Martial Arts near Clifton Hill
Martial Arts for Clifton Hill
Kids, teens and adults · up Queens Pde and High St
From the Shot Tower to the dojo
Clifton Hill sits at the bottom of High St, and our dojo sits near the top of it, at the eastern end of Dundas St in Thornbury. Queens Pde turns into High St, and from there it’s a straight run north through Northcote, about fifteen minutes by car.
We’ve taught martial arts since 1997, and Clifton Hill families tell us the trip is worth it for the full-time timetable, the space and the experienced instructors.
Select your programme here
Ninja Stars4½ to 7Fun, foundational martial arts for coordination, focus and confidence.
Samurai Warriors8 to 10Self defence, discipline and fitness for primary school kids.
Junior Adults11 to 15Self defence focused training for teens, including knife defence basics.
Adults Martial Arts16+Practical martial arts and self defence, day and evening classes.
Fitness Kickboxing16+Non-contact pad and bag workouts for all fitness levels.
BJJ16+Beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Gi and No-Gi.For Clifton Hill Primary families
Our kids classes give each age group its own session: Ninja Stars for 4½ to 7, Samurai Warriors for 8 to 10 and Junior Adults for 11 to 15. Children learn coordination, discipline and real self defence, with Kids Life Skills lessons woven into every class.
Weapons, technique and tradition
Our adult curriculum includes traditional weapons such as the staff alongside striking, throws, locks and modern Knife Defence. Weapons training sharpens timing, distance and coordination, and many Clifton Hill adults say it’s the part of class they enjoy most. Learn more on our weapons training page.
Adult classes that fit a busy week
Adults Martial Arts runs at 7:15pm Monday to Thursday, 9:30am Tuesday and Thursday and 12:45pm Saturday. If you’d rather a shorter workout, Fitness Kickboxing is 45 minutes and runs eight times a week.
Leaving the inner city behind for an hour
For Clifton Hill adults, part of the appeal is the space. After a day in a crowded office or apartment, stepping onto 700m² of mats feels like a different world. Classes are focused, physical and social, and there’s no phone to check for 90 minutes. Many of our inner-city members say it’s the most relaxing part of their week, despite all the sweat.
From Clifton Hill to the dojo
Drive north up Queens Pde, which becomes High St at Merri Creek, through Northcote and Thornbury to the Plenty Rd junction. Turn right into Dundas St and follow it east to Chifley Drive.
Tram 86 runs the same route along Queens Pde and High St; use the PTV planner for the connecting bus along Dundas St.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Parking at the door, about 5 km from Clifton Hill.
Open in Google MapsWhat our students and parents say
This club/dojo has one of, if not the best children's program. Their curriculum has been meticulously developed to ensure your child cultivates values you would find in a traditional dojo, all the while holding on to the reality of current times.
— Andrew S.
From the very first lesson, Guests martial arts was a winner. Friendly and knowledgeable instructors with many years of experience, and a timetable packed with classes to suit anyone's preferences.
— Steven G.
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.
I'm only a few weeks in, and already feel like I'm learning heaps. … I'm sleeping better, I'm more focussed at work and in a better mood in general.
— Julian W.
I can honestly say all the programs from Ninja Stars, Samurai Warriors, Junior Adults and even the Fitness Kickboxing classes are some of the most well rounded programs I have seen.
— Van L.
Kids and adults timetable
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
Adults Martial Arts (16+) - 90 Minutes
Adults Martial Arts and Self Defence is suitable for beginners through to advanced students.
If you are new, arrive 15 minutes early and we will get you set up.
Martial arts near Clifton Hill: common questions
How do I get to the dojo from Clifton Hill?
Go north up Queens Pde and High St, then turn right into Dundas St at the Plenty Rd junction. The dojo is at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury.
Do you teach weapons?
Yes. Adults train with traditional weapons such as the staff, plus modern Knife Defence.
What age can kids start?
From 4½ in Ninja Stars.
Are there grading fees?
No, never.
How do we start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
More near Clifton Hill
See our self defence classes and kids martial arts classes.
Nearby: martial arts near Fitzroy North, martial arts near Collingwood and martial arts in Northcote.
From Clifton Hill? Four classes free, uniform included.
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