Finding the right place to train can completely transform your fitness journey, especially if you’re looking for an ego-free environment that builds real confidence.

However, hunting for a great martial arts gym in Perth usually means wading through a massive mix of disciplines, timetables, and pricing plans. It can get overwhelming fast.

The good news is that plenty of local academies offer excellent beginner-friendly programs, family classes, and flexible options, making them a fun, high-energy alternative to a boring standard gym membership. 

To save you the legwork, I’ve vetted the best spots around town that will help you hit your goals safely. Here are my top picks!

1. Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu

Website: kaizenbjj.com.au

Address: 185 Claisebrook Road

Contact: +61 403 040 042

Hours: 

• Mon: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tue: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Wed: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Thu: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Getting started with grappling can feel daunting, but Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu takes the pressure off! 

First of all, this Claisebrook Road academy offers an inclusive space that centres on grappling arts and steady, functional progression. 

The coaching staff includes highly experienced black belts who give genuinely personalised guidance, which my friend who trains here really values.

From what I’ve seen, they put individual safety and trust first. You can build your foundations comfortably with their structured beginner curriculum that runs through 23 rotating lessons.

On top of that, they offer training options grouped by age, from 4-year-olds to young adults, plus dedicated instruction for women.

Just keep in mind that all beginner foundational classes require a traditional Gi uniform, so new students cannot jump straight into No-Gi grappling techniques.

Great atmosphere for learning a great new skill

I was nervous getting into martial arts at 37 years of age, but from my first day at Kaizen Lab every single person (staff and students) have been more than friendly, encouraging, and helpful. There is no macho nonsense here. Brandon and Dorothy have created a great atmosphere for learning a great new skill.

– polus24 | Google Review

Recommended

Brandon is a master of his domain. As someone that has had no formal BJJ training previously, I felt welcomed from the get-go and the training for beginners is detailed, well paced and informative. The culture of the class is excellent and the fellow students who are of a higher belt take the time to ensure you are enjoying the class. For anyone that wants to commence BJJ I can’t recommend Brandon and Kaizen Lab enough.

– Rory Mitchell | Google Review

2. Guardians Gym

Website: guardiansgym.com

Address: 72 Brown St

Contact: 0432 398 024

Hours: 

• Mon: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Tue & Thu: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM, 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Wed: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Fri: 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

If you want to learn a few combat styles in one central spot, Guardians Gym in East Perth really stands out. 

They run a structured training system that helps everyday people grow into confident practitioners across styles like Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai (Thai boxing).

I dropped in to check out one of their afternoon sessions recently, and the supportive community vibe was obvious straight away.

New members can take advantage of an excellent intro program that grants four weeks of unlimited training to explore the gym, and there are great classes for kids to build physical confidence early on.

Just note that the dedicated children’s Jiu-Jitsu program is capped at age 14, so older teenagers need to move into the adult classes.

Amazing gym

Amazing gym. I arrived there as a complete beginner with no martial arts experience at all. César gave me an amazing training session, and I honestly learned a lot in just one hour. I may be leaving Perth now, but thanks to him I’ll definitely keep at it.

– David Jehle | Google Review

Awesome martial arts gym

Awesome martial arts gym with amazing coaches and friendly staff. Very welcoming community with a good mix of levels and found that everyone was happy to help me learn and go at my pace as a newbie. Couldn’t recommend Guardians enough!

– Matt Upston | Google Review

3. Perth Martial Arts Centre

Website: perthmartialartscentre.com.au

Address: 16 Trade Road, Malaga

Contact: 0420 836 476

Hours: 

• Mon & Wed: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Tue & Thu: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Fri: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sat: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Tracking down unique, international training styles in one spot isn’t easy, but Perth Martial Arts Centre pulls it off brilliantly. 

They teach a wide variety of disciplines, including authentic Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines dance, acrobatics, and music for a killer workout in coordination and flexibility. 

Plus, their qualified instructors guide students safely through every experience level.

