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Guest's Martial ArtsMelbourne 03 9495 1929

Martial Arts in Melbourne

Samurai Warriors Kids Martial Arts

Ages 8 to 10 in Thornbury, Melbourne

Samurai Warriors student kicking a pad held by an instructor, Thornbury

Samurai Warriors: Martial Arts for 8, 9 and 10 Year Olds

Samurai Warriors is our kids martial arts programme for children aged 8, 9 and 10. Building on the basics, children learn a wider range of self defence skills, including strikes, escapes, throws and wrestling so they can control a partner without injury. Confidence for children is something that is developed by training at Guest's Martial Arts. This confidence is then carried within your child and used by them every day of their life. When a child has the courage to overcome obstacles, success naturally follows. Classes at Guests Martial Arts teach children how to gain control of their minds, bodies and their emotions.

Samurai Warriors in class
Ninja Stars and Samurai Warriors new member LEGO prize draw poster

New Member LEGO Prize Draw

All new Ninja Stars and Samurai Warriors members go into a draw to win one of 10 NINJAGO LEGO sets, about $2,500 worth of LEGO in total. The draw is live on Facebook on 14 February 2027. We run a different LEGO theme every 6 months: the last one was STAR WARS, and the next might be HARRY POTTER.

Instead of paying Google or Facebook, we thought we would have a bit of fun and give it to our members instead. To enter, try our Free Trial Classes and join the school by 31 January 2027. Students who refer a friend who joins also go into the draw. Winners must still be training at the dojo on the day of the draw.

Samurai Warriors kids martial arts builds resilience
Kids Martial Arts Classes Develop Skills

  • We teach kids to think before they act and how to develop self discipline.

  • They learn to show respect for themselves, their parents, siblings and their teachers.

  • Their concentration and listening skills improve, and as a result, many of our students have greatly improved their school grades. 
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  • Our program challenges the entire body, mind and spirit and develops better hand eye coordination, balance and agility.
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  • Best Of All We are 100% Self Defence and Character Development focused 

Life Skills For Building Better Futures

At our school martial arts is just the beginning of a students experiences, we have high expectations for their growth on all levels, not just physical but mentally as well.

We have specific programs in place to develop their social skills and build strong character using a system of projects that we developed exclusively in conjunction with my brother Dr Warren Guest (PhD in Education) right here at our school to use exclusively in our program.

While my brother has a Doctorate in Education I used to be a Business Analyst so we run a tight ship with world class processes, programmes and we get fantastic results.
  • Self Control
  • Excellent Manners
  • Real Friendship
  • Stranger Danger
  • Ravenous Readers
  • Conflict Avoidance
  • ​Mutual Respect
  • Being Honest
  • Listening Skills
  • Goal Setting
  • No to Bullying
  • Healthy Eating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
My son started learning when he was 9 and his experience was so good I started learning at 49. The kids program is well structured with lots of positive reinforcement.

— Tim M.


Kids Martial Arts Life Skills
Kids Martial Arts Classes Thornbury Melbourne

Kids Tournaments: Yes or No?

I'm not a fan of tournaments for Kids, hear me out and I think you'll agree ...

When we stand up in front of your child and say "it's wrong to hit another person unless they are trying to hurt you" we actually mean it...... It would be wrong of us to then say “Next Saturday there’s a tournament on, let's fight hard and win win win etc  ...”

The simple truth is you either reward a child for hitting or you tell them it's wrong to do it.......it can't be both ways, at least not to an 8 year old.

And then at the tournament guess what happens? The kid who hits the most kids gets the biggest trophy, patted on the back and told well done. At the end of the day, no matter what you're told, or how it's sold to you,  one child is being rewarded for hitting another child.  My other big problem with tournaments is when you join a school you're told….  “It’s ok, tournaments aren't compulsory!" ........but guess who gets the most attention in class.

Instead of chasing trophies by trudging around to tournament after tournament all over the state at a huge financial cost to you, long drives or flights, entry fees, hotels, restaurants, protective equipment, start winning and it can be thousands of dollars for international comps! No I'm not kidding! So instead of all that our full focus, 100% of the time, is on age appropriate Self Defence based martial arts and helping families be happy and healthy. If that sounds like what you're looking for, consider trying out our Free Trial Classes 
Samurai Warriors belt exam: new belt and feedback sheet
Samurai Warriors student receiving a new belt from an instructor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
…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.


Kids Martial Arts training
Kids Learning Martial Arts Exercises
Here’s another quote from one of our parents

"He has been helping around the house so much more now, but he is enjoying it at the same time. Teaching his sister good lessons. His reading has been outstanding"  

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Let's look at that for a moment - Getting on well with his sister, cleaning his room, readings getting much better and he's happy to do it.  You bet mum's happy about it...... wouldn't you be? 
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Or this ... “Madison’s Manners & Reading is going great. She is working hard, cleaning up her room, spelling words. She has improved 100%”.......  Mum and Dad "she has improved 100%"..... that's what it's all about!

