Women's self-defence in Melbourne.
Awareness, boundaries and simple physical skills to break free and get away — practised at your pace, in a small, respectful class.
Women train in all regular classes at Jeet Kune Do Legacy Academy in Maidstone, Melbourne (ages 14+). Every drill is supervised and sparring is never compulsory. A women-only self-defence workshop is being planned: tell us you're interested and we'll contact you when dates are set. Your first regular class is free.
Self-defence skills that work for women
Size and strength matter less when your skills are simple, well-timed and drilled until they are automatic.
Awareness and boundaries
Noticing warning signs early, keeping distance and using a clear, confident voice to set boundaries and de-escalate.
Breaking free from grabs
Escapes from wrist, clothing and body holds, using structure and angles rather than strength.
Strike to create space
Simple strikes and low kicks aimed at one goal: make space and get away safely.
Getting back up
What to do if you end up on the ground: protect yourself, stand up and move to safety.
Calm under pressure
Drills become gradually more realistic so your body learns to respond instead of freezing.
Confidence that lasts
Regular practice builds skills that stay with you — far more than a one-off seminar can.
A safe place to learn
Classes are small and every drill is supervised, so you are never left to figure things out alone. You choose your intensity, and sparring is never compulsory — it is only introduced at intermediate level, under the instructor's supervision.
Women train alongside men in the regular group classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm and Saturday at 9:30 am. Teenage girls can join from 14.
Not sure where to begin? Read self-defence for women: what actually works, or start with a private lesson if you'd rather learn one-on-one first.
What our students say.
Women-only self-defence workshop
We are planning a dedicated women-only self-defence workshop in Maidstone. Dates and format are not set yet. To be first to hear, leave your details on the free class form and tell Sigung Vargas on the call that you're interested in the workshop — or call 0459 785 073.
Where we train in Melbourne
Our school is in Maidstone, in Melbourne's inner west — about 10 km from the CBD, close to Footscray, Maribyrnong and Sunshine.
- Address
- Unit 6 / 72-80 Hampstead Rd, Maidstone VIC 3012
- Parking
- Free parking at Hampstead Rd
- Bus
- Route 406 — stop Wattle Rd/Hampstead Rd
- Phone
- 0459 785 073
Students travel to us from all over the north and west:
- Essendon
- Moonee Ponds
- Avondale Heights
- Brunswick
- Broadmeadows
- Footscray
- Maribyrnong
- Sunshine
- Yarraville
Guides worth reading
Self-defence for women: what actually works
Self defence for women that actually works: awareness, boundaries, simple strikes and escapes, plus what to look for in women's classes in Melbourne.
Read →
What is the best martial art for self-defence? An honest comparison
Is there a best martial art for self-defence? An honest look at Krav Maga, BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, Wing Chun and JKD, from a Melbourne academy.
Read →
Your First Jeet Kune Do Class: What to Expect
Your first Jeet Kune Do class in Melbourne: how booking works, what to wear, the 60-minute class, fitness, sparring and etiquette. First class free.
Read →Questions people ask
Are the classes women-only?
The regular group classes are mixed and women train in all of them. A separate women-only workshop is being planned — register your interest to hear about dates.
Do I need to be fit or strong?
No. Techniques rely on timing, structure and angles rather than strength, and every drill is scaled to your level.
Will I have to spar?
No. Sparring is only introduced at intermediate level, always supervised, and it is never compulsory.
Can my teenage daughter join?
Yes, from 14 years old. Classes are for teens and adults.
What should I wear?
Comfortable sports clothes. Group classes train barefoot.
How do I get started?
Leave your details on the free class form. Sigung Vargas calls within 24 hours and books your free first class.
Your first class is free.
Come and try a regular class. Sigung Vargas calls you within 24 hours to book a time that suits you.
Book your free class →