Melbourne's Premier Martial Arts Academy

Stronger.
Focused.
Unstoppable.

Martial Arts Training for All Ages. From beginners to competitors, we forge champions on and off the mat in Melbourne, VIC.

12+
Years Training
9
Disciplines
800+
Members
47
Competition Titles
BJJ
Black Belt Instructors
IFMA
Certified Muay Thai Coaches
IBJJF
Registered Competition Team
5:1
Student-to-Coach Ratio
What We Train

Nine Disciplines. One Academy.

From ground grappling to stand-up striking, our comprehensive curriculum gives you every tool you need to become a complete martial artist or simply the best version of yourself.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The gentle art of leverage and submission grappling. Learn to control and submit opponents of any size using technique over strength. Beginner to competition tracks available.

BJJ All Levels
Muay Thai

The art of eight limbs. Develop devastating strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and kicks. Thailand's national sport, refined for fitness and ring competition.

Striking Competition Ready
Kickboxing

High-energy stand-up combat combining punches and kicks. Perfect for fitness, self-defence, or stepping into the ring for your first amateur bout.

Striking Fitness
Boxing

The sweet science. Master head movement, footwork, and precise punching combinations under the guidance of former professional fighters.

Striking Technical
MMA - Mixed Martial Arts

The complete combat sport. Integrate striking, wrestling, and submission grappling. Train with athletes who compete at state and national MMA events.

MMA Elite
Kids Karate

Structured martial arts for children aged 4-14. Build confidence, focus, and discipline while having fun. Belt grading system keeps kids motivated and progressing.

Kids Ages 4-14
Adults Self-Defence

Practical, no-nonsense self-defence for real-world situations. Combines elements of BJJ, Muay Thai, and situational awareness training for everyday people.

Self-Defence All Ages
Judo

Olympic grappling with a focus on powerful throws and takedowns. Develop explosive hip movement, grip strength, and the ability to throw any opponent.

Grappling Olympic Sport
Wrestling

Control where the fight happens. Folkstyle and freestyle wrestling develops elite takedown ability, scrambles, and top-control that forms the backbone of great MMA.

Grappling MMA Foundation
No Obligation. No Experience Needed.

Your First Class is On Us.

Walk through the door, try any class, meet the coaches. If it's not for you, no hard feelings. But we think it will be.

Book Your Free Trial Now

Available for all disciplines. Ages 4 and up. Walk-ins welcome.

Weekly Timetable

Class Schedule

Classes run 7 days. Pick any program and train at times that fit your life.

Day Time Class Level Duration
Monday 06:30 AM BJJ Fundamentals All Levels 60 min
Monday 07:00 PM BJJ Intermediate Blue Belt + 90 min
Wednesday 06:30 AM BJJ Fundamentals All Levels 60 min
Wednesday 07:00 PM Open Mat / Sparring All Levels 90 min
Friday 06:30 AM Competition Prep BJJ Advanced 90 min
Friday 07:00 PM BJJ No-Gi All Levels 75 min
Saturday 09:00 AM BJJ All Levels All Levels 90 min
Day Time Class Level Duration
Tuesday 06:00 AM Muay Thai Basics Beginners 60 min
Tuesday 06:30 PM Muay Thai Technical Intermediate 75 min
Thursday 06:00 AM Muay Thai Basics Beginners 60 min
Thursday 07:00 PM Sparring / Clinch Advanced 90 min
Saturday 08:00 AM Kickboxing Fitness All Levels 60 min
Sunday 10:00 AM Muay Thai Open Drill All Levels 75 min
Day Time Class Level Duration
Monday 05:30 PM Boxing Fundamentals All Levels 60 min
Tuesday 07:30 PM MMA Conditioning Intermediate 75 min
Wednesday 05:30 PM Boxing Technical Intermediate 75 min
Thursday 05:30 PM MMA Integration Advanced 90 min
Friday 05:30 PM Wrestling Takedowns All Levels 60 min
Saturday 10:30 AM MMA Competition Prep Elite Only 120 min
Day Time Class Ages Duration
Monday 04:00 PM Little Dragons Karate 4-7 yrs 45 min
Monday 05:00 PM Junior Karate 8-14 yrs 60 min
Wednesday 04:00 PM Little Dragons Karate 4-7 yrs 45 min
Wednesday 05:00 PM Kids BJJ 6-14 yrs 60 min
Friday 04:00 PM Junior Karate 8-14 yrs 60 min
Saturday 09:00 AM Kids All-Styles 4-14 yrs 60 min
Day Time Class Level Duration
Tuesday 06:00 PM Adults Self-Defence Basics All Levels 60 min
Thursday 06:00 PM Scenario Self-Defence Intermediate 75 min
Saturday 11:00 AM Judo Throws + Takedowns All Levels 60 min
Sunday 09:00 AM Women's Self-Defence All Levels 60 min
Simple Pricing

