Self Defence in Thornbury
Self Defence Classes in Thornbury
Practical self defence for every age, taught at our Dundas St dojo
Thornbury’s own self defence school
Our dojo isn’t near Thornbury, it’s in it: 272 Dundas St, on the corner of Chifley Drive. Since 1997 people from all over the suburb have come here for self defence classes that run every week of the year, so what you learn gets practised until it sticks.
Self defence isn’t about fighting. It’s about getting home safely: noticing trouble early, keeping your distance, using your voice, and knowing what to do if someone still puts their hands on you.
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.Situations we train for around Thornbury
- The walk home: staying aware between Thornbury station or the High St shops and your front door.
- Being grabbed: getting free from wrist, clothing and hair grabs, bear hugs and headlocks.
- Pushed or pinned: what to do against a wall or on the ground, then getting back to your feet.
- A weapon: Knife Defence, taught safely with training knives.
- When you can’t walk away: strikes that work, plus locks and restraints for when you don’t want to injure anyone.
Thornbury kids and bullying
Our kids classes teach children to stand tall, use a strong voice, walk away and get help, and to escape safely if they’re grabbed. Children from Thornbury Primary and Penders Grove Primary can be here for an after-school class within minutes. Ninja Stars takes ages 4½ to 7 and Samurai Warriors ages 8 to 10. See our kids self defence classes.
Thornbury and Northcote High students
Teens from Thornbury High and Northcote High train in Junior Adults (11 to 15), where realistic threats, including knives, are covered at an age-appropriate level. From 16, they can move into the adult classes.
Women’s self defence in Thornbury
Women train alongside everyone else in our regular adult classes, so there’s no course date to wait for. Technique relies on leverage and timing rather than size, and you’ll train with people who were beginners once too. Read about self defence for women.
Why weekly classes beat a one-day course
Under stress, you do what you’ve practised. A single workshop can show you a few moves, but weekly classes build the reflexes and confidence to use them. With seven adult classes a week and a full timetable, missing one is never a problem.
Finding us in Thornbury
We’re at the eastern end of Dundas St, on the corner of Chifley Drive, close to the Dundas Street Wetlands. From High St, turn into Dundas St at the Plenty Rd junction and keep going until you reach us. There’s parking nearby.
Bus 552 runs along Dundas St, and the PTV journey planner will show the best connection from Thornbury station. The Darebin Creek Trail passes close by if you’d rather walk or ride.
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
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.
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.
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 Thornbury: common questions
Where are your self defence classes in Thornbury?
At 272 Dundas St, on the corner of Chifley Drive, with parking nearby.
Can my child learn to deal with bullying?
Yes. Our kids classes teach confidence, a strong voice, getting help and safe ways to escape.
What kind of self defence do you teach?
Practical martial arts and self defence: awareness, escapes, striking, ground defence and Knife Defence, practised with a partner.
Do I need to be fit or experienced?
No. Most students start as complete beginners and build fitness as they train.
How do I start?
Book a free trial online: 4 free classes plus a free uniform for kids, teens and adults.
More near Thornbury
See self defence classes in Melbourne, martial arts in Thornbury and Knife Defence training.
Also nearby: self defence in Preston, self defence for Northcote and self defence for Fairfield.
Live in Thornbury? Your first four self defence classes are 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