All this talk of values may have misled you. Be assured, we do teach very effective Martial Arts. Your child will end up knowing how to protect themselves and they'll know how to avoid danger and how to use conflict resolution techniques -- with AND without throwing a kick, block, or punch!

Samurai Warriors Martial Arts Classes in Thornbury, Melbourne (Ages 8 to 10)

View the current Samurai Warriors timetable at Guest's Martial Arts in Thornbury, Melbourne. Samurai Warriors is a 45 minute Kids Martial Arts programme for ages 8 to 10, focused on confidence, discipline, fitness, and practical Self-Defence awareness.

New students are welcome. If it is your first class, please arrive 15 minutes early and we will get you set up.

Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) - 45 Minutes

Samurai Warriors is designed for ages 8 to 10, building discipline, fitness, and practical Self-Defence awareness.

Monday
 4:15 pm
 5:00 pm
 5:45 pm
 
Tuesday
 4:15 pm
 
 5:45 pm
 6:30 pm
Wednesday
 4:15 pm
 5:00 pm
 
 
Thursday
 4:15 pm
 
 5:45 pm
 6:30 pm
Saturday
 9:00 am
 9:45 am
10:30 am
12:00 pm

Samurai Warriors Kids Martial Arts Programme

Samurai Warriors at Guest's Martial Arts is a Kids Martial Arts programme in Thornbury, Melbourne for children aged 8 to 10. Classes build confidence, discipline, fitness, teamwork, and practical Self-Defence awareness in a fun and structured environment.


Parents Testimonials

Here's a small selection of referrals our students parents have written to us about the positive changes in their child since starting at Guests Martial Arts. Just so you know all of these and many more testimonials are available for you to see at reception in the parent’s handwriting nothing has been changed and all were completely unsolicited by us. 

1. "Lochie (7) has shown a very mature attitude towards the discipline required of his tasks. His exercises have been completed without any parent prompts. His willingness to help his younger sister with her requirements has shown a maturity that has pleased and impressed us immensely. But above all else Lochie has realised the benefit of the course and is loving every minute!


2. "Wonderful effort this month, Jayden has been very helpful & a big improvement can be seen at home.
3. "It has been a good three months since we have been doing Ninja Stars consistently. Looking back on past goals for Max , we can see that he has achieved goals of independence such as brushing his teeth, feeding himself, drying himself. We are looking forward to new goals and a consistent routine" 

4. "Ahmed has been wonderful this month, he has applied himself and spent 30 minutes twice a week training at home. Well done !

5. "What a little helper !!! Cleaning the house and playroom without being told! Riley has been doing a great job with his dinner and he even came home with stickers from school for being good and listening to his teacher and being a helper..... what more can a parent ask for!"

Samurai Warriors at a glance

Ages
8 to 10
Class length
45 minutes
When
After school Monday to Thursday, and Saturday mornings. See the timetable for current times.
Where
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071 (corner of Chifley Drive), with parking nearby
Style
Self defence based martial arts, with Kids Life Skills in every class
Instructor
Taught by Craig Guest, teaching in Thornbury since 1997
Focus
Discipline, fitness, confidence and practical Self Defence, including dealing with bullying
Free trial
4 free classes plus a free uniform. Book online.

Samurai Warriors: questions parents ask

What age is Samurai Warriors for?

Children aged 8 to 10. Younger children start in Ninja Stars, and older children move on to Junior Adults at 11.

Is martial arts good for children's discipline and focus?

Yes. Samurai Warriors classes are structured around self discipline, listening and focus, skills children carry into school and home.

Will my child learn how to deal with bullying?

Yes. We teach confidence, a strong voice, how to avoid trouble and safe ways to protect themselves.

How do gradings work?

Gradings happen at the end of class, there are no grading fees, and each child progresses at their own pace.

Is Samurai Warriors like karate?

Samurai Warriors is self defence based. Children learn strikes and kicks like in karate, plus throws, safe falling, escapes and wrestling-style control, so they can protect themselves without hurting anyone.

Do kids learn wrestling?

Yes. Samurai Warriors includes wrestling and control techniques, so children learn to hold and control a partner safely, without injury.

How long are the classes?

45 minutes, after school Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings.

Book Free Trial Classes

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.

  • Samurai Warriors (8 to 10): 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.

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Looking for Self Defence? It’s part of every class, so just choose the one for your age.

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Contact Guest's Martial Arts

Interested in training? Contact us to find out more about our classes or arrange a free trial.