Machete Home Invasion: A Real Self Defence Story

Published 11 November 2026 · By Craig Guest, Principal Instructor

In March 2025, one of our adult students in Melbourne woke to find an intruder inside his home with a machete. He put the man in a rear naked choke, restrained him, took the weapon and held him until police arrived. Nobody was hurt. He'd learned that choke from our instructor Dan in a single session. Here's his story, kept anonymous for legal reasons.

What Happened?

I received this email from one of our students a week after it happened. I've kept him anonymous for legal reasons, and lightly tidied his words. Everything else is exactly as he wrote it.

Last week my wife and I experienced a home invasion while we were asleep. My dog alerted us to an offender who was inside our house, early in the morning, with a machete in hand. After hearing her scream in fear for her life as the attacker raised the weapon, I saw the attacker and snapped into action by getting him into a reverse choke until he passed out. I was then able to restrain him, remove the knife and hold him down till police arrived to arrest him.

This was, and still is, a very traumatic experience for us, but I needed to reach out to thank you all for what I was able to achieve. The mind and instincts are a crazy thing in the moment, as we never know what we're going to do. Surprisingly, we practised knife defence so much in training, but it was Dan who taught me the rear naked choke in ONE session. I had never used that choke before and didn't think I had any instincts to use it, but for whatever reason that technique Dan taught me was the first thing to come out.

We were very lucky not to get any injuries, and I am so grateful that even that 1% of what you taught me went into my subconscious and potentially saved us from what could have been a disastrous scenario. I honestly believe it was your training that allowed me to act so decisively and calmly in that situation. The technique I learned in restraining the attacker on the floor allowed me to wait for the police safely, which no doubt has come from your teachings at Guest's.

People always think it's never going to happen to them. I've always believed it's very unlikely we will resort to our strict training when the real event occurs, but if we can resort to even 1% of that training, it could make the difference. And it did. So I'm forever grateful for what you guys are doing there. Please know that you are genuinely helping people and preparing people, whether they know it at the time or not.

Why Did a Technique From One Session Come Out?

Nobody knows for sure what their body will do when the adrenaline hits. What we do know is that simple, well-taught techniques, practised with a real partner, have a habit of showing up when they're needed. Our student says it himself: even 1% of your training can make the difference.

That's why we train the way we do. Every technique is practised safely, step by step, with partners who look after each other, until it starts to feel natural. You don't need to be a black belt for it to count. Chokes, holds and restraints like the ones he used are part of our Adults Martial Arts and Self Defence classes, and our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes train them in depth.

Why Do We Teach Knife Defence?

This makes it at least 10 students that the team at GMA has taught who have gone on to keep themselves and their families safe from people with knives or machetes. It's why knife defence training is a core part of our Adults and Junior Adults (11 to 15) classes, not an optional extra. As I always say: if you're not learning knife defence, then you're not learning self defence.

This happened in March 2025, a few months before Victoria banned machetes on 1 September 2025. The ban helps, but people intent on violence still carry blades, so being ready still matters. Read more about why we start knife defence at 11.

Should Everyone Learn a Martial Art?

Do yourself a favour and learn one. It doesn't have to be with us. There are plenty of great schools around Australia, but choose one that's built on self defence, not sport. You, your family, or even a stranger may one day depend on it.

And please remember the most important lesson we teach: avoid conflict wherever you can. If you can get away safely and call 000, that is always the best outcome.

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