I also appreciate how the gym keeps a totally safe, ego-free vibe where all fitness levels and genders feel welcome.

Parents will also love their specialized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, which is specifically structured for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 3 to 15). 

Just keep an eye on the schedule before you sign up, though. Their training is split between two separate facilities in Malaga and Ellenbrook, so you might face a bit of extra commuting depending on the specific class you choose.

Best martial arts club I’ve ever gone to

Best Martial Arts/BJJ club I’ve ever gone to. Everyone is treated with respect and is very kind. Master Goiore is very respectful, and has great knowledge of the martial arts Capoeira and BJJ; he is one of few Capoeira Masters! The club is the best you’ll find in Ellenbrook and Malaga.

– Jamie Velkoski | Google Review

Highly recommend

A lot of places say we are all family here, but PMC truly lives up to this motto. Spending 6 days a week here across both clubs, it never feels a burden to come here, even when I need to go to both clubs in one day. My daughter has excelled under the instruction of the incredible coaches, and now my 2 boys also train. Highly recommend to anyone, especially those who need to be surrounded by good people.

– fishStyx | Google Review

4. Combat Arts Institute of Australia

Website: combatartsinstitute.com.au

Address: 341 Oxford St

Contact: 08 9389 9489

Hours: 

• Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
• Sat: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

If you’re juggling crazy work hours or a FIFO schedule, finding a gym that actually fits your routine can be a total nightmare. Combat Arts Institute of Australia in Leederville solves that problem beautifully. 

They’ve built a super supportive, attitude-free community that prioritises personal safety and expert coaching. A close mate of mine trains here during his time off and always raves about how accommodating the staff are with rosters.

The coolest part is their custom membership passes tailored specifically to FIFO schedules, meaning you only pay for the weeks you’re actually in town. They also hand out great discounts to emergency services and law enforcement personnel.

Just a heads-up if you’re a total newbie: you’ll need to complete a specialised beginner onboarding program before you can jump straight into their regular group classes.

Amazing club

An amazing club, not just for the wide range of martial arts offered and the openness to move between disciplines, but the culture of train hard and support each other along the journey is its strength!! I look forward to getting back.

– Mark Parker | Google Review

10/10

If you are interested in self improvement and learning valuable life skills, I highly recommend joining! All the instructors are highly skilled and passionate about what they do. I was instantly welcomed the moment I stepped in the door, and now I consider everyone there as my second family! Could not ask for anything more from a martial arts gym. 10/10.

– Aleksandar Milosevic | Google Review

5. M1FC Mixed Martial Arts

Website: m1fc.com.au

Address: 5B/443 Scarborough Beach Road

Contact: 0422 109 225

Hours: 

• Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you want to train under seasoned champions, M1FC Mixed Martial Arts in Osborne Park brings over 25 years of experience to the mats. 

They offer an expansive schedule with over 60 sessions each week to fit any lifestyle, making it incredibly easy to find a time that works for you. It’s also an ideal spot if you’re looking for a professional personal trainer to really sharpen your competitive edge.

Beginners can ease in with an exclusive 5-week intro course designed to build your BJJ fundamentals step by step, while advanced athletes get dedicated competition classes focused on strategy and high-pressure conditioning. 

They even round out their schedule with great supporting wellness perks like specialised yoga and mobility training.

Just keep in mind that they tilt heavily toward competitive combat sports and MMA, so you won’t find traditional, non-combative martial arts styles on the menu here.

Incredible

Incredible martial arts gym that is family run with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all facets of the arts. The gym is suitable for all levels of experience, whether a first timer or experienced fighter. Classes are led by the best of the best in each field and, more importantly, the energy and atmosphere is genuine, warm and engaging.

– Gary Neugebauer | Google Review

Recommended

Excellent martial arts gym. It has a great, friendly atmosphere. I’m stoked to be training BJJ there, and only regret not having committed to it years ago. Ian is a great instructor, and Habby and Linda are really welcoming and run a first class organisation. I can’t recommend M1FC highly enough.

– Justin Bick | Google Review