Skip to content
Guest's Martial ArtsMelbourne 03 9495 1929

Martial Arts training in Melbourne

Martial Arts in Melbourne

Our Melbourne Martial Arts school is near Northcote right on the border of Thornbury and Preston. If you are looking for martial arts near you in Melbourne’s inner north, we are an easy trip from Northcote, Preston, Fairfield, Reservoir and Brunswick. Our 700m² of open training space is a rare luxury, we have seating for over 65 people in our viewing areas and has all the latest equipment thanks to a recent full renovation and looks like a Japanese art gallery.

Free Trial ClassesPH 03 9495 1929

Discover your passion

Select your programme

Kids Martial Arts

Kids martial arts classes in Thornbury, MelbourneAges 4½–15Kids Martial Arts Ninja Stars kids martial arts classAges 4½–7Ninja Stars Samurai Warriors kids martial arts classAges 8–10Samurai Warriors Junior Adults teen martial arts classAges 11–15Junior Adults

Adults Martial Arts

Adults martial arts and self defence classAdults 16+Adults Martial Arts Fitness Kickboxing class on the heavy bagsNon-contactFitness Kickboxing BJJ students grapplingAges 16+Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Women's self defence classWomen onlyWomen's Self Defence
Self defence class at Guests Martial ArtsTeens & adultsSelf Defence Knife defence trainingTeens & adultsKnife Defence Daytime martial arts classAdults 16+Daytime Classes Weapons training with the staffBo, Sword & moreWeapons Training

View our complete timetable →

We employ four full-time and six part-time instructors with a combined 200+ years of experience across various martial arts.

These include Japanese Jujutsu, Silat, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), MMA, Muay Thai, Vovinam and Taekwondo, as well as various weapons including Bo Staff, Sword, Jo, Knife Defence and several more.

We also run an amazing, multi-award-winning children's martial arts and character development programme written by Dr Warren Guest (PhD, Education) and Craig Guest Shihan. Our home is Melbourne, and we have been conducting martial arts training here since 1997.

Adults Martial Arts

We offer both daytime and evening martial arts classes (7 classes each week) so getting to class is really easy. We cover a wide range of skills including Striking, Grappling, Pressure Points, Nerve Manipulation, Weapons Training, Knife Defence and a lot more. This is a well rounded Adults Martial Arts training experience for beginners.

Adults Martial Arts & Self Defence – Enjoy 4 free trial classes plus a free uniform, with the whole trial package valued at over $100.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
This is a complete system for anyone wanting to learn not only physical defense, traditional weaponry, and modern day concepts, but also a balance of mental development for a pressured situation.

— Andrew S.

More Information →

Fitness Kickboxing

Let’s get you Fit and Strong with our high energy non contact Fitness Kickboxing classes! Absolute Beginners are welcome either in the daytime or evening.

All sessions are lots of fun, high energy and guaranteed 100% Non Contact so you can get fit without getting hit.

Pick your focus: boxing fitness, HIIT classes, women’s fitness kickboxing or group fitness classes.

Fitness Kickboxing – Enjoy 4 free trial classes plus a brand new pair of boxing gloves to keep.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
Been doing Fitness Kickboxing here for about 3 years. Cannot recommend GMA enough! The classes are always varied and fun, and the instructors are amazing and always put their own spin on classes, so you are learning something new with every class.

— Mary F.

More Information →

Teenage Martial Arts

Both programmes are very focused on Self Defence based Martial Arts Training.

As you may be aware both assaults and knife attacks in Melbourne have dramatically increased and this is the age group that carry knives. Check out the stats on this page you will be shocked.

Junior Adults – Enjoy 4 free trial classes plus a free uniform, with the whole trial package valued at over $100.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
My son is 16 and has been going since he was 5. He has his Junior Black Belt, and is now training for his Adult Black Belt. Fantastic teachers who set a great example of determination, patience, tolerance and endurance…

— Rose R.

More Information →

Samurai Warriors 8 to 10

Learn a wide range of skills including striking, body evasions, ground fighting / wrestling making our Samurai Warriors classes energetic and challenging. Goto our Samurai Warriors page to learn more about how we build Confidence for children by training in Martial Arts.

