Martial arts are a terrific form of exercise that helps you improve fitness and develop strong self-defence skills. It is also suitable for children from a young age and adults looking to develop a new skill and stay in shape. However, it is important to make sure your lessons are run by professional mart arts instructors in a safe environment. If you are looking for the best martial arts schools in Canberra, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of martial arts training and provide a list of the top schools in Canberra.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best martial arts schools
- Action Tae Kwon-Do
- Canberra Martial Arts Academy
- Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness Centre
- Canberra Mixed Martial Arts
- GKR Karate
- KYODO SHUHO Karate – Canberra Karate Academy
What are the most popular types of martial arts?
There are many different types of martial arts, each with its own unique history and focus. Some of the most popular martial arts styles include Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Kung Fu. Each style has its own origins, techniques, and aims.
For example, Karate is a striking art that originated in Okinawa, while Judo is a grappling art that was developed in Japan. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that emphasises kicks, and Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that includes a wide variety of techniques.
While each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, all martial arts can be effective for self-defence and fitness.
What are the benefits of martial arts?
Martial arts are often associated with violence, but the reality is that they can provide a number of benefits for both children and adults. With martial arts, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Increased strength and stamina
- Improved flexibility and agility
- Better cardiovascular health
- Higher self-confidence
- Enhanced discipline and focus
- Stronger sense of community
Which martial art is right for me?
Deciding which martial art is right for you can be an uphill task. With so many different styles to choose from, it's important to take the time to learn about the various options before making a decision.
One important factor to consider is your goals for taking up martial arts. Are you looking to get in shape, or are you interested in competition? Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your goals. For example, karate is a popular choice for those interested in self-defense, while Muay Thai is often used by athletes preparing for MMA competitions.
Once you've decided on your goals, you can begin narrowing down your choices and exploring the different styles in more depth. With so many different martial arts to choose from, there's sure to be one that's right for you.
The best martial arts schools in Canberra 2024
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Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness Centre
Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness is more than just a gym to exercise, it is a community of like-minded people who enjoy training together and sharing experiences.
Their team pride themselves in providing world class fitness & martial arts training for people of all shapes, sizes and ages in a supportive environment.
Canberra Mixed Martial Arts
Canberra Mixed Martial Arts is run by local MMA fighters with an aim to grow and promote their beautiful sport in the Canberra region.
Their coaches have incredible knowledge and experience in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-jistu, Olympic wrestling, boxing and Muay Thai, and pride themselves on training people of all ages, backgrounds and prior experience.
Daniel Palmer left this five star review on Google; “Great atmosphere, all the coaches are super knowledgable and are bursting with helpful insights. I love this gym. It’s quickly become one of my favourite places to be and I’m making good progress”
GKR Karate
GKR Karate is a family club dedicated to fostering sound values and creating strong, humble, brave people and healthy communities.
The classes are for people of all ages and are a great way for families or individuals to develop self-defence, fitness, coordination, discipline, confidence and stress relief.
The ACT branch of GKR offers classes right across the region that are led by experienced instructors.
Ari Kusuma left this five-star review on Facebook: “Great environment to learn discipline and persistence values.”
Canberra Martial Arts Academy
Canberra Martial Arts Academy has been providing quality martial arts training in Canberra for the over 30 years.
Their knowledgeable instructors have decades of teaching experience and have competed internationally and in Australia. They offer a range of different martial arts classes including karate, mixed martial arts, kickboxing and weapons training for people of all ages and skill levels.
Kay Py wrote this on Google; “I’ve tried my kid in every sport trying to find the right one. Karate is the one that clicked! Imagine our delight to find a fantastic, local dojo with a great instructor. Glen is firm, but fair and a fantastic teacher. He corrects the kids technique and behaviour without being scary or imposing. Definitely recommend!”
KYODO SHUHO Karate - Canberra Karate Academy
Sensei Steve and Sensei Mel started KYODO SHUHO Karate with the goal of bringing the amazing benefits of karate to Canberrans.
With over 45 years of experience between them, they understand that karate is about more than just fitness, it is a learning artform that teaches self defence, control and mastery over one’s body and mind.
There is a real sense of community at the dojo and they strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels.
Minty Jang wrote this review on Google; “I highly recommend this Karate class because my kids just love it. Every session has different topics and it’s so much fun to exercise and play with lovely couches and other kids. The price is very nice as well. The administration team is very nice and responsible. Highly recommend!”
Action Tae Kwon-Do
Action Tae Kwon Do will help you learn the art of Tae Kwon-Do with trained professionals who will assist you in developing fitness, strength, discipline and personal confidence.
With over 45 classes across the northside and southside of Canberra, there is sure to be a convenient location for you to start your Tae Kwon-Do journey.
Tadija Petrovic left this glowing positive on Google; “I have gone there for 7 years and my opinion is still the same. Great schooling, they have many nice instructors, it’s great exercise and I go to Conder. Great instructor there. I recommend joining.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different styles of martial arts?
There are over 180 different types of martial arts around the world, but some of the most popular ones that tend to be taught more commonly are Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Aikido and Muay Thai. You can do research to find out which style may appeal best to you.
Why do martial artists wear a gi?
A gi is the uniform typically worn in martial arts and it allows you a full range of motion and also withstands the vigorous martial arts training. You should be able to trial a class without one, but will likely need to pick one up if you want to continue training martial arts.
Is it easy to get injured doing martial arts?
Like all types of physical exercise, injuries can happen in martial arts, but there are things you can do to help prevent them. Warming up properly and not overdoing contact work early in your training is a good idea. Your instructors will also teach you the correct way to land to limit impact on the ground and following their guidance on techniques will go a long way to preventing injury.
Can you get fit with martial arts?
Absolutely! Martial arts is a great form of exercise that can help you lose weight, burn fat, build muscle and get in terrific shape. It is a great full body workout because almost every muscle group is utilised when you perform the techniques properly.
Can anyone join a martial arts school, regardless of age or fitness level?
Yes, most martial arts schools are open to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Some schools offer specialised programs for children, adults, and seniors, ensuring that everyone can participate and progress at their own pace.
