Looking for martial arts classes for your child (or yourself) around Sydney’s North Shore? Whether you’re interested in Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Kung Fu, Muay Thai or Hapkido, there are lots of fabulous martial arts schools to choose from. This guide is your key to exploring the diverse range of martial arts classes available across the North Shore, catering to all ages and skill levels.
Whether it’s for your energetic toddler, curious teen, or even yourself, martial arts offers more than just physical training—it’s a journey of personal growth. From Karate and Taekwondo to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, Muay Thai and beyond, there’s a wide variety of styles taught by passionate instructors in schools dotted across Sydney’s North Shore.
Martial arts is a powerful way to build confidence, focus, discipline and resilience. It encourages respect, perseverance and self-control—skills that benefit every aspect of life. For kids, it can be a fun way to burn energy, make friends and develop coordination. For adults, it’s a chance to get fit, learn self-defence and find mental clarity.
This guide highlights some of the top martial arts schools on the North Shore, offering classes suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Scroll through the options, find a dojo or academy near you, and be sure to mention North Shore Mums when enquiring for exclusive offers!
- Black Belt Martial Arts (Hornsby)
- BX1 (Neutral Bay)
- GKR Karate (Artarmon, Lane Cove, Hornsby, Mosman & more)
- Personal Strength (Gordon)
- Quantum Martial Arts (Crows Nest, Chatswood & Balmain)
- SKM Martial Arts (Hornsby)
GKR Karate (Artarmon, Lane Cove, Hornsby, Mosman and more)
North Shore Mums offer: 50% off joining fee + FREE uniform.
GKR Karate
GKR Karate is a family-oriented club that has been established for 40 years. Their classes welcome students of all age groups and genders, ranging from young children (5 years and above), teens, adults, and families. They also offer specialised introductory classes for 3- to 4-year-olds.
All of their techniques are founded in self-defence, and all their classes are run in an atmosphere of respect, discipline, and fun. Aside from the confidence gained when learning self-defence, karate training can have a positive impact on children’s focus, coordination, physical well-being and overall behaviour.
- Location: Artarmon, Asquith, Berowra, Concord, French’s Forest, Hornsby, Lane Cove North, Mosman, Northbridge, Pymble
- Suitable for: 3+ years
- Website: gkrkarate.com
- Phone: 0432 298 799
Quantum Martial Arts (Crows Nest, Chatswood & Balmain)
North Shore Mums offer: Free trial class + 50% initial membership, including free uniform.
Quantum Martial Arts (Crows Nest, Chatswood & Balmain)
Quantum Martial Arts is the leading martial arts academy on the North Shore, with state-of-the-art dojos in Crows Nest, Chatswood and Balmain. Their world-class programs are designed to develop self-defence skills, confidence, respect, focus, discipline and fitness, all in a fun, safe and supportive environment. In other words, they “Build A Better You!” The age-specific programs, across popular styles, include:
Japanese Ju Jitsu – Little Stars (3-4yo), Bright Stars (5-6yo and 7-8yo), Super Stars (9-15yo) and Adults (16-100)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) – Junior Grapplers (5-8yo), Elite Grapplers (5-8yo) and Adults (16-100)
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – Junior Warriors (5-8yo), Elite Warriors (5-8yo) and Adults (16-100)
Private Classes – all ages and all styles, upon trainer availability
Unlimited classes during school holidays
- Location: Level 1, 38 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest | Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor Avenue, Chatswood | PCYC, 372 Darling Street, Balmain
Members can select any location and class at any time. There is unlimited flexibility. - Suitable for: 3+ years
- Cost: $30 per week (one class), $40 per week (unlimited classes). There is also a one-time initial investment of $150, which covers the uniform, bag, cap, and all insurance. For North Shore Mums, this is reduced to $75. Active Kids Vouchers accepted.
