From Muay Thai to women-only classes: The 10 best places to learn self-defence in Adelaide
There’s a rise in people signing up to self-defence classes - not just to feel safer on our streets but to build confidence and fitness. Here’s ten of the best spots to sign up in SA.
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In a world where feeling safe can never be taken for granted, learning self-defence isn’t just a smart move — it’s an empowering one.
Whether it’s walking to your car at night, taking public transport, or navigating a night out, many South Australians — particularly women — are turning to self-defence not just for protection, but for peace of mind.
In Adelaide, demand for practical, confidence-building training has grown in recent years, with classes popping up across the suburbs tailored to all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
From martial arts gyms to women-led workshops, there’s now a self-defence option for everyone — whether you’re after full-contact training or just want to feel more in control of your surroundings.
At the heart of this growing movement is Females Fighting Forward — a class by women, for women — which has become popular for women looking to reclaim their confidence and protect themselves.
Females Fighting Forward
Unit 13/95 O’Sullivan Beach Rd, Lonsdale
When Carly Gangell founded Females Fighting Forward 13 years ago, she knew she wanted to create a space where women could train, heal, grow stronger, and learn how to defend themselves.
She invited long-time self-defence facilitator Margie Nottle to help bring that vision to life.
More than a decade on, FFF has evolved into a powerful program — and one of the most respected self-defence communities in South Australia.
Today, it’s made up of four core pillars:
- Women-only Muay Thai classes, held weekly, with a different focus each session (like boxing, kicking, defensive drills or sparring).
- Self-defence seminars and courses, including one-on-one sessions, community workshops and intensive six-week programs.
- Training female Muay Thai fighters for competition.
- Personal coaching across Muay Thai, rehab, strength and conditioning, and self-defence.
The Monday and Thursday night Muay Thai classes aren’t just about combat technique — they’re about building confidence and creating connection.
Some women have been attending for years.
Others walk in for the first time each week.
“It’s about pushing yourself physically and mentally, in a space where you’re supported and challenged,” Ms Nottle said.
“We’re sensitive to people’s past trauma or abuse experiences, but we also challenge them not to hold onto a victim identity.
“It’s about helping women move forward.”
FFF offers self-defence programs from one-on-one coaching and short seminars to a structured six-week course that steadily builds confidence and technique.
Participants learn situational awareness, basic physical defence, and practical strategies for real-world scenarios.
In the final weeks, trained male assistants are brought in to help participants test their skills in more high-pressure environments — in a way that feels safe, not overwhelming.
“We’re not just teaching techniques — we’re helping women realise they’re worth defending,” Ms Nottle said.
“Their best self-defence weapon is their own self-belief.”
One recent participant, a woman undergoing cancer treatment, took part gently — sometimes just observing — but found joy and empowerment in the process.
“She loved being part of it,” Ms Nottle said.
As Carly puts it: “Self-defence is like first aid. You learn it hoping you never have to use it.”
But for the women who show up each week — whether to fight, recover, or simply feel stronger — Females Fighting Forward is already making a difference.
One punch, one drill, one mindset shift at a time.
Southside Muay Thai and Fitness
Black Forest Shopping Centre 12, 715 – 727 South Rd, Black Forest
At Southside Muay Thai and Fitness, it’s not just about learning to fight — it’s about feeling awesome every time you train.
With more than 20 years serving the Adelaide community, this gym has built its reputation on respect, inclusivity and results that go far beyond the mats.
Their mission?
To create a welcoming space for everyone — regardless of age, background or experience — and to help people live healthier, more confident lives through the power of Muay Thai.
Known for its striking and clinch work, Muay Thai is a fast-paced, high-intensity martial art that delivers rapid results, both physically and mentally.
It’s about more than fitness: it builds focus, confidence, discipline and respect.
Structured programs help beginners ease in, while there are also pathways to support those looking to compete at the highest levels.
For kids, teens and adults — including sensory-friendly options — training is all about fun, empowerment and personal growth.
Their community is built on lasting relationships, so you’ll never be training alone.
Mindset Self-Defence and Close Quarters Combat
267 Hutt St, Adelaide
Mindset Self-Defence doesn’t teach you to win a fight. It teaches you how to stop one — fast.
Built on close quarters combat methods used by military and law enforcement, the system is designed for people who want something straightforward and effective.
There are no belts, no rituals, and no endless lists of moves — just a core set of skills that hold up under stress.
While many self-defence programs are sport-based or tied to traditional martial arts, Mindset takes a different route.
