Martial Arts in Melbourne
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Classes in Melbourne
Gi and No-Gi BJJ for beginners in Thornbury, ages 16+
Beginner-Friendly BJJ in Thornbury
We have places for absolute beginners aged 16+ in our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Melbourne. Our focus is solid foundations: leverage, control and technique, so you can start safely and build skills that last. For many people it becomes a lifelong journey of learning.
If you have never trained BJJ before, we are the perfect place to start. Classes run 3 times a week at our full-time dojo at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, close to Preston, Northcote and Reservoir, and our beginners trial saves you hundreds of dollars getting started.
At various times I’ve done adults Japanese Ju Jitsu, Fitness Kickboxing and now Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’ve always felt welcomed in class, supported to improve and pushed to the level I feel comfortable with.
— Grace L.
What You’ll Learn
- Positions and control: guard, mount, side control and back control, and how to hold them using leverage rather than strength.
- Escapes: how to get out from underneath a bigger, stronger person.
- Sweeps: how to turn a bad position into a good one.
- Submissions: chokes and joint locks, taught step by step with safety first.
- Takedowns and stand-up: getting the fight to the ground on your terms.
- Drilling and rolling: repetition with a partner, then controlled sparring (rolling) when you are ready.
Gi and No-Gi BJJ Classes
We teach both Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
- Gi BJJ is trained in the traditional uniform. Grips on the jacket and collar make it slower and more technical, which is great for learning the fundamentals.
- No-Gi BJJ is trained in a rash guard and shorts. It is faster and more dynamic, and closer to grappling in everyday clothes or wrestling.
Both are fun and there is plenty to learn in each. For beginners we recommend learning both. Our Monday and Saturday classes are Gi, and our Wednesday class is No-Gi.
Our Instructor: Daniel Bacon
Daniel Bacon is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has trained in Melbourne since 2010, and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu, which he has studied since 2005. He has worked at Guest’s Martial Arts as a full-time instructor for over 15 years, teaching adults, teens and children. In BJJ, Daniel trains under Ninos Dammo, head instructor of Australian Elite Team.
Daniel loves to compete and has won gold, silver and bronze medals at Grappling Industries, the Pan Pacific Championships and the Victorian State Championships. His focus is a well-rounded game in both Gi and No-Gi, and he brings years of training and teaching experience to every class while keeping it fun. If you want to compete, he can help you prepare and guide you through the process.
I've been training BJJ and Kickboxing at Guests for a few years now. The instructors are EXCELLENT and really know their stuff and the whole vibe at the gym is great.
— Henrietta J.
BJJ and Self Defence
Many of our students train in both BJJ and our Adults Martial Arts and Self Defence classes. BJJ builds outstanding ground skills, while the self defence classes add striking, standing escapes and weapon defence.
BJJ Timetable
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / BJJ (16+) - 90 Minutes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a 90 minute grappling class focused on leverage, control, and technique.
I have trained at GMA for the better part of a decade in both Japanese Jujutsu and more recently their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. It has the best kids program I've seen from any of the gyms I've trained at…
— Ruari J.
BJJ Trial: $99 for Up to 12 Classes in 4 Weeks + a New Uniform
For $99 you get up to 12 beginner classes over 4 weeks, plus a brand new BJJ uniform that’s yours to keep. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.
One of the biggest hurdles to starting BJJ is the cost of the uniform, which can be hundreds of dollars. Most schools lend you an old, second-hand uniform worn by dozens of people (BJJ is very sweaty), you try one class, decide on the spot, and then have to buy a uniform at full price anyway. Our trial is better:
- One clean, new uniform that’s yours to keep
- Four weeks of beginner classes, so you truly know if BJJ is for you (one class isn’t enough)
- Time to get to know the instructors and the other students
- Make sure everything is right before you join
Fill in the trial form, or call the school on 9495 1929 and we can arrange everything over the phone, which is quicker.
Guests martial arts is a warm and inclusive school with top notch teachers in the disciplines JJJ and BJJ and I have never been fitter than when I did their Fitness Kickboxing classes. … This school has without a doubt changed my life significantly for the better
— Elanor K.
Students train with us from Preston, Northcote, Coburg, Reservoir, Brunswick, Ivanhoe and across Melbourne’s inner north.
BJJ at a glance
- Ages
- 16 and over
- Styles
- Gi (Monday and Saturday) and No-Gi (Wednesday)
- Class length
- 90 minutes
- When
- Monday 7:15pm (Gi), Wednesday 7:15pm (No-Gi), Saturday 12:45pm (Gi). See the timetable.
- Level
- Beginner friendly
- Instructor
- Daniel Bacon (BJJ brown belt, 5th Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu)
- Trial
- $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks, plus a brand new BJJ uniform. Simply pay at reception when you arrive. Book online.
- Where
- 272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071 (corner of Chifley Drive)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: common questions
Is BJJ good for beginners?
Yes. Our classes are beginner-friendly and focus on solid foundations: leverage, control and technique. Most of our students started with no experience.
How much is the BJJ trial?
$99 gets you up to 12 classes over 4 weeks, plus a brand new BJJ uniform to keep. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.
Do you teach Gi or No-Gi BJJ?
Both. Monday and Saturday classes are Gi, and Wednesday is No-Gi. Gi BJJ is trained in the traditional uniform and is slower and more technical; No-Gi is trained in a rash guard and shorts and is faster. We recommend beginners learn both.
Do I need to be fit to start BJJ?
No. You will get fitter as you train. Classes start with the basics and you work at your own pace.
Do I have to compete?
No. Most students train for fitness, self defence and fun. If you want to compete, our instructor Daniel Bacon can help you prepare.
Will I spar (roll) in my first week?
Yes, but very lightly. For the first few weeks beginners roll lightly and spend time watching the higher ranks and how they conduct themselves in class. You roll more as your skills and confidence grow.
How do BJJ stripes and belts work?
Daniel awards stripes after a few months of consistent training, once you can show a good range of techniques. Belts come after a few years of training.
Do you have an open mat or competition team?
Not at the moment. All our BJJ training happens in the three classes each week. If you want to compete, Daniel can help you prepare.
What age can you start BJJ?
Our BJJ classes are for ages 16 and over. Younger teens can train in our Junior Adults classes (11 to 15).
How long are BJJ classes and when are they?
90 minutes: Monday at 7:15pm (Gi), Wednesday at 7:15pm (No-Gi) and Saturday at 12:45pm (Gi).
Can women do BJJ?
Yes. Women train in our BJJ classes, and BJJ is ideal for smaller people because it relies on leverage and technique rather than size and strength.
Is BJJ good for self defence?
Yes. BJJ teaches you to control an opponent and escape from the ground, which is valuable in real situations. For a complete self defence system, many students also train in our Adults Martial Arts classes.
Do you have BJJ classes near Preston?
Yes. Our dojo at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury is a short trip from Preston, Northcote, Reservoir and Coburg, with BJJ classes on Monday and Wednesday at 7:15pm and Saturday at 12:45pm.
Do you teach No-Gi BJJ?
Yes. Our Wednesday 7:15pm class is No-Gi, trained in a rash guard and shorts. It is faster and more dynamic than Gi.
Book Your BJJ Trial
Fill in this short form and we'll be in touch, usually the same day, to find the best class time for you.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (16+): $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks plus a new BJJ uniform. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.
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