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 as your skill level increases some are more complex. We practice against all sorts of attacks, kicks punches, chokes, throws etc ... and various combinations. This is not a mixture of different martial arts, we are not an MMA school 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 but 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. |
Adults Jiu jitsu Classes - Developing skills takes time and with such a wide range of skills to learn it is quite a journey from Beginner to Black Belt. Black Belt in Jiu jitsu, like most styles of martial arts, means that you have learned the basics Jiu jitsu mastery takes a lifetime of study.
Most adults train two or three times a week depending on their availability. We have a total of 7 classes each week that are all 90 minutes long and you are able to attend as many as you like each week. We have students aged 15 and over in the adults class, the teens train with the teens and the older adults train with the older adults. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Coming from martial arts background, I highly rate this place in comparison. I have learnt a great deal in such a short time and I feel confident in using the techniques. All staff are friendly & helpful while you learn something new every time. HIGHLY recommended for all ages. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Coming here and training has been a highlight over the years and it has been an amazing experience. 10/10 would recommend. |
Our teenage students learn a number of self defence techniques that we have hand picked as appropriate for their age group such as grab defences, punch and kick defences and also ground fighting techniques.
The teens also learn weapons training Bo (6 foot staff) , Hanbo (3 foot staff) and very importantly Knife Defence. Weapons training makes classes fun and really help to keep them engaged which can be a challenge for some teens. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The kids program is well structured with lots of positive reinforcement. The instructors are very knowledgeable, great with the kids and patient with the adults. Highly recommend. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Since we started, we have seen a massive improvement in his motor strength, coordination, and perseverance. He is also more confident in trying new physical activities. Thanks to all of the staff, we greatly appreciate it. |
We prioritise self-defence and character development over competitive tournaments, offering age-appropriate martial arts training to support children’s overall well-being.
The curriculum includes physical training to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility, alongside our unique life skills programme developed with Dr Warren Guest (PHD Education) exclusively for our school. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Our daughter Isabelle has been at student at GMA for 5 years now. Enrolling her at this school has been hands down the best thing we as parents have done for our daughter. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My son has been a member since he was 5 - he's now almost 11 and still loving it. I don't think he'll stop either which is great. As a parent I'm very grateful for my son to have good adult influences outside of school and family and Thornbury Martial Arts provides just that - physical training, self defence skills, fun & games and good adult influences in a safe environment. I can't recommend it enough. |
Ages 5, 6, 7 - Our Ninja Stars programme focuses on building confidence, self-discipline, respect, and concentration. The curriculum includes physical training to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility for self defence and body control. Importantly the self defence is age appropriate.
When taught alongside our unique life skills programme developed with Dr Warren Guest (PHD Education) exclusively for our school it truly produces results. We prioritise self-defence and personal development over competitive tournaments, offering age-appropriate martial arts training to support children’s overall well-being. Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Brilliant school- set up really well for kids (and adults), multiple classes divided by age, very motivating for kids to progress through belts, teachers all great with kids and supportive, additional discussions on discipline and motivation Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My 7 year old son has been attending classes here for almost 2 years and we’ve seen his confidence and discipline grow significantly. Good mix of technique and games during each lesson |
Jiu jutsu / Daken Taijutsu
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Application Under Duress
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Specialist Knowledge
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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 |
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. |
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