Kids Martial Arts in Melbourne
Kids Self Defence Classes in Melbourne
Practical, age-appropriate self defence for ages 4½ to 15
Self Defence Skills Your Child Will Keep for Life
Every parent wants their child to be safe. Our kids self defence classes teach practical self defence for kids in Thornbury. They show children how to stay aware, avoid trouble, use their voice and, only when they genuinely need to, protect themselves physically. It’s all taught in a fun, structured way that suits their age.
Children’s self defence is at the heart of every kids class at Guest’s Martial Arts, because our martial arts are a self defence system first. We have taught children in Thornbury since 1997.
…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.
What Children Learn
- Awareness: noticing when something doesn’t feel right and moving away early.
- Using their voice: a loud, confident “No!” and calling for help.
- Escaping grabs and holds: getting free when someone grabs a wrist, arm or clothing.
- Safe falling: rolls and breakfalls so a push or trip doesn’t mean an injury.
- Stranger danger: what to do with adults they don’t know, and who to go to for help.
- Handling bullying: body language, setting boundaries, walking away and telling a trusted adult.
- Self control: knowing when physical techniques are right, and when they are not.
Self Defence and Bullying
We teach children to handle bullying the smart way: staying aware, using their voice and body language, walking away and getting help, and only using physical techniques when they genuinely need to protect themselves. Our Kids Life Skills program adds weekly discussions on topics like saying no to bullying, conflict avoidance and stranger danger. Read more: what you can do about bullying.
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.
Classes by Age
- Ninja Stars (4½ to 7): fun, games-based classes building listening, coordination and first self defence skills.
- Samurai Warriors (8 to 10): more detailed escapes, falls and techniques, with growing confidence.
- Junior Adults (11 to 15): practical self defence for the high school years, including knife awareness.
Kids Self Defence Timetables
Ninja Stars (4½ to 7) - 45 Minutes
Ninja Stars is our beginner martial arts programme for ages 4½ to 7, focused on confidence, coordination, and listening skills.
5:00 pm
5:00 pm
9:45 am
11:15 am
Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) - 45 Minutes
Samurai Warriors is designed for ages 8 to 10, building discipline, fitness, and practical Self-Defence awareness.
5:00 pm
5:45 pm
5:45 pm
6:30 pm
5:00 pm
5:45 pm
6:30 pm
9:45 am
10:30 am
Junior Adults (11 to 15) - 45 Minutes
Junior Adults is our teen programme for ages 11 to 15, bridging kids and adult training with a strong Self-Defence focus.
5:45 pm
6:30 pm
5:45 pm
5:45 pm
6:30 pm
5:45 pm
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.
Families come from Northcote, Preston, Fairfield, Reservoir, Ivanhoe, Brunswick and Coburg. Start with 4 free classes plus a free uniform: book your free trial.
Kids Self Defence at a glance
- Ages
- 4½ to 15, in three age groups
- Programs
- Ninja Stars (4½ to 7), Samurai Warriors (8 to 10), Junior Adults (11 to 15)
- Learn
- Awareness, using their voice, escaping grabs, safe falling, stranger danger, handling bullying
- Style
- Self defence based martial arts, no tournaments
- Where
- 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, Melbourne
- Free trial
- 4 free classes plus a free uniform. Book online
Kids self defence: common questions
What age can children start self defence classes?
From 4 and a half, in our Ninja Stars classes. Older children join Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) and Junior Adults (11 to 15).
What do kids learn in self defence classes?
Awareness, using their voice, escaping grabs and holds, safe falling, stranger danger, handling bullying and self control, taught in an age-appropriate way.
Will self defence make my child aggressive?
No. Children learn that physical techniques are only for when they genuinely need to protect themselves. Self control and respect are taught in every class.
Can self defence help with bullying?
Yes. Children learn confident body language, how to use their voice, how to walk away and get help, and how to stay safe if they are grabbed.
Is it karate?
No. Our martial arts add escapes, throws and control techniques to strikes, so children can protect themselves without needing to hurt anyone.
How do we start?
Book a free trial: 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
Is self defence for kids worth it?
Yes. Good self defence for kids builds confidence, awareness and body control, and teaches children how to avoid trouble, use their voice and get away safely, skills they keep for life.
Book Your Child's Free Trial
Fill in this short form and we'll be in touch, usually the same day, to find the best class time for your child.
- Ninja Stars, Samurai Warriors and Junior Adults: 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