Jiu jitsu Training & Classes in Melbourne Vic
We have classes in both Japanese Jiu jitsu and Brazilian Jiu jitsu (BJJ) in Thornbury Melbourne
The Japanese Jiu jitsu schools we study have a long history stretching back to the days of the Samurai in ancient Japan. They all contain striking, locks, chokes, throws and pressure point based martial arts techniques as well as a wide range of Samurai weapons training. It is a complete martial art and the main style we study.
BJJ is a modern sports Jiu jitsu system that is based on Japanese Jiu jitsu but with a focus primarily on ground techniques. It's is more of a specialist system with a strong focus on competition.
For Melbourne students you can train in either or both at our dojo however for self defence we strongly recommend Japanese Jiu jitsu as your primary area of study because it is more complete with striking and 90% stand up and effective against multiple attackers and weapons (knifes in particular) where as BJJ is 90% ground work and is unconcerned about knives, multiple attackers and weapons in general.
Japanese Jiu jitsu's strong focus on knife defence training is absolutely essential for anyone living in Melbourne Australia that is serious about self defence, I even say that if you're not learning knife defence in Melbourne then you're not learning self defence.
Knife crime is a very real problem in Melbourne and several of our students have had to disarm people that were threatening them with knives in real life and not one has been cut. All were able to either disarm and escape or restrain and control the other person depending on the situation.
The Japanese Jiu jitsu schools we study have a long history stretching back to the days of the Samurai in ancient Japan. They all contain striking, locks, chokes, throws and pressure point based martial arts techniques as well as a wide range of Samurai weapons training. It is a complete martial art and the main style we study.
BJJ is a modern sports Jiu jitsu system that is based on Japanese Jiu jitsu but with a focus primarily on ground techniques. It's is more of a specialist system with a strong focus on competition.
For Melbourne students you can train in either or both at our dojo however for self defence we strongly recommend Japanese Jiu jitsu as your primary area of study because it is more complete with striking and 90% stand up and effective against multiple attackers and weapons (knifes in particular) where as BJJ is 90% ground work and is unconcerned about knives, multiple attackers and weapons in general.
Japanese Jiu jitsu's strong focus on knife defence training is absolutely essential for anyone living in Melbourne Australia that is serious about self defence, I even say that if you're not learning knife defence in Melbourne then you're not learning self defence.
Knife crime is a very real problem in Melbourne and several of our students have had to disarm people that were threatening them with knives in real life and not one has been cut. All were able to either disarm and escape or restrain and control the other person depending on the situation.
Jiu Jitsu Melbourne: Professional Training & Classes
Adults Jiu Jitsu Classes in Melbourne - aged 15+ / 90 Minute Classes
The Adults curriculum is broad and deep, I have written a small section further down as a basic example of what training is like and the sorts of things we practice. Of course the best way to learn about it is to experience it for yourself which you can do via the free trial class.
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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent professional environment with highly experienced teachers who also make it fun to learn. Coming from martial arts background, I highly rate this place in comparison. I have learnt a great deal in such short time and I feel confident in using the technics. All staff are friendly & helpful while you learn something new every time. HIGHLY recommended for all ages.
Teens Jiu Jitsu Classes in Melbourne - aged 11 - 14 / 45 Minute Classes
Our Teens programme is very popular with about 90 students currently training across the 13 classes (very convenient for parents) we run each week for this age group. The Junior Adults focus is firmly on learning practical self defence and technical skills as well as developing friendships outside of their normal school friendship group. They also study the Bo, Jo and Hanbo (6, 4 & 3 ft wooden staffs) as well as considerable time spend on Knife Defence.
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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My daughter Olivia loves it here, and her confidence has really grown. She’s learning to defend herself and also enjoys the mat chats about friendship, gratitude, respect and other values. The staff are incredible; the timetable provides great flexibility. We are so pleased with our decision to get her involved!
Children's Jiu Jitsu Lessons In Melbourne - aged 8 - 10 / 45 Minute Classes
Our Jiu-Jitsu program in Thornbury, right next to Northcote, for kids aged 5 -7 (10 classes) & 8-10 (17 classes) is designed to develop confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills while improving gross motor coordination. With so many class times outside school hours, families can easily fit training into their schedule—kids can even attend back-to-back sessions for extra practice!
