Samurai Karate Croydon Dojo — Victoria
4 - 6/1 Maroondah Hwy,
Croydon VIC 3136
Martial Arts Training in Croydon for Kids & Adults
Samurai Karate Croydon has been empowering the people of Croydon and beyond with amazing martial arts training since 1987. We offer premier karate classes and lessons tailored to students of all ages and skill levels. Our dojo is dedicated to providing top-notch instruction, fostering personal growth, and promoting the traditional values of respect, discipline, and perseverance.
Whether you’re searching for karate classes in Croydon, kids karate classes in Croydon, or simply the best karate club in Croydon for your family, Samurai Karate Croydon blends traditional Shukokai discipline with practical self-defence for every age group, from Little Samurai beginners to advanced adult students.
Welcome to Our Croydon Dojo
Welcome to the Croydon dojo. Located prominently at 1 Maroondah Highway, our training centre has become a well-known local landmark for martial arts in the Eastern Suburbs. We are proud to be led by our Head Trainer, Sensei Craig, who brings 40 years of personal martial arts experience and invaluable insights from 15 international training trips to Japan. Whether you are a local resident looking to build your child’s confidence or an adult seeking fitness, our expert instructors are here for you. For those outside the Maroondah area, we also have thriving communities at our Caroline Springs Dojo and Waverley Dojo.
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the best martial arts clubs in Croydon, with families from Ringwood, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and Bayswater also making the trip to train with us. If you’ve been comparing Croydon karate clubs, our combination of traditional Shukokai teaching, certified instructors, and a genuinely local, family-first dojo is why so many families choose to stay.
Karate Programs for Every Age Group
When it comes to choosing a martial arts school for yourself or your children, Samurai Karate Croydon stands out for several reasons. In our dojo, students experience a dynamic program designed to channel energy and focus in a supportive, friendly environment. We offer fully structured KARATE lessons for 4–7-year-olds in our Little Samurai program and Junior classes for 8–12-year-olds. We also have specialised Teens training for ages 13-15 and Adult classes (16+), featuring a holistic approach that is perfect for women’s self-defence. To understand more about how this training helps in everyday life, read about the benefits of joining a martial arts academy.
LITTLE SAMURAI | 4-7
Fully structured karate lessons for 4–7-year-old children at our Croydon dojo. As one of the most popular kids karate classes in Croydon, Little Samurai focuses on proper technical development, coordination, and listening skills, with an emphasis on fun, focus, and discipline in a safe, encouraging environment the perfect first step for martial arts for kids in Croydon.
JUNIORS | 8-12
A wide range of karate training for 8–12-year-old kids, and one of the most complete karate-for-kids programs in Croydon. Fully structured sessions range from fundamental skill development through to elite sport training in kata and kumite (sparring), helping every child progress through grading at their own pace.
TEENS | 13-15
Discover the power of martial arts training tailored specifically for teens at Samurai Karate Croydon. Our Teens program bridges the gap between our junior and adult classes, building confidence, discipline, and practical self-defence skills during a pivotal age.
ADULTS | 16+
Unleash your potential with our specialised adult karate classes, tailored for individuals aged 16 to 65. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to training, our certified instructors guide every session, making Samurai Karate one of the best martial arts clubs in Croydon for adult fitness and self-defence too.
SELF DEFENCE
Our karate classes in Croydon provide a holistic approach to martial arts, fitness, and well-being, with a special emphasis on training that is perfect for women’s self-defence. Practical, real-world techniques are combined with traditional Shukokai discipline, so every student leaves feeling safer and more confident.
Why Croydon Families Choose Our Dojo
Situated right on Maroondah Highway in the heart of Croydon, our dojo has become a trusted home for martial arts for kids in Croydon and adults alike. Unlike generic fitness studios, our karate club for kids in Croydon focuses equally on physical skill, mental discipline, and real-world self-defence, backed by Sensei Craig’s 40 years of traditional Shukokai teaching and 15 training trips to Japan. From your child’s very first Little Samurai class to advanced adult grading, every student trains within a genuinely local, family-friendly community. If you’re comparing Croydon karate clubs, book our $49 introductory offer and experience the difference for yourself.