- Website: quantummartialarts.com.au
- Phone: 8007 4100
- Email: [email protected]
Martial Arts Classes on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
BX1 Gym (Neutral Bay)
North Shore Mums offer: Free Trial Class for new students
Karate at BX1 Gym (Neutral Bay)
BX1 Gym is a leading martial arts academy on Sydney’s North Shore and was named Winner of the 2017 North Shore Local Business Awards for Outstanding Fitness Services.
For parents seeking a fun and engaging activity that fosters confidence, respect, discipline, and camaraderie, BX1 Gym offers a range of martial arts programs that benefit children for life. Its age-specific classes cater to each child’s developmental, physical, social, and emotional needs, creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Kids’ programs at BX1 Gym include:
- Karate (ages 3–18 & Young Adults)
- MMA (ages 9+)
- Boxing (ages 9+)
- Muay Thai (ages 9+)
- Junior Strength & Weight Training (ages 11+)
As an Active Kids-approved provider, BX1 offers a school pick-up service from Neutral Bay Public School and free trial classes for new students.
Beyond its regular programs, the gym provides personal training for kids and adults, holiday MMA camps during school breaks, and its ever-popular Karate Birthday Parties, at which the cake is ceremoniously cut with a real samurai sword.
- Location: 4/140 Military Road, Neutral Bay
- Website: MartialArtsAcademy.com.au
- Phone: (02) 8283 9243
- Email: [email protected]
Martial Arts Classes on Sydney’s Upper North Shore
Personal Strength (Gordon)
North Shore Mums Offer: Free trial class.
Personal Strength (Gordon)
Martial Arts occur when bad situations get worse and things get physical. Self-defence is the skill of learning what situations go wrong and avoiding, defusing, or escaping them.
Personal Strength offers classes for kids and teens that teach self-defence and martial arts. These include situational awareness, avoidance strategies, mental preparation, and verbal dissuasion, as well as age-appropriate discussions of boundaries and respect.
Additionally, effective physical techniques and principles are taught, providing young people with skills to protect them for life.
- Location: 1/786 Pacific Highway, Gordon (entry is at the back, via Moree St)
- Suitable for: 5-8, 8-12 & 12-17 years
- Cost: $33 per class, payable by term (pro rata). Active Kids Vouchers accepted
- Website: personalstrength.com.au
- Phone: 0411 411 289
Black Belt Martial Arts (Hornsby)
North Shore Mums Offer: Free trial class. Free Karate uniform on enrolment when you mention ‘North Shore Mums’.
Black Belt Martial Arts (BBMA) in Hornsby teaches traditional karate, which incorporates self-defence, anti-bullying, mindfulness, and’ whole-of-life’ skills.
BBMA Kids develop their physical skills—dynamic movement, coordination, agility, strength, and balance—in fun, safe, and age-appropriate Karate programs. Kids build confidence, focus, and concentration, learning about BBMA Black Belt values (like courtesy and respect) and the traditional Karate ‘way’—leading a life of kindness and non-violence.
At BBMA Hornsby, you’ll find a non-judgmental safe space, professional (Karate Australia-accredited) staff, and a welcoming community.
- Location: Suite 8 (upstairs on level 1), 6-18 Bridge Road, Hornsby
- Suited for: 3+ years
- Cost: Ongoing tuition fee starts at $49 per fortnight
- Website: bbmahornsby.com.au
- Phone: (02) 9482 9935
- Email: [email protected]
- Active Kids vouchers accepted. Family discounts provided.
SKM Martial Arts (Hornsby)
North Shore Mums offer: A Free one-week trial. Sign up during the trial week and receive $50 off!
SKM Martial Arts (Hornsby)
SKM Martial Arts in Hornsby offers classes for kindy, kids and teens. Enjoy practical, fun, and safe classes in Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.
Why choose their classes?
- Learn Self-Defence: Gain confidence knowing how to protect yourself in any situation.
- Build Discipline: Develop focus, respect, and self-control through structured training.
- Stay Active: Get fit while learning cool moves and techniques.