🔹 Learn practical self-defense & anti-bullying techniques
🔹 Boost confidence, teamwork & discipline through martial arts
🔹 Curriculum designed to improve focus, coordination & life skills
Our Character Development Program, developed by an education expert (PHD edu) and reviewed by psychologists, teachers, and parents, helps children grow both on and off the mats. Topics include teamwork, friendship, self-control, and listening skills—essential tools for personal growth.
Unlike competition-based martial arts we focus on practical self-defense and character development to set kids up for long-term success.
🔹 Learn practical self-defense & anti-bullying techniques
🔹 Boost confidence, teamwork & discipline through martial arts
🔹 Curriculum designed to improve focus, coordination & life skills
Our Character Development Program, developed by an education expert (PHD edu) and reviewed by psychologists, teachers, and parents, helps children grow both on and off the mats. Topics include teamwork, friendship, self-control, and listening skills—essential tools for personal growth.
Unlike competition-based martial arts we focus on practical self-defense and character development to set kids up for long-term success.
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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Our daughter Isabelle has been at student here for 5 years now. Enrolling her at this school has been hands down the best thing we as parents have done for our daughter. Jiu jitsu training is a positive environment for young people. It is our sincere hope and intention to keep our daughter learning jiu jitsu for the long haul.
Children's Jiu Jitsu Classes in Melbourne - aged 5 - 7 / 45 Minute Classes
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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My 7 year old son has been attending Jiu jitsu classes here for almost 2 years and we’ve seen his confidence and discipline grow significantly. All sensei's are knowledgeable and patient making sure each student learns at their own pace while still being challenged - Good mix of technique and games during each lesson. The environment is supportive and fun, and has a strong focus on respect and character development.
Brazilian Jiu jitsu in Melbourne - aged 18+ / 90 Minute Classes
We run a small niche group of friendly people that works very well for absolute beginners, we proudly have a very healthy number of women training in our BJJ classes. Training is focused on skills transfer with pressure testing. Students are encouraged to enter competitions at a later date when the instructor feels they are ready.
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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I’ve loved going to Thornbury GMA. At various times I’ve done Adults Japanese ju jitsu, fitness kickboxing and now Brazilian jiu jitsu. I’ve always felt welcomed in class, supported to improve and pushed to the level I feel comfortable with. The trainers are amazing and I always come away from class smiling. |
If you would like to learn more information on our BJJ classes fill in the free trial class form and we can arrange a time for you to come along.
First Class Jiu jitsu Training Facilities
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Our full time Japanese Jiu jitsu school in Melbourne has over 450 olympic standard training mats and can seat 70 people in the viewing area. The walls are covered in Japanese Art, some of which I have brought back to Australia on one of my many trips to Japan studying Japanese Jiu jitsu
If you turn up early to class there is also free tea and coffee, three change rooms, Jiu jitsu books and magazines in our library and free wifi. We can even lend you training weapons until you get your own and, if it interests you, we have four suites of Japanese Armor that we can lend students when studying battlefield techniques. |
Adults Jiu jitsu Curriculum
We study a large range of different Japanese Jiu jitsu techniques that are all done from the same consistent style of body movement.
A typical exercise might be... The opponent grabs your shirt with their left hand and punches to your face with the right hand.
You might block the punch with your right arm, kick to their groin with your right foot and then apply an armbar to take them down into a controlling position.
There are hundreds and hundreds of these very effective self defence examples, some are simple like that one and some are more complex as your skill level increases. We practice against all sorts of attacks, kicks punches, chokes, throws etc ... and combinations of all of them. This is not a mixture of different martial arts, that all have different ways of moving the body, that require you to attend several different classes each week a couple of times each. It is one martial art that does many different things all from a consistent way of moving.
Keep it simple with one way of moving and apply all of your techniques from that way of movement.
A typical exercise might be... The opponent grabs your shirt with their left hand and punches to your face with the right hand.
You might block the punch with your right arm, kick to their groin with your right foot and then apply an armbar to take them down into a controlling position.