Serving Croydon & Surrounding Suburbs
While our dojo is based in Croydon, students regularly travel from Ringwood, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Bayswater, and across Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs to train with us. If you’re looking for a karate club near Croydon that takes both technical development and personal growth seriously, we’d love to welcome you to a free trial class.
OUR HEAD TRAINER
Sensei Craig Taylor
5th Dan Shidoin Kenshi
Hello, I’m Craig, though many call me Sensei. I’m the Head Trainer and Manager at Samurai Karate Croydon. I teach many classes throughout the club from Little Samurai kids to our oldest and toughest black belts 
I currently hold the rank of Shidoin Godan (5th dan) Kenshi.
My Karate journey started 40 years ago, in 1984 when I turned 8. To say I was a reluctant student would be an understatement. It was many years before my training became a passion for focus, discipline, and excellence.
When I was younger, I was a keen kata competitor and had some local success. I’ve travelled internationally to compete and train having been to Japan some 15 times.
Over the years I have complimented my Karate with further training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love the challenge of martial arts training.
Outside the dojo, I love keeping fit, reading and am quite the avid gamer playing ARPGs and RPGs. As a bit of a performer, you’ll occasionally find me streaming online.
Sensei Craig
Coach, Founder
Read full bio
Hello, I’m Craig, though many call me Sensei. I’m the Head Trainer and Manager at Samurai Karate Croydon. I teach many classes throughout the club from Little Samurai kids to our oldest and toughest black belts I currently hold the rank of Shidoin Godan (5th dan) Kenshi.
My Karate journey started 40 years ago, in 1984 when I turned 8. To say I was a reluctant student would be an understatement. It was many years before my training became a passion for focus, discipline, and excellence.
When I was younger, I was a keen kata competitor and had some local success. I’ve travelled internationally to compete and train having been to Japan some 15 times.
Over the years I have complimented my Karate with further training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love the challenge of martial arts training.
Outside the dojo, I love keeping fit, reading and am quite the avid gamer playing ARPGs and RPGs. As a bit of a performer, you’ll occasionally find me streaming online.
Sensei Steven
Coach
Read full bio
Hi, my name is Steven and I started my Karate journey at Samurai Karate Croydon in 1998 as an 8 year old. Though it was my parent’s decision to have my brother and I learn Karate, as an adult who has now been training and teaching for many years I am very thankful for that opportunity.
I have been teaching at Samurai Karate Croydon for over 5 years and currently teach the teenage (cadet) and adult fundamentals group. We have a great time and a lot of fun. I currently hold the rank of Yondan (4th dan).
Karate has become part of who I am and has provided countless amazing experiences, from travelling to Japan, New Zealand and Thailand to the creation of lifelong friendships. As a trainer, I enjoy bringing others along this journey and seeing them develop confidence and practical self defence skills whilst also having fun and making friends.
Aside from Karate, I enjoy doing hands-on projects around the home, getting outdoors – whether it be camping, hiking, snowboarding in winter or paddle boarding in summer and spending time with family and friends.
Sensei Tom
Coach
Read full bio
Howdy, my name is Tom. I started karate over two decades ago at age 6. My parents wanted me to do an activity that would involve my whole body, and bring me self-confidence and fun. When gymnastics and trampolining didn’t quite do the trick, my folks thought ‘Tom loves the Power Rangers – maybe martial arts will be more his speed’” How right they were!
I teach the Junior Fundamentals class on a Monday night, working with 8 – 12 year old kids who are white, red, yellow and orange belt. It’s an amazing experience and a real privilege to help shape these young minds and help them take their first steps on this life changing journey.
I love coaching the next generation of young karateka. Seeing them build friendships and skills that will last a lifetime is incredibly rewarding. Karate has taught me – and continues to teach me – so many valuable lessons. I love sharing these lessons with others.
