Martial Arts in Northcote
Martial Arts for Northcote
Kids, teens and adults · a short trip north of Northcote
Martial arts just north of Northcote
Northcote families don’t have to head into the city for serious martial arts training. Our full-time dojo is just north, through Thornbury, at 272 Dundas St, about three kilometres from Northcote Plaza. Bus 552 runs straight there from the Plaza, and by car it’s a simple run up High St or Station St.
We’ve taught martial arts to kids, teens and adults from Northcote since 1997. Our 700m² dojo gives every class room to move, and our programmes are built around practical self defence, confidence and fitness rather than trophies.
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.After-school martial arts for Northcote kids
With school pick-up at Northcote Primary, Westgarth Primary or St Joseph’s, our 4:15pm and 5:00pm kids classes are an easy next stop. Ninja Stars (4½ to 7) is a fun first step into martial arts, focused on coordination, listening and confidence. Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) adds throws, escapes and real self defence, along with our Kids Life Skills programme. For students at Northcote High School and Santa Maria College, Junior Adults (11 to 15) trains self defence and Knife Defence basics in a group of their own age.
There are no grading fees and no tournaments to travel to, and every child moves through the belts at their own pace.
A good fit for Northcote
Northcote is a creative, active part of Melbourne: people cycle the Merri Creek Trail, swim at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and fill the cafes on High St. Martial arts fits in well. It’s a full-body workout, it’s social, and it gives you practical skills for getting home safely after a night at the Northcote Social Club or the Westgarth.
Adults train in 90-minute martial arts and self defence classes on weeknights at 7:15pm, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30am and Saturdays at 12:45pm. Want something purely for fitness? Try Fitness Kickboxing near Northcote.
Looking for karate in Northcote?
If you’ve been searching for karate near Northcote, our classes cover the same ground (punches, kicks, kata-style drills, belts and discipline) and go further with escapes, throws, locks and safe falling. It’s a more complete approach to self defence for kids and adults alike.
From Northcote to the dojo
By car: head north on High St through Thornbury to the High St and Plenty Rd junction, then turn right into Dundas St and follow it east to Chifley Drive. Coming from the Northcote Plaza end, Station St north to Dundas St is just as quick.
By bus: route 552 leaves Northcote Plaza and runs via Victoria Rd and Station St into Dundas St, stopping about a ten-minute walk from the dojo.
By bike: plenty of our Northcote members ride. Station St is the direct route.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Parking nearby. Bus 552 runs direct from Northcote Plaza.
Open in Google MapsWhat our students and parents say
Great dojo space and even better teachers and instructors. … Ignited a passion for the martial art in a complete beginner myself!
— Jonathan Y.
We couldn’t be happier with the care and patience that all of the teachers have with our son. Since we started, we have seen a massive improvement in his motor strength, coordination, and perseverance.
— Bohuslava J.
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.
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 for Northcote: common questions
How far is the dojo from Northcote?
About 3 km north of Northcote Plaza, at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, on the corner of Chifley Drive. Most Northcote families are there in under ten minutes by car.
Can I get there by public transport from Northcote?
Yes. Bus route 552 runs from Northcote Plaza along Victoria Rd and Station St into Dundas St, with a stop about a ten-minute walk from the dojo.
What ages do you teach?
Kids from 4½ in Ninja Stars, 8 to 10 in Samurai Warriors, 11 to 15 in Junior Adults, and adults from 16.
Is it like karate?
Our classes include karate-style punches and kicks and add escapes, throws, locks and safe falling, so students learn complete, practical self defence.
Do you have classes for adults who work during the day?
Yes. Adults Martial Arts runs at 7:15pm Monday to Thursday, plus 9:30am on Tuesday and Thursday and 12:45pm on Saturday.
How do we start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform for kids, teens and adults.
More near Northcote
See self defence classes near Northcote, kickboxing near Northcote, or all our kids martial arts classes.
Nearby: martial arts in Thornbury, martial arts in Preston and martial arts near Fairfield.
Live in Northcote? Try 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