There are hundreds and hundreds of these very effective self defence examples, some are simple like that one and some are more complex as your skill level increases. We practice against all sorts of attacks, kicks punches, chokes, throws etc ... and combinations of all of them. This is not a mixture of different martial arts, that all have different ways of moving the body, that require you to attend several different classes each week a couple of times each. It is one martial art that does many different things all from a consistent way of moving.
Keep it simple with one way of moving and apply all of your techniques from that way of movement.
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Japanese Jiu jutsu
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Application Under Duress
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Specialist Knowledge
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Japanese Jiu Jitsu Weapons Training
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Our Melbourne students have the opportunity to study a very wide range of Japanese weapons skills.
Weapons training is the fastest way to refine your understanding of distance, timing and body control. There are many other transferable self defence skills. Knife defence is also a very important part of this training. And it's a lot of fun ... |
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Blunt Weapons
1 Hanbo (3 foot staff) 2 Jo (4 foot staff) 3 Bo (6 foot staff) |
Sharp (wooden replicas)
4 Katana (Japanese sword) 5 Shoto (short sword) 6 Tanto (knife defence) |
Flexible
7 Kasarifundo (chain with weights) 8 Hojojutsu (rope restraints) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔹 Do I need any experience to join?
Not at all! Our classes are designed for complete beginners to advanced martial artists. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
🔹 What do I wear for my first class?
We will lend you a brand new uniform which you can keep for free and if you decide to continue on with our paid trial!
🔹 Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu good for self-defense?
Absolutely! We teach practical self-defense techniques that work in real-life situations, not just for competition.
🔹 What if I’m not very fit?
No problem! You don't need to be fit, Jiu Jitsu improves fitness naturally as you train. Everyone progresses at their own pace.
🔹 How do I get started?
Simple! Call us at 9495 1929 and book your FREE trial class today!
Not at all! Our classes are designed for complete beginners to advanced martial artists. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
🔹 What do I wear for my first class?
We will lend you a brand new uniform which you can keep for free and if you decide to continue on with our paid trial!
🔹 Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu good for self-defense?
Absolutely! We teach practical self-defense techniques that work in real-life situations, not just for competition.
🔹 What if I’m not very fit?
No problem! You don't need to be fit, Jiu Jitsu improves fitness naturally as you train. Everyone progresses at their own pace.
🔹 How do I get started?
Simple! Call us at 9495 1929 and book your FREE trial class today!
Meet Our Team Of Expert Instructors
Our highly experienced and certified instructors bring many decades of Jiu jitsu training and teaching experience. They are dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities unlock their potential, build confidence, and develop real self-defense skills. Our instructors are 100% committed to YOUR success - Train with the best today!
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Craig Guest – School Owner – 35 years Japanese Jiu Jitsu (JJJ) – 30+ Years Teaching Experience. Over 500 classes training directly under the Japanese Masters in Japan Ged Wirawan – 25 years of JJJ – Kids, Teens & Adults Programs, Expert in Building Confidence & Self Discipline Daniel Bacon – 20 years JJJ & 12 years BJJ – Ground Fighting & Weapons Training Specialist Elisa Spina – 20 years JJJ – Kids & Teens Programs Specialist James Mackintosh – 15 years JJJ – Adults Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Weapons Specialist Mila Whannell – 15 years JJJ – Kids & Teens Programs Specialist Sophie Kyriakou – 11 Years JJJ – Adults Japanese Jiu jitsu Specialist |
Japanese Jiu jitsu Training... Let's start with a free trial
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Let's keep it simple, start your Jiu jitsu journey right here at 272 Dundas St Thornbury with a free trial class, experience our training firsthand, meet the other Students and Instructors and just get a feel for our school culture.
After that class has finished, you have the option to continue with an extended trial for only 19.95 Your extended trial includes:
This makes it really easy for you to explore our program while also giving you time to see what Japanese Jiu Jitsu is all about and if it's right for you. For you to enjoy and benefit from your training several things need to be right:
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Let's get you started on your Japanese jiu jitsu journey, either fill in our enquiry form below or preferably 📞 call us on 94951929 now and we can arrange a time for your first free class
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