When I first got to Adelaide, one of the first things I did was to look for a martial arts academy…read moreI could train at. I used to do alot of martial arts back in college and for me being in Adelaide was fantastic as they had alot of different styles around to try out. Nino's academy came onto my radar after I met him at a 12 hour training workshop organized by my then Capoeira instructor Chan Griffith. Nino is a really soft spoken friendly individual, though when he gets down to business, there is no question about his skill as a martial artist. His academy is located along King William St, though you wouldn't see it if you didn't know it was there as it is downstairs in the basement level. I find this really cool and always used to feel like I was entering a secret training lair whenever I went over to train. They teach a number of different martial arts, from kick boxing to Kali (Filipino stick fighting) to grappling. The atmosphere is friendly and the people that attend his classes come in all shapes, ages and sizes. I remember this one lady, she must have been at least 60 and abit shorter than me but she scared me! Doing kick boxing drills with her, I was sure she was going to knock my head off, but that just challenged me to try harder as well. Besides that, everyone is very easy going and no one is going to make you feel bad if you can't get a technique right away. Most people are beginners and advanced students will usually go for Nino's private or advanced classes outside of normal training times. Nino regularly travels to the states to work and train at Dan Inosanto's academy in LA. Nino's academy is well equipped with bags, pads and qualified instructors, so if you're looking for a place to meet people, learn a range of martial arts, get fit and just have fun, you should check out Nino's academy.

Used to be great. One instructor is known to have favourites { something confirmed to me by other…read moremuch more established members} and their covert antagonism toward those they dont like is never addressed. Of note is that there is not an incident that leads to this...they just decide they dont like you and that's it. Additionally, when you get told what you can wear OUTSIDE of the training area and training times, and the reason given is that it somehow magically reflects on people half way around the world, you have to pause and wonder.

What do I have to say about this place. One word. Intense! I'd only attended a few classes but I…read morehave to say I really enjoyed them as their training is focused on conditioning you so that you can react appropriately in dangerous real world situations. You'd think that the instructors there would be mean and hardcore, and I'm sure they can be when they're really getting into it. However as a new person walking off the street, the class was explained to me and I was treated politely as though I'd just walked into any other martial arts dojo. The funny thing was that I had gone to try out their class just shortly after breaking my nose in another martial arts class. I think I had a glutton for punishment back then, but I was adamant to give their class a go before I headed home for uni holidays. The people there are pro's and they don't water down situations or necessarily try to make you feel safe as you are training. Everything is high intensity, and I think that is important if you really want to get the adrenaline pumping in order to condition yourself to deal with potentially stressful fight or flight situations. While they do teach you to punch and kick, elegance isn't as important as effectiveness and the focus is more on making sure you hit your opponent as opposed to executing a flawless technique. The people I met there were all very ordinary so I would say this is something everyone should try out at least once. They aren't the cheapest classes to attend, but I wouldn't say they are any more expensive than other gyms that teach serious martial arts. If you're looking for practical defensive skills that you can apply when the stuff really hits the fan, I recommend checking this class out. For beginners, you'd go through an 8 week intro program which costs $75 and after that you can decide which type of membership plan best suits your needs.

Very effective martial arts training system that promotes various degrees of force depending on the…read morecircumstance. Good for dealing with knives and guns. Excellent weapons training systems. Krav is an effective martial art for self defence and protection of life.

I'm in town for 2 weeks and train in America. I was looking to train while I was in town, nothing…read moreout of the ordinary. The head trainer said I had to pay the membership fee AND the monthly fee ($260) just to train for 2 weeks. I asked him if he could waive the membership fee, he said no. I left. Very strange to not at least accept a monthly charge for 2 weeks worth of training.

There are a lot of McDojos out there. These are places that will teach you something for a few…read moremonths then charge you a fortune to get a belt. This is not a McDojo!! I've studied at a few different martial arts schools in the 21 years I've been training, and never have I experienced the techniques learned at this place. The instructor Dante has been doing martial arts for over 50 years all over the world. He has studied many different styles of martial arts including weapons and is a wealth of knowledge. If you bring a technique to Dante he will explore it for a whole class, showing variations and counters, then counters to the counters. It's refreshing not being in a class that believes that their style is the be all and end all of martial arts. Dante is also very open to new styles and ways of doing things. The class is primarily judo and ju jitsu and this is what the syllabus is based on. Rarely does the class stick to the syllabus though. I'm always fascinated with how the class always ends up going on different tangents. If you love martial arts you won't find another club like it!

The aptly named Martial Arts Shop sells.... you guessed it, martial arts gear and accessories…read more Located on Morphett Street in China town, this store sells pretty much anything the serious martial artist might be looking for. From wooden swords to training gear to videos and books. You name it, their store probably has it. The last time I was there the owner Alex sold me a wushu broadsword for a good price and made good effort to point out a flaw in the swords sheath which he then gave me a discount for as well. When you walk in, the main counter is on your left, behind which you can look up and see weapons from all kinds of martial arts. If you turn right, training gear and clothing can be seen lining the walls and wooden swords and sticks are on display as well. Further along towards the back are shelves which hold books that help you train in different martial arts. I still find martial arts equipment here comparatively more expensive than back home, but hey it really isn't fair to compare. When I first flew to Adelaide as a student, I attempted to transport my wooden nunchaku into the country (nunchaku are the weapons which the orange ninja turtle Michaelangelo used ~ cowabunga?) but little did I know that not only was it illegal it transport untreated wood into the country, it was illegal to bring weapons such as NUNCHUCKS without the proper license as well. It was a sad moment for me to part with the weapon I had had for the better part of 2 years and trained with through blood sweat and tears, however finding a martial arts store in the city when I arrived did help mitigate the overwhelming sadness I was feeling. Whether you're looking for wooden swords, books or training equipment, the Martial Arts Shop will sort you out. For a better idea of the equipment they sell, check out their website to see their full catalogue and place an order if there's something you want... like nunchucks.

Of the two main martial arts shops in Adelaide I prefer to go to this one, as do most of the other…read moremartial artists I train with. If you want a training gii for any martial art you're studying you'll find it here. They have a huge amount of shelf space dedicated to training clothes, from karate, to judo, to ju jitsu, iaido... you name it, it's here. I've also purchased all of my weapons from this place. I bought my sai and tonfa 16 years ago and they still serve me well today. Infact they even sell the exact same style that I bought 16 years ago. More recently I purchased a katana which, while being more expensive than buying it online, has served me well. They also supplied me with a cleaning kit for the sword. You'll find a large selection of training guides and DVDs as well. They're always getting in new DVDs, and you'll normally see one playing in the background. They also offer to let martial arts school advertise in the store. Yes it's pricey, but the service is great, and the range is huge.

I've been attending twice a week for about a week and I am very pleased with the experience…read more Instruction is gradual but thorough - appropriate for all ages and experience levels. Having never previously been athletically inclined, I now go out of my way to make it to as many training sessions at Norwood as possible. Every class is enjoyable and raises a sweat. This is the first form of regular exercise or sport that I have ever stuck with for more than a couple of months. Pete.