Jiu Jitsu in Thornbury, Melbourne
Jiu Jitsu Melbourne
Japanese and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Thornbury, for kids, teens and adults
Jiu Jitsu Melbourne teaches both Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury. We have classes for kids from 4½, teens and adults, and complete beginners are always welcome.
Japanese Jiu Jitsu goes back to the days of the Samurai in ancient Japan. It includes striking, locks, chokes, throws, ground fighting, pressure points and a wide range of weapons.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a modern system with a strong focus on ground technique, live rolling and sport. We treat them as separate programmes at our Dojo, with their own class times and curriculum. Fortunately for you, at Jiu Jitsu Melbourne you can choose to train in one or both, giving you a complete Jiu Jitsu experience that is very hard to find elsewhere.
Choose your jiu jitsu class
Japanese Jiu Jitsu
Adults 16+ · 90 minutes
Striking, throws, locks, chokes, ground fighting, weapons and knife defence, all built on one way of moving.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Adults 16+ · 90 minutes
Beginner-friendly Gi and No-Gi classes covering positions, escapes, sweeps, submissions and rolling.
Young Adults
Ages 16 to 17 · 90 minutes
The full adult syllabus in our adult classes, usually partnered with other teens.
Junior Adults
Teens 11 to 15 · 45 minutes
Age-appropriate self defence, ground skills, staff weapons and knife defence, with other teens.
Samurai Warriors
Kids 8 to 10 · 45 minutes
Confidence, self-discipline and real skills, plus a life skills programme written by a PhD educator.
Ninja Stars
Kids 4½ to 7 · 45 minutes
Coordination, listening and confidence, built through games and age-appropriate technique.
Japanese or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
| Japanese Jiu Jitsu | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Complete self defence, standing and on the ground | Ground control, submissions and live rolling |
| Includes | Strikes, throws, locks, chokes, ground fighting, weapons, knife defence | Takedowns, guard, sweeps, escapes, chokes, joint locks, Gi and No-Gi |
| Pressure testing | Controlled sparring, multiple attackers, knife defence under pressure | Regular rolling with resisting partners |
| Competition | Not the focus | Encouraged when your instructor feels you're ready |
| Trial | Just $19.95 for 4 classes, plus a new uniform to keep (valued at $124.95) | $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks plus a new BJJ uniform |
Read the full comparison. Can't decide? Try both, as plenty of our students do.
Train in both
You don't have to pick a side. Multiple memberships are available, so you can train in the programme that suits you or combine them. Many people come to Japanese Jiu Jitsu for striking, weapons and self defence, then add BJJ for extra time on the ground. Tuesday and Thursday Japanese Jiu Jitsu fits neatly around Monday and Wednesday BJJ. See every class time.
We train and practice a different style of Jiujitsu and weapon each month and I have never stopped learning each time that I have stepped onto the mats.
— Matt D.
Where we train
Our full-time dojo is on the corner of Dundas St and Chifley Drive, right on the Thornbury and Preston border. Inside you'll find over 450 Olympic-standard mats, a viewing area for 70 people, three change rooms and Japanese art on the walls, some of it brought back from my many trips to Japan. Come early and enjoy free tea and coffee, wifi and our library of jiu jitsu books.
Experienced instructors
I'm Craig Guest, the school's owner and Principal Instructor. I started jiu jitsu in 1990 and have made 20 journeys to Japan specifically for Jiu Jitsu training, with over 500 classes with the Japanese masters. We've been teaching in Melbourne since 1997, and our team brings many decades of experience to every class. Meet the instructors.
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.
Common questions
Where can I train jiu jitsu in Melbourne's inner north?
You'll find us at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071, on the corner of Chifley Drive, right on the Thornbury and Preston border.
Do you teach Japanese or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Both, as separate programmes. Multiple memberships are available, so you're welcome to train in either or both.
Do I need any experience or fitness to start?
Not at all. Our classes suit everyone from complete beginners through to advanced students, and your fitness improves as you train. Everyone progresses at their own pace.
What ages do you teach?
We teach kids from 4½ (Ninja Stars 4½ to 7, Samurai Warriors 8 to 10), teens 11 to 15 (Junior Adults), Young Adults 16 to 17 in the adult classes, and adults in Japanese and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
How much is the trial?
Japanese Jiu Jitsu and all kids and teens classes: just $19.95 for 4 classes, plus a new uniform to keep (valued at $124.95). You pay online after booking. If it's not for you, just ask for a refund, and if you join, the $19.95 comes off your membership. Your first class starts the clock, and you then have 15 days to enjoy your remaining 3 classes. We recommend training at least twice a week. New skills stick best with regular practice, so twice a week is the sweet spot for learning and remembering techniques. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks plus a new BJJ uniform.
What do I wear to my first class?
Just wear comfortable clothes you can move in. We'll sort out your uniform as part of your trial.
Book Your Trial
At times it can be very difficult to get people on the phone, so we've found this to be the easiest way: simply fill in this short form, choose your preferred day and time, then send it off.
We will book you in and send you an email. If you need to change it, simply reply to the email or call.
Then when you arrive we can chat face to face and answer any questions you may have.
It could not be easier, see you soon.
- Kids, Junior Adults and Japanese Jiu Jitsu: Your trial is just $19.95 for 4 classes, and you get a new uniform to keep (valued at $124.95). Once you've sent the form, you'll pay online to lock in your spot. Booking for more than one child? Just increase the quantity at checkout. If it's not for you, just ask for a refund, and if you decide to join, the $19.95 comes off your membership.
- Your first class starts the clock, and you then have 15 days to enjoy your remaining 3 classes. We recommend training at least twice a week. New skills stick best with regular practice, so twice a week is the sweet spot for learning and remembering techniques.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: $99 for up to 12 classes over 4 weeks plus a new BJJ uniform. Simply pay at reception when you arrive.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 03 9495 1929.
Start Jiu Jitsu in Melbourne
Interested in training? Call us or book a trial, and we'll find the best class time for you.
- Phone03 9495 1929
- Address272 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071