Self Defence classes in Victoria

Almost every Victoria club will let you train once for nothing before asking for money, so there is no reason to buy a membership blind.

A big chunk of the scene is walkable from downtown - Fisgard, Johnson, Yates, Pandora and Blanshard all have a gym within a few blocks of each other.

Some places sell a single-class pass but reserve it for people who already train, so a true beginner is steered to the free intro or an intro package instead.

If you want practical self-defence rather than fight training, look for the Krav Maga, Kenpo and traditional karate schools rather than the kickboxing-fitness gyms.

Several schools sell a one-time beginner package with private lessons bundled in, which is usually cheaper and far less intimidating than jumping into a group class on a monthly plan.

Plenty of the traditional dojos in town still refuse to publish rates online and expect you to call, so budget a phone call or two into your search.