Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Brisbane
Martial Arts Queensland was founded in January 2005 by Matthew and Angelique Cugola, a family-owned business dedicated to enhancing physical skills through modern scientific principles of health and human movement. Our structured programs focus on self-defense, fitness, and discipline, guided by full-time instructors who live and breathe martial arts. With academies in Toowong, Jamboree Heights, and satellite locations across Brisbane, we offer tailored classes for children and adults in Japanese Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing. Our instructors hold blue cards and coaching accreditations, ensuring safe, professional training environments. We emphasize confidence-building, practical fear management, and real-world self-defense techniques, fostering a supportive community where students of all ages thrive.Since our establishment, we have maintained a commitment to structured yet open-minded learning, with a proven track record of developing resilience and discipline in over 100+ members. Our programs extend beyond physical training, incorporating mental growth and social development to create well-rounded individuals. With six academies operating across Brisbane, we combine accessibility with expertise to deliver martial arts education that adapts to diverse needs while maintaining consistent quality.
Services
Kids Jujitsu
Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Self Defense
Birthday Parties
Incursions
Adult Classes
Youth Programs
Fitness Training
Martial Arts Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of family-led martial arts expertise since 2005
- Our full-time instructors teach martial arts as their primary profession
- Structured programs combine self-defense with practical fear management techniques
- Six Brisbane locations including purpose-built academies in Toowong and Jamboree Heights
- All coaches maintain current blue cards and martial arts coaching accreditations
Associations and certifications
- Blue Card Scheme
What people say
Fantastic coaches
Confidence development
Patient instructors
Family environment
Well rounded activity
Services
Kids Jujitsu
Our Kids Jujitsu program teaches 3-12 year olds essential self-defense skills while improving coordination and discipline. Classes focus on practical techniques for real-world scenarios, helping children develop confidence and physical awareness. The curriculum balances structured learning with playful elements to maintain engagement while instilling core values of respect and perseverance.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training develops ground fighting expertise through controlled sparring and technical drills. Students learn joint locks and chokeholds to subdue opponents regardless of size or strength. The program builds physical conditioning while teaching strategic thinking and mental resilience through progressive belt rankings.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai Kickboxing classes deliver comprehensive fitness training using Thailand's national martial art. Participants develop cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength while mastering strikes with fists, elbows, knees, and shins. The program combines technical instruction with practical application to enhance coordination and self-defense capabilities.
Self Defense
Our self-defense courses teach real-world techniques based on Japanese Jujitsu principles. Students learn to manage physical confrontations through redirection and control methods. The curriculum addresses various threat scenarios, emphasizing de-escalation strategies and situational awareness alongside physical defense mechanics.
Birthday Parties
Martial Arts themed birthday parties feature specialized classes where children learn basic techniques while celebrating. Each event includes structured games, a martial arts lesson, and traditional cake-cutting with a samurai sword. The program accommodates ages 5-15 with age-appropriate activities and safety-focused instruction.
People
Matthew Cugola
Head Instructor
Matthew Cugola founded Martial Arts Queensland in 2005, bringing extensive martial arts expertise to his role as head instructor. He oversees all training programs while maintaining active teaching responsibilities across multiple locations. His leadership ensures consistent quality across the organization's six training centers.
Angelique Cugola
Administrator
Angelique Cugola manages administrative operations for Martial Arts Queensland, supporting the organization's growth since its 2005 establishment. She coordinates logistics and client services while raising six children who have all participated in the academy's programs. Her organizational skills ensure smooth daily operations.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Japanese Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing for children and adults across our Brisbane locations.
Do you provide trial classes?
Yes, we offer a free week of unlimited training to experience all our martial arts programs before committing to membership.
Are your instructors qualified?
All our instructors hold current blue cards and martial arts coaching accreditations, with many teaching full-time as their primary profession.
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide programs for children aged 3+ through adults, with specialized classes for different age groups and skill levels.
Do you offer birthday party packages?
Yes, we host martial arts-themed birthday parties with structured lessons, games, and traditional samurai sword cake-cutting ceremonies.
Where are your training locations?
We operate six locations across Brisbane including Toowong, Jamboree Heights, Brookfield, Wavell Heights, Keperra, and The Gap.
Reviews (5)
Angela Armstrong
Nov 14, 2021
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My daughters confidence and coordination has grown so much since starting the Little Warrior program 💪🏼
Andrew Mackie-Smith
Aug 08, 2021
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Shane and the team at MAQLD Jamboree Heights are professional, friendly and make getting fit and learning martial arts safe and fun. Fantastic dojo facilities and very welcoming to new students.
Gokce Yilmaz
Nov 05, 2020
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My both kids went to Martial Arts Queensland. We have never got any feedback about our kids' progress. In addition, even we informed them we wanted to change our membership, we constantly paid full unlimited membership payment, nobody informed/warned us that we are still in unlimited membership type while coming only one day a week. When I… informed them, they did not refund my extra payment even COVID times, only booking classes were available, still, we paid the unlimited membership cost. They only offered me half. I don't think this is fair.
Emily De Vries
Oct 12, 2020
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Absolutely brilliant instructors - cannot recommend them enough. My son was feeling tired after 1st week back at school so didn't finish his lesson, Sempai Shane messaged to check on him later that afternoon - so appreciate this extra care. Emily
Russ De Russ
Jun 17, 2019
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Pros: Currently very Good bjj teachers. Good facilities. Good number of adult classes/week. Excellent value for adults if you want train every day or even 2x per day. Cons: Not such good value for casual or 1/week rollers: $5 extra pp to pay by payWave. Welcome to 2019...