Choose Your Membership

No lock-in contracts. Cancel or change plans anytime. Train as often as you like.

Casual
$25
per class, pay as you go
  • Access to any single class
  • No membership required
  • All disciplines available
  • Mat fees included
  • No booking priority
Get Started
Family Plan
$199
per month, up to 4 family members
  • Up to 4 family members
  • Unlimited classes for all
  • Kids programs included
  • Free grading registration
  • Family competition prep
Enrol Family

All memberships include a free first trial class. Bring the family. No contract. Cancel anytime.

Start with a Free Trial
Inside the Gym

Where Champions Train

The Path to Mastery

Belt Grading System

Our structured belt progressions give you clear milestones to work toward. Gradings are held every 3-4 months and are a celebration of your hard work.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belts
  • White Belt
    Foundations of position, escapes, and basic submissions. Typical progression: 12-18 months with consistent training.
  • Blue Belt
    Solid understanding of all fundamental positions. Typical time: 1-2 years. 4 stripe system tracks progress.
  • Purple Belt
    Advanced techniques and deep conceptual understanding. Minimum 18 months at blue. Often assists with instruction.
  • Brown Belt
    High-level refinement and preparation for black belt. Minimum 1 year at purple. Competition recommended.
  • Black Belt
    Mastery of the art. Average 10 years from white. Recognized globally by IBJJF. The beginning of true understanding.
Kids Karate Belts
  • White Belt
    Basic stances, blocking, and listening skills. Focus on following instruction and dojo etiquette.
  • Yellow Belt
    Basic kata, punch and kick combinations. Introduced to sparring pads and partner drills.
  • Orange Belt
    More complex kata, self-defence scenarios, developing power and precision in techniques.
  • Green Belt
    Intermediate kata, controlled light sparring, leadership within the junior class structure.
  • Blue Belt
    Advanced combinations, competition-level sparring, and mentoring newer students.
  • Brown Belt
    Pre-black belt. Demonstrates all previous material plus advanced kata and leadership qualities.
  • Junior Black Belt (Shodan)
    The highest junior rank. Demonstrates technical mastery, character, and commitment. A life achievement.

Gradings are held quarterly and assessed by our head instructors. Progress is based on technical skill, mat time, and character development, not just time served. Stripe assessments happen every 3-6 months between major gradings.

IBJJF and IMMAF Registered

CanvasForge Competition Team

Our competition team represents CanvasForge at state, national, and international events. Competing in BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, and Kickboxing, our athletes are supported with specialised competition coaching, fight camps, and nutrition guidance.

Open to Monthly Unlimited and Family members. Tryouts held quarterly. All competitive levels welcome, from first amateurs to seasoned pros.

Apply for Competition Team
47
Titles Won
12
Active Competitors
6
State Championships
3
National Titles
Ages 4 to 14

Built to Build Better Kids.

Our junior programs are far more than martial arts. We use structured training to build character traits that serve children for life. Our curriculum is designed in partnership with child development experts and experienced educators.

Kids martial arts training Melbourne
Focus and Attention

In an age of constant distraction, martial arts trains the mind to be fully present. Kids learn to focus on instruction, retain technique, and apply skills under gentle pressure. Teachers often report visible improvements in classroom attention.

Discipline and Respect

Every class begins and ends with a bow. Children learn to respect their instructors, peers, and themselves. The dojo has clear rules, consistent expectations, and positive reinforcement that builds self-regulation and follow-through.

