Kids Martial Arts Classes in Melbourne

Kids Martial Arts in Thornbury, Melbourne

Our kids martial arts classes teach children aged 4½ to 15 practical self defence, confidence, focus and respect, in three age groups so every child trains with kids their own age and size. Classes are self defence based, with our Kids Life Skills programme built into every class, and are taught at our full-time dojo at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury under Craig Guest, teaching in Thornbury since 1997.

Check class times on the kids martial arts timetable.

Enrolling her at this school has been hands down the best thing we as parents have done for our daughter. GMA is a positive environment for young people delivering a consistent and overwhelming positive message in a sometimes negative world.

— Sam P.

Martial Arts for Kids: What Your Child Will Learn

• Self defence: how to avoid danger, escape grabs and protect themselves, with and without throwing a strike.
• Focus and listening: following instructions and concentrating, skills that carry straight into school.
• Confidence: earning each new belt shows children what they can achieve with effort.
• Coordination and fitness: rolling, breakfalls, kicks and movement games that build strong, agile bodies.
• Respect and Life Skills: our Kids Life Skills programme, co-written by Dr Warren Guest (PhD in Education), covers values like respect, gratitude and friendship.

My 2 youngest children attend twice a week and have a ball, not only do they learn a martial art, but their confidence has gone through the roof, they are doing hand stands, cart wheels and rolling confidently.

— Gavin B.

Self Defence and Bullying

We teach children how to handle bullying the smart way: staying aware, using their voice and body language to set boundaries, walking away and getting help, and only using physical techniques when they genuinely need to protect themselves. Read more in what you can do about bullying, or see our kids self defence classes.

…her confidence has really grown. She’s learning to defend herself and also enjoys the mat chats about friendship, gratitude, respect and other values.

— Courtney B.

My young son has been attending Guests Martial Arts for over three years, and it's really helped him with agility and coordination, and increased confidence in his physical abilities. … Lessons include discussions about things like friendships, positive social behaviour, sensible risk taking, and there are also reward programs for reading and good manners.

— Dan P.

Looking for Kids Karate?

Many parents search for kids karate, so it helps to know the difference. Karate focuses mainly on punches, kicks and blocks. Our kids martial arts include strikes and kicks too, and add throws, safe falling, escapes from grabs and holds, and control techniques, so children learn to protect themselves without having to hurt anyone. All of our kids classes are self defence based rather than tournament based.

How the Free Trial Works

1. Book online through our Free Trial Classes page, or call us on 03 9495 1929.
2. Arrive 15 minutes early for your first class so we can get your child set up and introduce them to their instructor.
3. Enjoy 4 free classes, with a free uniform, so your child can settle in and you can see how they go.
4. Have a chat with us about how your child is going and the best class times for your family.

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.