It focuses on gross-motor movements and a small number of high-percentage tools — the kind that still work when adrenaline kicks in and fine motor skills go out the window.
“Our system is designed for everyday people who want realistic, practical self-protection skills, as well as those with professional or heightened safety needs,” they said.
Mindset caters to all walks of life.
“In other words, women and men who want to feel confident walking to their car, jogging or travelling,” they said.
“Youth and teens learning assertiveness and boundary-setting and also seniors seeking simple tactics that don’t rely on size or athleticism.”
Originally tried and tested in New Zealand for sixteen years, the program has been operating in Adelaide since 2023.
A new dedicated training space will open soon in Klemzig.
At its core, Mindset is less about self-defence as a style, and more about mindset as a skill — teaching people how to recognise danger early, stay calm, and act with purpose.
It’s self-defence without the fluff.
Apex Self-Defence
176 Tynte St, North Adelaide
At Apex, self-defence isn’t about tradition or a single combat sport — it’s about survival.
Their training is grounded in Krav Maga, the combat system developed for the Israeli military, known for its focus on real-world threats.
Self-defence sessions can include workshops focusing on ground defence, multiple attackers, and or disarming aggressors with weapons like knives and baseball bats.
“Our training is all about realistic threats and giving people the tools to protect themselves and others,” a spokesman said.
They cover everything from striking and grappling to staying calm under pressure and escaping high-risk situations.
Students are taught how to defend themselves if they’re pushed to the ground — or worse, pinned — and how to fight back effectively when space, time or options are limited.
Classes are tough, high-energy and focused.
But they’re also inclusive — open to anyone willing to show up, train hard and take their safety seriously.
Whether you’re preparing for a job that puts you in unpredictable situations or just want to feel more capable walking to your car at night, Apex focuses on “what works”.
Boar’s Martial Arts
Unit 13/95 O’Sullivan Beach Rd, Lonsdale
At Boars Martial Arts, self-defence starts early.
Whether it’s a five-year-old navigating a playground or a teen catching public transport, the focus is always on giving students the tools to stay safe, think clearly and respond under pressure.
At the beginning of each school term, children are put through an intensive self-defence program tailored to their age, height and developmental stage.
The goal?
To give every child the skills, awareness and confidence to handle real-world threats — not just rehearse moves in a gym.
“It’s not about one-size-fits-all training,” they said.
“What a five-year-old needs in a tricky situation is completely different from what a teenager might face.
“We adjust everything — language, techniques, scenarios — to suit the student in front of us.”
These sessions go beyond martial arts basics.
Kids are taught how to identify danger, react under pressure, and stay calm in the kinds of situations they might actually face — at school, in public, or even at home.
The approach carries through to their adult classes too, with programs adapted for women, healthcare workers, shift workers and more — all built around practical, scenario-based training.
Their highly trained instructors stay up to speed with what’s happening in the community so students walk away ready for whatever life throws at them – literally.
From early childhood to late adulthood, Boars Martial Arts is focused on one thing: preparing people for the real world.
Alongside their custom self-defence programs, Boars delivers strong foundations in both Muay Thai and karate — blending traditional technique with real-world application.
Classes are designed to build discipline, confidence and resilience from early childhood through to adulthood.
ISOHealth – ISOBJJ
97 East St, Torrensville
For more than 20 years, ISOHealth – ISOBJJ has been teaching self-defence not as a sport, but as a life skill.
One that can be adapted for almost anyone, regardless of age, experience, or background.
“Our members range in age from 5 years to 65 years young.”
Their approach blends Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — two highly effective disciplines that cover striking, grappling, and control — into classes designed to prepare people for real-world scenarios, not just sparring sessions.
The team regularly works with students managing PTSD, autism, and ADHD, creating a flexible, supportive environment where people can move at their own pace.
Whether it’s a five-year-old learning to recognise unsafe behaviour or an adult building confidence after trauma, the focus is on practical tools and personal growth.
Legal awareness, situational judgment, and understanding when — and when not — to act are key parts of the curriculum.
Inside the gym, it’s not about titles or trophies. It’s about helping people feel safer in their day-to-day lives.
Street Smarts
Sharks United Soccer Club, Adams Oval, Decimal Rd Salisbury, Salisbury North
At Street Smarts, self-defence is about making sure women have the tools to protect themselves.
