Southside Academy of Combat

Business Details

Your Premier Queensland Martial Arts Academy

Southside Academy of Combat has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts since our establishment. We specialise in Silat, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and other combat disciplines, catering to all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors prioritise safety, technical proficiency, and mental resilience, fostering a supportive family-oriented environment. With two locations in Queensland, we combine traditional martial arts values with modern training methodologies to deliver holistic self-defence and fitness programs. Our commitment to community extends to monthly donations to Life Education, ensuring our impact reaches beyond the training floor.

Services

Kids Mixed Martial Arts Adults Silat Women's MMA/BJJ Muay Thai Boxing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Highlights and features

Family-oriented training environment with qualified, experienced instructors
Specialised programs for all ages from 5 years upwards
Community-focused with monthly donations to Life Education
Combines traditional martial arts values with modern techniques
Small class sizes ensuring personalised attention

Associations and certifications

Blue Card certified

What people say

Supportive environment Competent instructors Family-oriented culture Life-changing experiences High energy classes

Website

Update Listing

Services

Kids Mixed Martial Arts

Our Little Warriors program develops responsibility and discipline in children aged 5-11 through structured martial arts instruction. Students learn self-defence techniques while improving physical coordination and mental focus. The curriculum balances fun activities with foundational combat skills, creating a safe environment for young learners to build confidence and social skills.

Adults Silat

Silat Perisai Diri offers comprehensive self-defence training for adults, combining empty-hand techniques with weapon defence. Practitioners develop mental fortitude and physical agility through progressive belt levels from White to Red. The system's animal-inspired movements enhance situational awareness, making it effective for real-world self-protection scenarios while maintaining traditional martial arts discipline.

Women's MMA/BJJ

This program combines MMA conditioning with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals for women aged 12+. Focus areas include self-defence, fitness, and confidence-building through grappling techniques and striking drills. Qualified instructors like Coach Cherie provide tailored guidance, helping students improve coordination, physical strength, and mental resilience in a supportive group environment.

Muay Thai

Our Muay Thai classes teach traditional Thai striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Training improves cardiovascular fitness while developing practical self-defence skills through controlled sparring and pad work. Students benefit from experienced coaching that maintains the art's cultural heritage while adapting techniques for modern fitness and combat applications.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

BJJ instruction focuses on ground fighting techniques that neutralise size and strength advantages through leverage-based submissions. White to Black Belt progression builds technical proficiency in guard passing, positional control, and chokeholds. Classes cater to both competition preparation and practical self-defence, with separate sessions for teens and adults to ensure appropriate skill development.

People

Mas Taufan Mawardi

Head Instructor

With Silat experience since 1999 and Muay Thai coaching under Kru Dennis Sor Nak Dee, Mas Taufan brings extensive martial arts expertise. He holds certifications in multiple combat disciplines and has competed internationally, bringing proven skills to his teaching methodology.

Cherie Dowley

BJJ Instructor

Specialising in women's MMA conditioning, Cherie provides personalised training that combines Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Muay Thai techniques. Her mentorship focuses on individual growth, helping students develop both technical proficiency and mental resilience through tailored instruction.

Professor Anker Fuglsang

BJJ Coach

A 3rd Degree Black Belt with Arte Suave BJJ, Professor Fuglsang brings advanced grappling expertise to our academy. His instructional approach combines technical precision with practical application, guiding students through the full belt progression from White to Black Belt levels.

Mas Stephen Gonnella

Silat PD Coach

With over 30 years' experience in Silat Perisai Diri, Mas Stephen serves as Australia's internal coordinator for the discipline. His instruction preserves traditional techniques while adapting them for modern self-defence applications, maintaining the art's authentic combat effectiveness.

Kareema Arackakkunnel

Muay Thai Coach

A multi-disciplinary instructor with experience in Muay Thai, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2019, Kareema brings contemporary combat sports expertise. Her competitive background enhances practical training applications, particularly in striking techniques and conditioning drills.

Questions

What martial arts styles do you teach?

We offer Silat, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts programs for both children and adults.

Are classes suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, all our programs cater to absolute beginners with no prior experience required, focusing on gradual skill development.

What are the class sizes?

Adult Silat classes have 12-20 participants, BJJ classes 10-18, and kids' programs 6-10 students to ensure quality instruction.

Do you offer trial sessions?

Yes, we provide a free 1-week trial allowing prospective students to experience different martial arts disciplines.

What should I wear for my first class?

For initial sessions, comfortable workout clothing is suitable. Traditional uniforms can be purchased through the academy.

Are there family training options?

Yes, we encourage family participation with programs designed to accommodate multiple generations training together.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Fozia B.

Dec 05, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
They have Womens only classes available with fantastic female coaches and I rate the classes 10/10. So much fun!

Briea Waaka

Oct 21, 2021 Report

My makes Kylee Waaka, this is one of the best mma gyms I have ever had the the privilege to be under. I've met so many awesome people, my BJJ and striking skills excelled quickly. my trainers were so invested in teaching us properly and safely and making sure we get the best out of each session. i always left class feeling great and felt like I had accomplished something new each time . I am so proud to have met this bunch but very sad to leave due to moving away. never the less I will be definitely tau ing with you all of I'm every in the neighbourhood . .

Allissa Stone

Nov 03, 2020 Report

I am going onto my 7th month of training with Mas for 2 days a week, i have noticed a good increase in my fitness level and stamina. The atmosphere here is calm, friendly and feels like a second home. Everyone here is encouraging and i thoroughly enjoy coming. - Troy

Shaun Mcleod

Jul 27, 2020 Report

Greatest place to train amazing instructor who motivates you mentaly and physicaly most humbling experience great for all ages and fitness levels you will leave training happy and redy for next lesson

Umm Abdullaah

Jan 14, 2020 Report

My children love this place! Everytime it's a Silat day, they'll always make sure they're ready without me telling them to. They learn on self-discipline, protect themselves and others and most importantly they have the understanding of not using the art to hurt others but using it only for self-defense. Mentors are great role models. Bless them.

Kausar

Nov 03, 2019 Report

I've been to many martial arts gyms and this is by far the best! The club is a friendly environment with no egos and the instructors are all very experienced, patient, skilled and supportive with their teaching and training. I would recommend Southside Academy of Combat to anyone looking for a place to train and grow.

Kalled S.

Oct 21, 2019 Report

What an awesome place to train. The Master Taufan is funny, ambitious, and knowledgeable. I have been coming here for a few months and it's become an addiction. I would highly recommend freinds and family to train here if they want to learn the art and to get in shape or stay in shape.