Martial Arts in Melbourne
Self Defence Classes in Melbourne
Self Defence Training Melbourne
What You’ll Learn in Our Self Defence Classes
Timetables for our adults, teens and kids self defence classes are below.
Self Defence for Women
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.
Self Defence for Teens
In the Teens Self Defence Classes, the primary focus is on moving in a way that makes it significantly harder for you to get hit, while creating opportunities to escape. If escape isn’t possible, the focus shifts to strikes, locks and restraint techniques depending on what is needed.
Knife Defence is also covered in these classes because, unfortunately—and this might surprise you—many high school students carry knives. These age groups are very high risk for this type of violence. The figures back this up. In 2025, 61% of robbery victims in Victoria faced an offender with a weapon (Australian Bureau of Statistics), and under-18s committed 62.4% of robberies in Victoria that year (ABC News, citing Crime Statistics Agency data). Closer to home, weapons offences in the City of Darebin, where our dojo is, reached 375 in the year to June 2026, up 25% since 2017 (Crime Statistics Agency Victoria).
Because all of our students are from the Melbourne Northern Suburbs area they get to know other local teens and form lasting friendships, these extended friendship networks also go along way to keeping them safe as well. If there are problems at school and you would like to let us know we are more than happy to have chats with your Teen and offer advice as well. We have done this for many students over the years.
For more information about Teens Self Defence Classes and links to the statistics. Free Trial Classes
Great family friendly dojo. Very unique martial arts if you’re interested in practical defence techniques - boxing is great for fitness also.
— Sean M.
Self Defence For Kids
Another way we work with Kids is to build them from the inside out and the outside in by instilling confidence and exercising their bodies. Confidence goes along way towards repelling bullies, bullies look for soft targets and that's not us.
For more information about the Kids Classes - Ninja Stars (4½-7) and Samurai Warriors (8-10) or try out a Free Trial Classes
Ninja Stars Martial Arts Classes in Thornbury, Melbourne (Ages 4½ to 7)
View the current Ninja Stars timetable at Guest's Martial Arts in Thornbury, Melbourne. Ninja Stars is a 45 minute Kids Martial Arts programme for ages 4½ to 7, focused on confidence, coordination, and positive behaviour.
New students are welcome. If it is your first class, please 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
Ninja Stars Kids Martial Arts Programme
Ninja Stars at Guest's Martial Arts is a Kids Martial Arts programme in Thornbury, Melbourne for children aged 4½ to 7. Classes help children build confidence, coordination, focus, and respectful behaviour in a fun and structured environment.
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.
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
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.
As someone totally new to martial arts, I’ve felt nothing but welcomed … as a short, small framed woman, it gives me some sense of empowerment I’ve never had before. Recommend for girls/ women of any age, and any experience.
— Ash D.
Our Self Defence Classes vs Krav Maga
- Krav Maga was developed for the Israeli military and is built around fast, simple, aggressive responses, with a strong emphasis on striking.
- Our classes add joint locks, throws, restraints and ground escapes to striking. That gives you options to control a situation, not only strike your way out of it.
- We also train Knife Defence, weapons and our Pressure Testing drills, with a belt and grading structure from beginner to Black Belt.
Training near you? Our Thornbury dojo is an easy trip from across Melbourne’s inner north. See all the suburbs we serve.
Self Defence Classes at a glance
- Ages
- Kids 5 to 10, teens 11 to 15, adults 16 and over
- Style
- Practical martial arts and self defence
- Class length
- 45 minutes for kids and teens, 90 minutes for adults
- Instructor
- Taught by Craig Guest, teaching in Thornbury since 1997
- Location
- 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, Melbourne
- Free trial
- Free trial classes for every age group. Book online.
Self Defence Classes: common questions
What style of self defence do you teach?
Practical martial arts and self defence: striking, joint locks, throws, ground escapes, Knife Defence and defence against multiple attackers.
Who can do self defence classes?
Kids from age 5, teens aged 11 to 15, and adults 16 and over. Every age group has its own class, and beginners are welcome.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Most students start as complete beginners and build fitness as they train. You train at your own level.
Do you teach knife defence?
Yes. Knife Defence is part of the adults and teens syllabus, and adult classes spend one month in every four on nothing but Knife Defence.
Is your self defence like Krav Maga?
Both are practical and focus on real situations. Krav Maga centres on fast, aggressive striking; our self defence classes add joint locks, throws, restraints and ground escapes, so you can control a situation as well as strike.
Where are your self defence classes?
At our dojo at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, an easy trip from Northcote, Preston, Fairfield, Reservoir and Brunswick.
Book Your Free Trial
Fill in this short form and we'll be in touch, usually the same day, to find the best class time for you.
- Kids, Junior Adults and Adults: 4 free classes plus a free uniform.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks plus a new BJJ uniform. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.
- Fitness Kickboxing: 4 free classes plus a brand new pair of boxing gloves.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 03 9495 1929.
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