Self Defence in Preston
Self Defence Classes in Preston
Practical self defence for kids, teens, women and adults, on the Preston border
Self defence on Preston’s doorstep
Our dojo is at 272 Dundas St, the street that divides Thornbury from Preston, a couple of minutes from Bell St and Chifley Drive. People come to us from all over Preston for self defence classes that are taught every week of the year, not as a one-off course that’s forgotten a month later.
Every class is built around real situations: someone grabbing your wrist in a car park, a push from behind, being pinned on the ground, or a threat with a knife. You practise against a partner who’s actually resisting, at a level that suits you, until the right response is automatic.
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 Preston students learn
- Awareness and avoidance: reading a situation early, whether it’s late at night on High St or walking home from the station.
- Escapes: getting free from wrist grabs, bear hugs, headlocks and being pinned against a wall.
- Striking and control: effective strikes for when you can’t walk away, plus locks and restraints for when you don’t want to injure someone.
- Ground defence: getting back to your feet if you’re knocked down.
- Knife Defence: our adult classes spend one month in every four on nothing else, taught safely with training knives.
Self defence for Preston kids and teens
Children learn to use their voice, stand tall, walk away and get help, and how to escape safely if they’re grabbed. Our Ninja Stars (4½ to 7) and Samurai Warriors (8 to 10) classes run straight after school, which is handy for families at Preston Primary, Bell Primary, Preston West and Newlands. Teens from Preston High School and St John’s College Preston join Junior Adults (11 to 15), where Knife Defence starts at 11. See all our kids self defence classes.
Women’s self defence near Preston
Women train alongside men and other women in our regular adult classes, so you can start any week rather than waiting for a course date. Techniques rely on leverage and timing rather than size, and most women start as complete beginners. Read more about our women’s self defence classes.
Classes, a course or a workshop?
People searching for self defence in Preston usually want one of three things. Ongoing classes are what we do: seven adult classes a week, so skills hold up under pressure. If you want a course, your free trial is a structured start, then you follow a clear path through the belts. A one-off workshop is a good taste, but skills fade without practice, so we’d rather you keep coming.
Coming from Preston
Most Preston students drive in a few minutes: down Plenty Rd or High St to the start of Dundas St and east along it, or off Bell St via Chifley Drive. There’s parking near the dojo, which matters when you’re training at 7:15 on a weeknight.
Without a car, bus route 552 runs along Dundas St, with stops about a ten-minute walk away. The Darebin Creek Trail passes nearby for anyone riding in from East Preston.
Find the dojo
272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Corner of Chifley Drive, on the Thornbury–Preston border
Parking nearby. Bus 552 runs along Dundas St.
Open in Google MapsWhat our students and parents say
Great family friendly dojo. Very unique martial arts if you’re interested in practical defence techniques - boxing is great for fitness also.
— Sean M.
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.
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.
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 in Preston: common questions
Where are your self defence classes near Preston?
At 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, on the corner of Chifley Drive. Dundas St is the Preston border, so we’re a few minutes from most of Preston.
What style of self defence do you teach?
Practical martial arts and self defence: awareness, escapes from grabs and holds, striking, locks and restraints, ground defence and Knife Defence, all practised with a resisting partner.
Is there self defence for women in Preston?
Yes. Women train in our regular adult classes, seven times a week, and most start as complete beginners.
Can my child learn to handle bullying?
Yes. Our kids classes teach confidence, using their voice, getting help and escaping if grabbed, through age-appropriate training.
Do you run self defence courses in Preston?
We run ongoing classes rather than short courses. Your free trial gives you a structured start, and you then progress through the belts.
How do I start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform for kids, teens and adults.
More self defence and martial arts near Preston
See our main self defence classes in Melbourne page, martial arts in Preston for kids and adults, and Knife Defence training.
Also nearby: self defence near Reservoir and self defence near Northcote.
Want to feel safer around Preston? Start with four free classes.
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