- Make Friends: Connect with other kids in a safe and supportive environment
Most of all, have fun and enjoy energetic classes that make learning martial arts an exciting adventure!
- Locations: 2/1 Leighton Place, Hornsby
- Suitable for: 4+ years
- Cost: $25 – 1 class per week | $39 – 2 classes per week | $49 – 3 classes per week
- Website: skmmartialarts.com.au
- Phone: 0432 568 003
- Email: [email protected]
- Active Kids Vouchers accepted
MUSIC CLASSES & INSTRUMENT TUITION
GYMNASTICS, TUMBLING & CHEERLEADING GUIDE
BABY, TODDLER & PRESCHOOLER CLASSES
DIRECTORY: CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
What are the different types of Martial Arts?
Martial arts encompass a broad range of practices and styles from around the world, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and cultural origins. The most popular types of martial arts, which have garnered significant followings globally, include:
1. Karate
- Origin: Japan
- Focus: Striking, punching, kicking, and open-hand techniques.
- Styles: Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Wado-Ryu.
- Notable Aspect: Emphasis on discipline and kata (formalised sequences of movements).
2. Taekwondo
- Origin: Korea
- Focus: High, fast kicks and jumping/spinning kicks.
- Styles: ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation), WTF (World Taekwondo Federation).
- Notable Aspect: Olympic sport, known for its dynamic kicking techniques.
3. Judo
- Origin: Japan
- Focus: Grappling, throws, joint locks, and pins.
- Styles: Kodokan Judo.
- Notable Aspect: An Olympic sport, emphasising the use of an opponent’s force against them.
4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
- Origin: Brazil
- Focus: Ground fighting, submissions, chokes, and joint locks.
- Styles: Gi and No-Gi BJJ.
- Notable Aspect: Highly popular in mixed martial arts (MMA) for its effective grappling techniques.
5. Kung Fu
- Origin: China
- Focus: Diverse techniques including strikes, kicks, throws, joint manipulation, and traditional weapons.
- Styles: Shaolin, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Wushu.
- Notable Aspect: Emphasis on fluid movements and philosophical teachings.
6. Muay Thai
- Origin: Thailand
- Focus: Striking using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
- Styles: Traditional Muay Thai and modern Muay Thai.
- Notable Aspect: Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” for its comprehensive striking techniques.
7. Boxing
- Origin: Global, with ancient roots in Greece and Rome.
- Focus: Punching, footwork, head movement.
- Styles: Professional boxing, amateur boxing.
- Notable Aspect: Olympic sport and popular in both competitive and fitness contexts.
8. Krav Maga
- Origin: Israel
- Focus: Practical self-defence, combining techniques from various martial arts.
- Styles: Military Krav Maga, civilian Krav Maga.
- Notable Aspect: Emphasis on real-world self-defence scenarios and quick, effective responses.
9. Aikido
- Origin: Japan
- Focus: Joint locks, throws, blending with an opponent’s movement.
- Styles: Traditional Aikido, Yoshinkan Aikido.
- Notable Aspect: Focus on harmony and redirecting an opponent’s energy.
10. Hapkido
- Origin: Korea
- Focus: Joint locks, grappling, throwing, striking and the use of pressure points.
- Notable Aspect: It’s known for its fluidity, versatility, and adaptability in various combat scenarios.
11. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Origin: Modern sport combines techniques from various martial arts.
- Focus: Striking, grappling, and submissions from disciplines like BJJ, wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai.
- Notable Aspect: Popularised through organisations like the UFC, known for its versatility and effectiveness in combat sports.
12. Capoeira
- Origin: Brazil
- Focus: Combining dance, acrobatics, and martial arts.
- Notable Aspect: Known for its fluid, dance-like movements and rhythmic, musical elements.
13. Wrestling
- Origin: Ancient, with various traditional forms worldwide.
- Focus: Grappling, throws, pins, and holds.
- Styles: Freestyle, Greco-Roman, folkstyle.
