Self Defence near Brunswick East
Self Defence Classes for Brunswick East
Self defence and martial arts for every age, across Merri Creek

Across Merri Creek from Brunswick East
Brunswick East sits just across Merri Creek from Northcote and Thornbury. Our dojo is about five kilometres away at the eastern end of Dundas St, where Brunswick East locals come for self defence and martial arts training that runs all week, every week.
We’ve been teaching since 1997. Adults have seven self defence and martial arts classes a week, and kids and teens train after school and on Saturday mornings.
Select your self defence 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.Self defence for Brunswick East adults
Whether you cycle home along the Merri Creek Trail at night or catch the tram up Lygon St, it pays to know how to look after yourself. Our 90-minute adult classes teach awareness, releases from grabs and chokes, effective strikes, ground escapes, and Knife Defence one month in every four. Women train in the same classes; see women’s self defence.
Martial arts for Brunswick East kids
Families from Brunswick East Primary, Brunswick South Primary and Our Lady Help of Christians make the trip for our age-grouped kids classes: Ninja Stars (4½ to 7), Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) and Junior Adults (11 to 15). Each class mixes real self defence with our Kids Life Skills programme. See kids self defence.
Worth the drive
- A full-time, 700m² dojo with more than 50 classes a week.
- Experienced instructors who have taught for decades.
- No grading fees, ever.
- Parking near the door, which is hard to find in Brunswick.
From Brunswick East to Dundas St
Head east across Merri Creek to High St and go north to the junction with Plenty Rd, where Dundas St begins. Follow Dundas St east to its far end, at the corner of Chifley Drive.
On public transport, use the PTV journey planner: the dojo is about a 10-minute walk from the nearest bus 552 stop on Dundas St.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Parking nearby, about 5 km from Brunswick East.
Open in Google MapsWhat our students and parents say
I've been training in Japanese Jiu Jitsu and attending Adult Kickboxing classes for the last 3 years and I learn something new and valuable from the staff every time I go there. I would highly recommend this school to anyone wanting to start training in martial arts as an adult…
— Natasha G.
Had an awesome experience. Craig is super skilled, patient, and really know how to push you while keeping it fun. Everyone’s welcoming, and the training is really inviting for a beginner.
— Andrew C.
Amazing culture here and a very practical martial art. I've done martial arts for over 20 years and have struggled to find a club that balances humour, practicality, realistic techniques and education as well as this place.
— Andrew D.
This is an excellent place to learn martial arts. There's a seamless blend of respect for tradition and practical, effective, Self Defence. All in the most inclusive and welcoming environment you could ask for.
— Stu T.
This is a complete system for anyone wanting to learn not only physical defense, traditional weaponry, and modern day concepts, but also a balance of mental development for a pressured situation.
— Andrew S.
Adults and kids timetable
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.
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
Self defence near Brunswick East: common questions
Where are self defence classes near Brunswick East?
At Guest’s Martial Arts, 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, about 5 km from Brunswick East across Merri Creek.
When do adult classes run?
7:15pm Monday to Thursday, 9:30am Tuesday and Thursday, and 12:45pm Saturday.
Do you teach kids from Brunswick East?
Yes. Kids train from age 4½, after school Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available near the dojo.
How do I start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
More near Brunswick East
See our main self defence classes in Melbourne, Knife Defence training and kids martial arts classes.
Nearby: self defence in Northcote, martial arts for Coburg and martial arts in Thornbury.
From Brunswick East? Try four classes 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