Martial arts style

Our programs draw from a range of disciplines, particularly Taekwondo, Brazilian Jujitsu, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Kenpo Karate. We also offer adjacent movement practices such as yoga, parkour, and mindfulness.

We believe in learning from others and bringing in the best from other practices. For example, Taekwondo kicking is the strongest kicking of all martial arts, so we use this as our kicking style. Our coaches are highly ranked Taekwondo masters who have represented Australia. MMA has the most practical and adaptable blocking and striking, so we base our hand techniques in this style. Our coaches are experienced MMA coaches and cage fighters. Brazilian Jujitsu is the only ground fighting style that’s worth learning, so this is the grappling component of our curriculum. Our coaches are trained in Gi, No Gi and MMA style grappling and have competed in BJJ competitions and cage fights. 

Testimonials

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"A welcoming, experienced, dedicated and committed coaching team. As a member, you belong to a valued and friendly community, with good role models for the kids to learn from."

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"My son has wonderful coaches, who have instilled, respect, discipline and improved his confidence and fitness." 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"I like the kids to train MMA instead of a single discipline. I also like the grading system giving the kids shorter term goals and a sense of accomplishment. "

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"We've continued doing it as we have watched our boys grow in confidence (both on and off the mats), skill and discipline. Love the respect and real world teaching that the boys get as well. I really like the methods of communication as well and feel like I know what is happening."

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"The supportive but disciplined nature in which it's delivered by the coaching staff. We especially love the older students that assist and mentor the younger ones - this sets a fantastic example! "

FAQs

Do you offer free classes?
Yes, your first week is free! Come along, join in, talk with the Coaches and see if we're a fit for each other. 
You can book in for your free class on the Schedule page. After your 7-day free trial, you can sign up for our Starter Pack which includes a free uniform. 

How are your programs structured?
Our programs are based on quarterly terms in line with the ACT school terms, with 10 weeks of training and 2 weeks break. During the school holidays we often hold workshops, seminars, and social and charitable events. We hold gradings at the end of each term.

Each program has its own curriculum that teaches key skills on self defence, kicking, striking, grappling, as well as the physical and mental aspects of martial arts training such as fitness, focus, discipline and confidence. Astra students get a holistic and well-rounded training experience that gives practical skills while also respecting the traditional martial arts approach. 

What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in and bring a drink bottle - joining in is the best way to see if Astra is a fit for you. If you want to sign up after your free trial week, you can purchase a uniform and training gear. 

Where are you located?
Our classes run  in the beautiful Belconnen Arts Centre, in the Dance Studio.
The space is custom-built for physical movement, with a sprung oiled Victorian Ash floor, full-length mirrors along one wall, overlooking the beautiful Lake Ginninderra area. 
Simple to find and access, Belconnen Arts Centre is easily reached via car, bicycle or public transport. The building is all on one level, accessible toilet available.

Please note that no food or drink permitted, except water bottles.

Does your open approach reduce the quality of what you teach?
No, on the contrary. The styles we teach are taught be senior ranked and internationally recognised martial artists, so the quality is high. We also believe the martial arts, like everything else in life, needs to grow, change and evolve. Some martial arts clubs teach the exact same thing they were taught decades ago and lose sight of what is practical. Don’t get us wrong, we respect tradition and value the things it teaches us (we incorporate many traditional aspects into class), but martial arts should be practical and useful. 

Can I train at another club while training at Astra?

You sure can! While many clubs frown upon this or even straight up forbid it, we don’t mind it and in fact encourage it. We are a network and a community and love bringing in outside skills and perspective to strengthen ourselves and our martial practice. In fact, if you love what your other club and instructor does, you could even invite them to be part of our Astra Collective network.

What’s the Astra Collective?

It’s our way of connecting with other skilled martial artist and movement practitioners. People in our Collective are invited to attend our events, participate in our charitable activities, are invited to run seminars, and be part of our grading panel.

In the spirit of reconciliation Astra Martial Arts acknowledges the  Nguannawal and Ngambri people and Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.