Run by father – daughter duo Jim and Ebony O’Loughlin, the program blends decades of experience with a deep understanding of what many women face — whether that’s street harassment, uncomfortable situations at work, or navigating life after trauma.
Mr O’Loughlin brings his background as a black belt and long-time coach, while his daughter Ebony has a blue belt and advocates for women’s safety.
Together, they’ve built a space where women of all backgrounds can learn real skills — without judgement.
“We’re not here to make fighters,” Miss O’Loughlin said.
“We’re here to help women feel safer in their day-to-day lives — and to trust that they can handle themselves if something goes wrong.”
Sessions combine striking, blocking and practical scenario-based training, always tailored to the person in front of them.
Some women come to boost their confidence.
Others are rebuilding it.
Many just want peace of mind.
Street Smarts also partners with local organisations to support women impacted by violence — making self-defence accessible to those who need it most.
Street Smarts is all about helping you feel strong, supported and ready for anything.
Academy of self-defence and martial arts (ASDMA)
31 Campbell Rd, Paradise
Fullarton Rd & Grenfell Street, Kent Town
For three decades and with a “people first” attitude, ASDMA has been teaching self-defence with a clear purpose.
To help people feel safer, more confident, and better equipped to handle the unexpected.
Their focus goes well beyond the mat.
Each year, the team runs workshops in more than a dozen junior schools and OSHC across Adelaide, teaching kids how to recognise unsafe situations, defuse conflict, and respond without escalating.
The message is simple: safety starts with awareness — not aggression.
Their Kids Safe Self Defence and Stop Bullies program (for ages 4–12) is a key part of that outreach, using age-appropriate techniques like the “flush the loo” move to keep lessons fun but practical.
It’s not about fighting back — it’s about knowing what to do before a situation gets out of hand.
“We try to find a fun way to dissolve a bully’s nasty words,” they said.
For older students and adults, the Street Smart Self Defence course tackles common — but often unspoken — real-world scenarios: feeling unsafe at a party, picking up on red flags in public spaces or relationships, or trusting that gut feeling when something’s not right.
There’s also a tailored Corporate Self Defence stream, where conflict can happen behind closed doors.
Across both their Paradise and Kent Town locations, ASDMA keeps their programs structured but adaptable — shaped by the people in the room, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Our experience allows us to provide training people need and by reading the room we can ensure the right amount of pressure is used to gain confidence and skills,” they said.
Whether it’s a nervous kid, a cautious parent, or someone rebuilding confidence, the goal is the same: practical tools, personal growth, and a strong sense of self.
Influence Defence
Unit F/146 Smart Rd, St Agnes
At Influence Defence, learning to throw a punch is just the beginning.
Their approach is designed for everyday people — no prior experience required — and welcomes all ages and fitness levels.
“Our self-defence training is unique because it combines real-world techniques with a focus on confidence, awareness and resilience — not just fighting,” they said.
“What sets us apart is our inclusive, ego-free environment and our commitment to empowering individuals through proven, adaptable systems.”
From kids just starting out to adults looking to push themselves, Influence Defence offers a mix of styles and formats to suit different goals and comfort levels.
There are group classes, one-on-one personal training, kids’ self-defence, adult MMA, kickboxing/Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and Krav Maga.
Their flexible structure allows participants to build both physical skills and mental strength.
“With guidance and encouragement, you will then in turn influence someone else in need of inspiration,” they said.
That’s the mission. That’s the movement.
Element Martial Arts
698 Main N Rd, Gepps Cross
Step into Element Martial Arts, and you’ll instantly feel the vibe — welcoming, energetic, and just the right amount of sweaty.
At Element Martial Arts, the emphasis isn’t on flashy moves or trophies — it’s on people showing up and giving it a go.
With the motto “Friendly People, Real Training,” this modern martial arts hub caters to literally everyone.
For toddlers taking their first steps onto the mat, teens building focus and confidence, adults returning to fitness or trying martial arts for the first time.
Classes run all week, with options for all experience levels — including a popular women’s-only session and even a parents-and-kids class on Saturdays.
Coaches come from competitive backgrounds, but the culture isn’t about ego. It’s about learning.
And showing up — whatever that looks like for you.
For some, that’s chasing a black belt. For others, it’s stress relief, or simply carving out time for themselves.
Recovery is part of the routine too, with facilities like an infra-red sauna and ice bath available.
The training is serious. The vibe isn’t.
And that balance is what keeps people coming back.
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Originally published as From Muay Thai to women-only classes: The 10 best places to learn self-defence in Adelaide
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