Martial Arts in Melbourne
Adults Martial Arts Training in Thornbury, Melbourne
We study a wide range of Adult Martial Arts techniques, joint locks and controls are common in most techniques (any joint on the body can be locked). Striking is done with all parts of the body such as hands, elbows, head, knees, kicking etc, while at the same time applying Pressure Points and Nerve Strikes to slow the attacker down.
We teach Adults Martial Arts in a relaxed, friendly, respectful manner and all the students at our school are genuinely interested in learning martial arts. We're a school in the true sense of the word, we're here to learn and no one here has anything to prove, that's just not our culture.
If that sounds like you then we'd love to see you on the mats at our Free Trial Classes
We teach Adults Martial Arts in a relaxed, friendly, respectful manner and all the students at our school are genuinely interested in learning martial arts. We're a school in the true sense of the word, we're here to learn and no one here has anything to prove, that's just not our culture.
If that sounds like you then we'd love to see you on the mats at our Free Trial Classes
In our Adults Martial Arts Classes students study martial arts and Self Defence, Kickboxing or BJJ depending on their needs. Our martial arts classes are traditional but very effective, with a strong focus on unarmed Self Defence, Weapons Training as well as our Tactical Knife Defence training system.
Self Defence has become more important to most people. With knife crime regularly in the news, many people have decided to learn how to protect both themselves and their families.
Also we are giving away a return Flight To Japan for one lucky new member... Details further down the page.
Self Defence has become more important to most people. With knife crime regularly in the news, many people have decided to learn how to protect both themselves and their families.
Also we are giving away a return Flight To Japan for one lucky new member... Details further down the page.
Amazing culture here and a very practical martial art. I've done martial arts for over 20 years and have struggled to find a club that balances humour, practicality, realistic techniques and education as well as this place.
— Andrew D.
Pressure Testing For Effective Self Defence
After you have learnt the basics, and we think you're ready, we will safely introduce you to our type of sparring which we call Pressure Testing. Pressure Testing is similar to sparring but has more of a Self Defence focus and fits in a lot better with our style of martial arts.
We're not a sports tournament school by choice. Tournaments can be very expensive, entry fees, protective equipment, flights, accommodation etc. as well as time off work to compete, it all adds up. Besides a lot of the techniques you will be learning aren't allowed in tournaments.
Rather than remove them from our training we decided not to focus on the sports side of martial arts but instead concentrate on effective Self Defence which are two very different skill sets. This has turned out to be a very good decision with many students using what they have learned to successfully defend themselves in real life situations, even against people with knives.
We're not a sports tournament school by choice. Tournaments can be very expensive, entry fees, protective equipment, flights, accommodation etc. as well as time off work to compete, it all adds up. Besides a lot of the techniques you will be learning aren't allowed in tournaments.
Rather than remove them from our training we decided not to focus on the sports side of martial arts but instead concentrate on effective Self Defence which are two very different skill sets. This has turned out to be a very good decision with many students using what they have learned to successfully defend themselves in real life situations, even against people with knives.
I've been training in Japanese Jiu Jitsu and attending Adult Kickboxing classes for the last 3 years and I learn something new and valuable from the staff every time I go there. I would highly recommend this school to anyone wanting to start training in martial arts as an adult…
— Natasha G.
Now it's even easier to get to a time that works best for you.
Looking for Karate Classes?
Many adults start out searching for karate classes. Karate focuses mainly on punches, kicks and blocks. Our martial arts classes include strikes and kicks too, and add throws, joint locks, escapes, restraints and weapons, giving you a more complete self defence system.
Pressure Points (Kyusho) for Self Defence
We study Kyusho, which includes anatomical weak points like the eyes, groin, throat but also gaps between the muscles where a nerve might be exposed and similar things like that. These techniques come from old martial arts schools like Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu and Takagi Yoshin Ryu. Pressure points and nerve strikes add depth and potency to your training, it's not only about striking but also gripping the right spot in the right way.
We also have Pressure Point Seminars and these are also open to other martial arts students to attend.
We also have Pressure Point Seminars and these are also open to other martial arts students to attend.
Knife Defence Training for Adults
Creating Space and Distance for safety, Protecting the throat, Grab and Stab and so much more. Machete-related incidents in Victoria more than tripled, from 610 in 2021 to 2,061 in 2024, according to the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria. With figures like these, you really need to think about if this specialist training is important to you because surprisingly not many schools put the time and effort into Knife Defence training that is needed to become able to defend yourself against even an inexperienced knife using attacker.
We commit one month out of every four months or 12 weeks each year to nothing but Knife Defence training for the entire class, it's that important.
We have had many students defend themselves in real life against people with knives and all have been successful in these situations and not one person has been cut.
If you would like to try out our classes we offer Free Trial Classes for men and women that will help you decide if this is the right martial art for you
We commit one month out of every four months or 12 weeks each year to nothing but Knife Defence training for the entire class, it's that important.
We have had many students defend themselves in real life against people with knives and all have been successful in these situations and not one person has been cut.
If you would like to try out our classes we offer Free Trial Classes for men and women that will help you decide if this is the right martial art for you
Win A Return Flight To Japan
All NEW MEMBERS will go into a draw to WIN a Return Flight To Japan valued at up to $1500 OR if that's not your thing how does $1000 Cash sound? We were tired of paying all that money to Google or Facebook we thought we would have a bit of fun and give it away to a lucky member instead... How does that sound to you? To be eligible all you need to do is try our Free Trial Classes and join the school by 31 January 2027. The draw is live on Facebook on 14 February 2027, and you must still be training at the dojo on the day. It's that easy. You can get extra entries into the competition if you refer a friend that also joins and remains a member. |  |
Had an awesome experience. Craig is super skilled, patient, and really know how to push you while keeping it fun. Everyone’s welcoming, and the training is really inviting for a beginner.
— Andrew C.
Adults Martial Arts at a glance
- Ages
- 16 and over
- Class length
- 90 minutes
- When
- Evenings Monday to Thursday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Saturdays. See the timetable for current times.
- Styles available
- Martial arts and self defence, Kickboxing and BJJ. Depending on your needs you can study one, two or all three if you choose
- Instructor
- Taught by Craig Guest, teaching in Thornbury since 1997
- Gradings
- Every 4 months. No grading fees
- Free trial
- 4 free classes plus a free uniform. Book online.
Adult Martial Arts and Self Defence: common questions
What martial art do you teach adults?
Martial arts and self defence, Kickboxing and BJJ. Depending on your needs you can study one, two or all three. Our martial arts and self defence classes cover striking, joint locks, throws, ground grappling, weapons and Knife Defence, taught for real-world Self Defence.
Am I too old or unfit to start martial arts?
No. Adults start from 16 with no upper limit, and most begin as complete beginners. You train at your own level.
Do you have daytime adult classes?
Yes. Adults classes run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as well as evenings and Saturdays.
How long are adult classes?
90 minutes, which gives time for technique, practice with a partner and Self Defence drills.
How do adult gradings work?
Adults grade every 4 months, and there are never any grading fees.
Do adults learn knife defence?
Yes. Knife Defence is part of the adult curriculum, and adult classes spend one month in every four on nothing but Knife Defence.
Book Your Free Trial
Fill in this short form and we'll be in touch, usually the same day, to find the best class time for you.
- Adults Martial Arts (16+): 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 03 9495 1929.
Looking at other classes? See all our trial classes.
Contact Guest's Martial Arts
Interested in training? Contact us to find out more about our classes or arrange a free trial.
- Phone03 9495 1929
- Emailadmin@guestsmartialarts.com.au
- Address272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071