Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Ballarat
Southern Cross Martial Arts Association is a dedicated martial arts school committed to fostering confidence, discipline, and self-defence skills in individuals of all ages. With a focus on holistic development, we offer age-specific programs tailored to children, adults, and neurodiverse individuals, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Our instructors are nationally qualified, internationally accredited, and bring decades of experience in traditional martial arts, including Goki-Kai Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. We emphasize character development, stranger danger awareness, and resilience-building, aligning our curriculum with child development principles.As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver the Beyond the Spectrum program, designed by autistic instructors with tertiary qualifications in education and autism. Our school adheres to strict safety protocols and a Student Code of Conduct, ensuring a secure environment for learning. We pride ourselves on evidence-based training methodologies, community engagement, and partnerships with organizations like the Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate & Kobudo. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our satisfaction guarantee, flexible enrollment options, and specialized programs for schools and corporate clients.
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Adult Karate
Beyond the Spectrum Program
Kobudo Training
Conflict Management Workshops
Highlights and features
- Nationally qualified, internationally accredited instructors with decades of experience
- Age-specific programs tailored to child development and neurodiverse needs
- NDIS-registered Beyond the Spectrum program designed by autistic educators
- Satisfaction guarantee with no lock-in contracts and flexible enrollment
- Traditional Goki-Kai Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo training under 3rd dan certified instructors
Associations and certifications
- Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate & Kobudo
- NDIS Provider (4050113138)
What people say
Increased confidence
Inclusive environment
Expert instructors
NDIS support
Age-appropriate curriculum
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts program develops confidence, discipline, and self-defence skills through age-specific training. Children learn stranger danger awareness, resilience, and respect in a structured environment. The curriculum aligns with developmental milestones, ensuring safe progression for all skill levels.
Beyond the Spectrum Program
This NDIS-registered program supports neurodiverse children with specialized martial arts training. Designed by autistic instructors, it builds social skills, physical literacy, and confidence through pre-martial arts drills and sensory-friendly instruction tailored to individual needs.
Adult Karate
Adult Karate classes focus on self-defence, fitness, and stress reduction. Participants gain strength, coordination, and confidence through traditional Goki-Kai Karate techniques. Sessions blend ancient philosophies with modern sports psychology for practical real-world application.
Kobudo Training
Kobudo classes teach traditional Okinawan weapons like the bo, sai, and nunchaku. Under 3rd dan certified instructors, students explore historical techniques while improving focus and physical control through this complementary practice to karate.
Conflict Management Workshops
Corporate conflict management programs develop de-escalation strategies and occupational violence prevention skills. Tailored to organizational policies, these workshops enhance team collaboration, emotional regulation, and safe workplace practices using evidence-based martial arts principles.
People
Sensei John Trebilco
Kyoshi, Rokudan
Internationally accredited martial artist with decades of experience in Goki-Kai Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. Leads family-friendly programs across multiple locations while maintaining strict safety standards and child development focus.
Damien
Chief Instructor
3rd dan certified in Ryukyu Kobudo Hozonkai with extensive experience delivering martial arts programs in schools and corporate settings. Specializes in neurodiverse education and traditional weapons training.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Goki-Kai Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo, focusing on traditional techniques and character development for all ages.
Are classes available for neurodiverse children?
Yes, our NDIS-registered Beyond the Spectrum program offers specialized martial arts therapy tailored to neurodiverse needs.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, try two weeks of unlimited classes for $39.99 with a free uniform to experience our programs.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors are nationally qualified, internationally accredited, and have decades of experience in martial arts and child development.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow a strict Student Code of Conduct and maintain 1:3 instructor-student ratios for all classes.
Can adults join martial arts classes?
Yes, our Adult Karate program focuses on fitness, self-defence, and stress reduction for all experience levels.
Reviews (4)
Kurt Bannister
Oct 06, 2020
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Unfortunately I have had to stop training because of family life but I will be back one day with my yellow belt to continue learning. I was welcomed by all staff and students from day 1 despite having no martial arts experience and was never made to feel out of place. SCMA is a place that makes you feel part of the family, all teachers very attentive to your learning. Give this place a go, you wont regret it.
James Ball
Jan 21, 2020
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I've been training in various styles for 20 years and Southern Cross Martial Arts is up there with the best. Very knowledgeable instructors combined with excellent premises and equipment make for great classes.
Update - both myself and ten year old son train at SCMA and we both love it. They cater for both our training needs perfectly and were both learning a lot from our time there. My son is learning confidence and skills that will help him for the rest of his life, its way beyond > just< doing karate, its helping him to succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.
Update 2 - Still training
Update - both myself and ten year old son train at SCMA and we both love it. They cater for both our training needs perfectly and were both learning a lot from our time there. My son is learning confidence and skills that will help him for the rest of his life, its way beyond > just< doing karate, its helping him to succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.
Update 2 - Still training
Jasmin Weightman
Jan 01, 2020
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Staff make classes fun and entertaining, they are also very knowledgable. Very convenient location :)
Sacha Larkham
Dec 28, 2019
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Blake and his team are amazing! They have helped my son to continue his interest in this art and to stay active. Thank you so much!
