anthony were both awesome! They were both very professional, knowledgeable, passionate, kind, and fun. They worked with a group of 90 women, teaching them self defense strategies and techniques. All of the girls had a great time, learned a lot, and are now so much safer living in NYC. I am so glad that I was able to meet Andre through Thumbtack. He was extremely accommodating. I truly appreciated all of the work he did.
Ready to find a pro?

See more reviews, compare prices, and hire your favorite pros all with Thumbtack.

There are 59 five star Self Defense Instructors in Manhattan, NY on Thumbtack.

Why hire professionals on Thumbtack?
Free to use

You never pay to use Thumbtack: Get cost estimates, contact pros, and even book the job—all for no cost.

Compare prices side-by-side

You’ll know how much your project costs even before booking a pro.

Hire with confidence

With access to 1M+ customer reviews and the pros’ work history, you’ll have all the info you need to make a hire.

Related cost information

Popular in Manhattan

You might also like

In other nearby areas

Thumbtack
Consider it done.
Customers
Pros
Support
© 2026 Thumbtack, Inc.
Thumbtack Guarantee