Martial Arts in Preston
Martial Arts in Preston
Kids, teens and adults · on Dundas St, right on the Preston border
Preston’s local martial arts school
Dundas St is the line between Preston and Thornbury, and our dojo sits on it, at the quiet eastern end near Chifley Drive. For most Preston families that means a short drive down Plenty Rd, High St or Chifley Drive from Bell St, with parking right near the door, rather than a battle into the city after school.
We’ve taught martial arts in Preston’s neighbourhood since 1997. Many of our students live within a few kilometres, from East Preston and Preston West to the streets around Preston Market and Northland, and plenty of families have two generations on the mats.
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.Kids martial arts for Preston families
Our kids classes are where most Preston families start. Ninja Stars (4½ to 7) builds coordination, listening and confidence through games and basic techniques. Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) adds real self defence, throws and safe falling, plus our Kids Life Skills programme written by Dr Warren Guest. At 11, students move into Junior Adults (11 to 15), our most self-defence-focused kids programme.
Classes run straight after school Monday to Thursday, with eight more classes on Saturdays, so they work whether your child is at Bell Primary, Preston South, Preston West, Preston North East, Newlands, Sacred Heart or St Raphael’s. Teens from Preston High School, St John’s College Preston and Northern College of the Arts and Technology train in Junior Adults or, from 16, in the adult classes.
Searching for karate in Preston?
A lot of Preston parents start by searching for karate, and that’s fine: our classes include the punches, kicks, belts and discipline you’d expect from a karate school. What they add is the part that matters if your child is ever grabbed or pushed over: escapes from holds, safe falling, throws and control techniques, so they can protect themselves without having to hurt anyone. There are no tournaments to travel to and no grading fees, ever.
Adult martial arts close to Preston
Adults train in 90-minute martial arts and self defence classes on Monday to Thursday evenings at 7:15pm, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30am, and Saturdays at 12:45pm. The morning classes suit shift workers, parents after school drop-off and anyone who works from home in Preston. If fitness is the main goal, Fitness Kickboxing near Preston runs eight times a week, and BJJ runs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Getting to the dojo from Preston
From central Preston, head south on High St or Plenty Rd to the junction where Dundas St begins, then follow Dundas St east for about two kilometres. Coming from Bell St, turn south into Chifley Drive and you’ll reach Dundas St at the corner. From Northland or East Preston it’s only a few minutes.
On public transport, bus route 552 runs along Dundas St, with stops about a ten-minute walk from the dojo. Trams 86 and 11 and the Mernda line trains through Preston and Bell stations are further away, so most families drive or ride. The Darebin Creek Trail also runs close by, past the Dundas Street Wetlands.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Plenty of parking nearby. Bus 552 stops along Dundas St.
Open in Google MapsWhat our students and parents say
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.
Great dojo space and even better teachers and instructors. … Ignited a passion for the martial art in a complete beginner myself!
— Jonathan Y.
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 in Preston: common questions
Is Guest’s Martial Arts in Preston or Thornbury?
Both, in a way. We’re at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, and Dundas St is the Preston–Thornbury border, so the dojo is literally on Preston’s doorstep, near Chifley Drive and Bell St.
What martial arts classes are there for kids in Preston?
Ninja Stars for ages 4½ to 7, Samurai Warriors for 8 to 10 and Junior Adults for 11 to 15. All classes are 45 minutes and run after school Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings.
Do you teach karate?
Our martial arts include karate-style punches and kicks, and add escapes, throws, safe falling and control techniques for practical self defence. Students earn belts, and gradings are always free.
Are there daytime martial arts classes near Preston for adults?
Yes. Adults Martial Arts runs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30am, as well as four weeknight classes and Saturday afternoons.
How do I get to the dojo from Preston without a car?
Bus route 552 runs along Dundas St, with stops about a ten-minute walk away. It’s also an easy bike ride along the Darebin Creek Trail.
How do we start?
Book a free trial online: kids, teens and adults get 4 free classes plus a free uniform. BJJ is $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks, including a uniform.
More from Guest’s Martial Arts near Preston
Preston adults can also try self defence classes near Preston or Fitness Kickboxing near Preston. Parents can compare all of our kids martial arts classes.
Nearby suburbs: martial arts in Thornbury, martial arts near Reservoir and martial arts near Northcote.
Live in Preston? Your first four classes are free.
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