Confidence Building

Belt progressions give kids tangible goals and visible achievement. Each class is a small win. Over months of training, shy, uncertain children become self-assured young people who walk taller, speak up, and back themselves.

Anti-Bullying Program

We teach children how to de-escalate conflict verbally, how to walk away with confidence, and - only if truly necessary - how to protect themselves. Our approach reduces bullying through empowerment, not aggression. Bullies target the unsure. We remove that target.

Trial class for every new child
Parent observation area
Blue Card certified instructors
Progress reports each term
Quarterly belt gradings
Our Coaching Team

Elite Instructors. Real Credentials.

Every coach at CanvasForge holds verifiable qualifications, belt rankings, or professional fight records. You learn from people who have been there.

Marcus Delgado - BJJ Head Coach
Marcus Delgado
BJJ Head Coach
  • IBJJF Black Belt (4th Degree)
  • Pan American Champion 2016
  • 18 years teaching BJJ
  • Trained under Marcelo Garcia
Sontaya Phetdam - Muay Thai Head Coach
Sontaya Phetdam
Muay Thai Head Coach
  • IFMA Level 3 Certified
  • 54 Professional Fights (41W)
  • Former Thailand National Champion
  • 22 years Muay Thai experience
Jake Thornton - MMA and Boxing Coach
Jake Thornton
MMA and Boxing Coach
  • Black Belt in Judo (2nd Dan)
  • 12-2 Professional MMA Record
  • IMMAF Oceania Champion 2019
  • Certified S&C Coach (ASCA)
Lisa Chen - Kids Program Director
Lisa Chen
Kids Program Director
  • 3rd Dan Black Belt Karate
  • Blue Card Certified
  • B.Ed Primary Education
  • 14 years coaching children
Parent Reviews

What Parents Are Saying

My son started at CanvasForge 18 months ago as a shy, anxious 7-year-old who was being teased at school. He just earned his orange belt and the change in him is remarkable. He walks differently, talks differently. He actually told a bully to back off last term and it worked. Best investment we've made.

Sarah M.
Sarah M.
Mum of Noah, age 8. Southbank, VIC

We have both our daughters (5 and 10) and our son (13) training here. The coaches are incredible with different age groups. Lisa is a magician with the little ones and Jake has our son fired up about competing. The family plan is brilliant value. We spend Saturday mornings here and genuinely love it.

David R.
David R.
Father of three. Richmond, VIC

As a single mum I was nervous about putting my daughter in a combat sport. I met Lisa before enrolling and all my worries disappeared. My daughter is 9, trains twice a week, and her school reports say she's more focused and participates more in class. The discipline they teach here is real and it carries over everywhere.

Amanda K.
Amanda K.
Mum of Zoe, age 9. Fitzroy, VIC

I joined for my own training (BJJ) and was so impressed I enrolled my 12-year-old too. Marcus is an exceptional coach who explains the why behind every technique. My son now drills with me at home on weekends. Training together has been great for our relationship on top of everything else.

Tom H.
Tom H.
Member + Kids Parent. Collingwood, VIC

My 6-year-old has ASD and I wasn't sure if structured martial arts would work. Lisa adapted the lessons brilliantly. The predictable routine and clear visual cues suit his learning style perfectly. He gets excited every Monday and Wednesday for class. That alone is worth everything.

Priya S.
Priya S.
Mum of Aiden, age 6. Carlton, VIC

My teenage son (14) was heading down the wrong path - disengaged at school, hanging out with the wrong group. A family friend recommended CanvasForge. Six months in, he has purpose, goals, and a team that holds him accountable in a positive way. His grades have improved and he talks about competing next year.

Michael B.
Michael B.
Father of Liam, age 14. Prahran, VIC
Get in Touch

Book Your Free Trial

Fill in your details and we'll confirm your free trial class within 24 hours. Choose any discipline, any age group. No gear needed for your first visit.

Find Us in Melbourne

What to Bring to Your Trial

  • Comfortable workout clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Thongs or shoes (removed at mat edge)
  • An open mind and willingness to try
  • No prior experience needed
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