Samurai Warriors – Enjoy 4 free trial classes plus a free uniform, with the whole trial package valued at over $100.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
Brilliant school- set up really well for kids (and adults), multiple classes divided by age, very motivating for kids to progress through belts, teachers all great with kids and supportive, additional discussions on discipline and motivation…

— Antonia J.

More Information →

Ninja Stars 4½ to 7

Our Ninja Stars 4½ - 7 years old martial arts classes are full of energy and enthusiasm. Our student's parents regularly tell us that our classes have had a tremendous effect on their child’s overall development as well.

Ninja Stars – Enjoy 4 free trial classes plus a free uniform, with the whole trial package valued at over $100.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
My son loves coming to martial arts every week, in his Ninja Stars class. All the sensei’s make a fun, organised & learning experience each time. He especially loves Black Belt Club!

— Sharon R.

More Information →
Craig Guest, owner and principal instructor at Guest's Martial Arts

Craig Guest - Owner and Principal Instructor

I began studying Japanese Jujutsu in early 1990 and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every moment.

Welcome to Guests Martial Arts,

I began studying Japanese Jujutsu in early 1990 and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every moment. During that time I have been fortunate enough to travel to Japan (18 times for training in Jujutsu) , United Kingdom ( 2 years training in Jujutsu) , South Africa, New Zealand and all over Australia to learn, train and occasionally teach the odd seminar or two.

After the school I was training in closed down I started the Melbourne based Martial arts school in Preston / Thornbury in 1997. Over time it has grown to become the biggest Dojo for this type of Martial Arts training in the southern hemisphere with quite literally thousands of students studying at our school over the years. Many have reached Black Belt and of those many have stayed on continuing their studies for longer than 10 and even more than 20 years.

I have to thank my amazing staff and students for all their support over the years, without them it would not have been possible.

Respectfully yours
Craig Guest

Martial arts in Melbourne: common questions

What martial arts do you teach in Melbourne?

Traditional martial arts with practical Self Defence, Fitness Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and traditional weapons (Bo, Jo, Hanbo, sword and Knife Defence), at our Thornbury dojo.

Where is Guest's Martial Arts?

272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071, on the corner of Chifley Drive, in Melbourne's inner north. Parking is nearby.

What age can kids start martial arts?

From 4½. Ninja Stars is for ages 4½ to 7, Samurai Warriors for 8 to 10, and Junior Adults for 11 to 15.

Does martial arts help kids with confidence and focus?

Yes. Our kids classes are built around focus, listening, self discipline and confidence. The children's programme was written by Dr Warren Guest (PhD, Education) and Craig Guest.

Do I need to be fit or have experience to start?

No. Most students start as complete beginners and build their fitness as they train.

How much do martial arts classes cost?

You start with a free trial: 4 free classes plus a free uniform. At the end of your trial we'll go through membership options with you. There are never any grading fees.

Do you teach real Self Defence?

Yes. Self Defence is part of every class, including escapes, ground defence and Knife Defence for teens and adults.

When are classes on?

Kids train after school Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings. Adults train in the evenings, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and on Saturdays.

Contact Guest's Martial Arts

Interested in training? Contact us to find out more about our classes or arrange a free trial.

Contact Us Free Trial Classes

Guest’s Martial Arts at a glance

Guest's Martial Arts (GMA)
A full-time martial arts school in Melbourne, teaching since 1997 – The Self Defence Experts.
Location
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071, on the corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border. Parking nearby.
Classes
Adults Martial Arts & practical Self Defence, Fitness Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Weapons Training.
Ages
Kids martial arts from 4½ (Ninja Stars 4½–7, Samurai Warriors 8–10), teens (Junior Adults 11–15, Young Adults 16–17) and adults (BJJ 16+).
Timetable
More than 50 classes a week, Monday to Thursday plus Saturday mornings. See the timetable.
Free trial
4 free classes plus a free uniform. BJJ: $99 for up to 12 classes in 4 weeks. Book online.
Principal instructor
Craig Guest, founder.
Contact
03 9495 1929 · admin@guestsmartialarts.com.au