Japanese Jiu Jitsu in Melbourne

Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a complete Samurai fighting system that combines striking, throws, joint locks, chokes, ground fighting, pressure points and weapons. It's the main art studied at our school, and we teach it to adults aged 16 and over in 90-minute classes at our Thornbury dojo.

It's one system of movement that does many things, so you're not trying to blend several styles that all move the body differently. We keep it simple: one way of moving, with all of your techniques applied from it.

What a class is like

Here's a typical exercise. Your partner grabs your shirt with their left hand and punches at your face with their right. You block the punch, kick, then apply an armbar to take them down into a controlling position. There are hundreds of examples like this one, some simple and some more complex as your skills grow.

A normal class starts with rolling and breakfalls, then moves on to drills with a partner. Your instructor might show a defence against a roundhouse kick or a grab and punch, then you practise it until you understand how to apply it. We train against kicks, punches, chokes, throws and combinations of them all, both standing and on the ground, and each month has a different focus. Beginners are catered for in every class.

The facilities here are excellent as is the training. The instructors are friendly and helpful and give plenty of useful feedback during sessions. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, especially using the various weapons.

— David W.

When classes run

With 7 classes a week across evenings, mornings and Saturdays, you can come to any of them and change your times from week to week.

Weapons and knife defence

Adults study staff weapons, sword, knife, rope and chain techniques, all with wooden training weapons or rope. See weapons training and knife defence.

Training in both Japanese and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Would you like to train in both? Multiple memberships are available. See our BJJ classes.

The class timetable is flexible with morning, evening, and Saturday classes. I truly love this dojo and it has been like a 2nd home for me.

— Matt D.

Common questions

How often should I train?

Most adults train two or three times a week, depending on what suits them, and you're welcome at any of the seven classes.

Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu good for self defence?

Yes, and it's the reason most people start. It covers standing and ground situations, multiple attackers and knife defence, not just competition rules.

Is it the same as BJJ?

No, though they're closely related. BJJ grew out of Japanese Jiu Jitsu and specialises in the ground, while Japanese Jiu Jitsu keeps the striking, pressure points and weapons. See the full comparison.

How much is the adult trial?

Our Japanese Jiu Jitsu trials for adults, kids and teens are free for the rest of 2026. You get 4 classes and a brand new uniform at no cost. These trials revert back to our usual $39 on Jan 1st 2027. Now is the time to join!