- Notable Aspect: Olympic sport, fundamental in MMA for its grappling techniques.
These martial arts are popular not only for their combat effectiveness but also for their contributions to physical fitness, mental discipline, cultural heritage, and personal development. Each offers unique benefits and experiences, making them appealing to diverse audiences worldwide.
What are the benefits of children doing Martial Arts classes?
Learning martial arts can be very beneficial for children in various aspects of their development. Here are some reasons why it’s good for kids to learn martial arts:
1. Physical Fitness
- Improves Overall Health: Martial arts offer a comprehensive full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, builds strength, improves flexibility, and fosters coordination.
- Encourages Regular Exercise: Engages children in consistent physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle and helping to combat childhood obesity.
2. Self-Discipline and Focus
- Enhances Concentration: The practice of martial arts requires focus on techniques, movements, and discipline, which can improve a child’s ability to concentrate in other areas of life, such as schoolwork.
- Promotes Self-Control: Learning to control one’s movements and reactions is central to martial arts, helping children develop patience and self-discipline.
3. Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Builds Self-Esteem: Achieving new belts, mastering techniques, and overcoming challenges in martial arts boost a child’s self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.
- Empowers Through Skill Development: Knowing they can defend themselves and handle challenging situations empowers children and builds self-assurance.
4. Respect and Discipline
- Teaches Respect for Others: Martial arts often emphasise respect for instructors, peers, and the practice itself, instilling good manners and mutual respect.
- Instils Discipline: The structured environment of martial arts classes helps children understand and follow rules and guidelines, fostering a disciplined approach to tasks and goals.
5. Self-Defence Skills
- Practical Safety Skills: Martial arts teach children how to protect themselves and respond to threats, which can be vital in unsafe situations.
- Boosts Awareness: Kids learn situational awareness and how to avoid dangerous situations, promoting personal safety.
6. Mental and Emotional Resilience
- Copes with Stress: The mental discipline of martial arts helps children manage stress and anxiety, providing a healthy outlet for emotions.
- Encourages Perseverance: Overcoming challenges and setbacks in martial arts training fosters resilience and the ability to persist through difficulties.
7. Social Skills and Teamwork
- Fosters Friendships: Martial arts classes offer a social environment where children can interact with their peers, build lasting friendships, and develop teamwork skills.
- Teaches Communication: Collaborating with partners and engaging in group activities enhances communication skills and fosters empathy.
8. Improves Academic Performance
- Enhances Cognitive Skills: The focus, discipline, and problem-solving skills developed through martial arts can translate to improved academic performance.
- Boosts Concentration: Improved attention span and focus from martial arts training can lead to better study habits and academic success.
9. Promotes Healthy Competition
- Teaches Fair Play: Competitions and sparring in martial arts teach children about healthy competition, sportsmanship, and respecting opponents.
- Builds Competitive Spirit: Encourages a sense of achievement and motivation to improve, while fostering an understanding of the value of effort and persistence.
10. Encourages a Growth Mindset
- Focuses on Continuous Improvement: Martial arts emphasise that skill development is a gradual process, encouraging children to adopt a growth mindset and a willingness to learn and grow.
- Celebrates Progress: Regular assessments and promotions recognise progress and improvement, reinforcing the value of effort and dedication.
11. Cultural Awareness
- Introduces Different Cultures: Martial arts often come with a cultural component, introducing children to new customs, traditions, and languages, fostering cultural appreciation and open-mindedness.
12. Fun and Engaging Activity
- Provides Enjoyment: Martial arts classes are often engaging and enjoyable, combining physical activity with games and drills that keep children motivated and interested.
- Offers a Positive Outlet: Provides a positive and structured environment for kids to release energy and have fun in a productive way.
Overall, martial arts offer a holistic approach to a child’s development, encompassing physical, mental, and social growth. They provide valuable life skills that extend far beyond the dojo or gym, contributing to the development of well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals.
