Self Defence near Coburg
Self Defence Classes for Coburg
Practical self defence for kids, teens, women and adults, along Bell St from Coburg

Real self defence, one road from Coburg
For Coburg residents, our dojo is a straight drive east along Bell St, about six kilometres. It’s where people come to learn self defence that holds up under pressure, practised every week rather than squeezed into a single afternoon.
You’ll train against partners who resist, in scenarios drawn from real life: being grabbed at a tram stop, pushed against a wall, taken to the ground or threatened with a knife.
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.What we mean by pressure testing
A technique that only works on a cooperative partner isn’t self defence. In our classes, once you know a technique, your partner adds resistance, speed and surprise, step by step and always safely. Our adult classes spend one month in every four on Knife Defence, finishing with pressure tests like the one in the photo above.
Self defence for Coburg kids and teens
Kids from Coburg’s primary schools learn to use their voice, keep their distance and escape grabs in Ninja Stars and Samurai Warriors. Teens from Coburg High School and Mercy College train in Junior Adults (11 to 15), including Knife Defence basics. More about kids self defence.
For women in Coburg
Women train in our regular adult classes, seven times a week, alongside men and other women. Most start as complete beginners. See our women’s self defence classes.
Common situations we train for
We build our self defence lessons around the situations Coburg students actually describe: someone grabbing a bag outside a Sydney Rd shop, an aggressive person on a late tram, a push against a car in a car park, or being followed home from the Coburg station. You practise the words to say first, the movement to create space, and only then the physical response. Learning in context like this makes the right reaction far more likely when it counts.
Your confidence, not just your technique
The biggest change Coburg students notice isn’t a new technique; it’s how they carry themselves. Walking with your head up, making eye contact and speaking firmly all make you a harder target. Regular training builds that presence naturally, and it shows on Sydney Rd, at work and at home.
Getting here from Coburg
Bell St east from Coburg, across Merri Creek and through Preston, then right into Chifley Drive to Dundas St. SmartBus 903 runs along Bell St. Parking is close to the dojo.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Parking nearby, about 6 km from Coburg.
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 self defence 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.
Self defence near Coburg: common questions
Where are self defence classes for Coburg?
At 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, about 6 km east of Coburg along Bell St, at the corner of Chifley Drive.
What is pressure testing?
Practising techniques against a partner who adds resistance, speed and surprise, safely and step by step, so you know they work.
Is there self defence for teenagers?
Yes. Junior Adults (11 to 15) is built around self defence, including Knife Defence basics.
Can women join?
Yes. Women train in our regular adult classes and most start as beginners.
How do I start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
More near Coburg
See our main self defence classes in Melbourne, martial arts for Coburg and Knife Defence training.
Also nearby: self defence near Coburg North and self defence in Preston.
Train self defence that works. Four free classes from Coburg.
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