When I’m not bouncing around the dojo, I’m normally performing on stage or screen (I love a song and dance!), cooking up a storm, or walking and playing with our beautiful rescue dog Happy.
Sensei Simon
Coach
Read full bio
Hey there, I’m Simon, and my Karate journey started back in 2015. I always wanted to do Karate, and I finally found the right time, and the right dojo. The team at Samurai are awesome, making me feel at home since the moment I walked in the door.
My passions are practising and learning Kata. I also really enjoy teaching others. It feels good to pass on what I have learnt so far, but it also helps with my development as a Karateka. It is fair to say that my confidence has increased since I started training.
Outside of the dojo, I enjoy travelling, hanging out with my friends, and playing my guitar to unwind. Life is about finding balance, and with the help of Karate, I’m enjoying every bit of the journey.
Sempai Kayla
Coach
Read full bio
Hi, I’m Kayla. I started karate at six years old because it’s a great way to gain and build self-confidence. Since starting my training, I have stepped out of my shell, being able to run whole classes, as well as being able to take and use those skills in my personal life. For example, I can now give speeches in High School classes with confidence.
I train and coach the Little Samurai class, as well as being a coach for our Junior Advanced group. I really enjoy doing this because it encourages kids from a young age to understand the importance of self-defence, but it is still done in a fun and engaging way. It is also really fun to see students engaging with one another as this is a great place to meet new people and make new friends, some of which can last many many years.
I also enjoy teaching as it gives me a way to focus on the development of others and forget anything that may be causing stress outside the dojo. This can be great for everyone, the dojo can help you to just step away from the outside world for a bit, and spend some time training and socialising with others in a positive environment. Outside of karate, I really enjoy listening to music, playing music and reading.
Sensei Sathish
Coach
Read full bio
Karate can be practiced as an art, self-defense, or as a combat sport. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development.
Feel free to come try a FREE CLASS
Sempai Tom
Coach
Read full bio
Hi, I’m Thomas M
I’m 14 years old, in year nine and very proud to be a senpai for the Junior novice class. In training sessions, I help sensei with improving our students’ technique and demonstrate exactly how our repertoire is used in a practical sense. Coaching you will also help me improve my understanding of the techniques you will be producing, and it will also help the younger generation of karate practitioners progress faster and with more confidence.
I have competed at national level in Australia, and compete in the Victorian Karate League. I started karate when I was 9 years old. I had tried other sports but none of them really suited me, but the day I started karate I knew it was unique and was a great fit for myself. The more I have progressed, this feeling has only grown stronger and stronger, karate is my favourite sport by far. There is so much to learn, you can never run out of things to improve in your own skill set.
I am in high school and enjoy playing basketball with my friends. I train with the karate state team weekly, putting hours of effort into my sport to be the best I can. I am in the high achievers program at my school, and appreciate how important education is, receiving good marks and awards. I also play Violin, practicing a lot, and enjoy music very much.
Sempai Chloe
Coach
Read full bio
Karate can be practiced as an art, self-defense, or as a combat sport. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development.
Feel free to come try a FREE CLASS
Sempai Jack
Coach
Read full bio
Hey, I’m Jack and I’m a 13-year-old brown belt at Samurai Karate Croydon. I’ve been doing karate for more than 5 years now, and it’s become a huge part of my life.
I love competing! There’s this rush I get when I step onto the mat, ready to show what I’ve learned and test myself against others. Recently, I got a silver medal for Kumite, (that’s fighting) at the Victorian State Championships. It felt amazing to see my hard work pay off like that.
I really like helping out with the younger students because it’s cool to see them improve and get excited about karate just like I did when I started. My younger brother trains, he’s a yellow belt, and I really like helping him as well.
Outside of karate, I’m into basketball, video games, hanging out with friends, and trying out new stuff. But karate is special to me. It’s not just about fighting; it’s taught me about respect, discipline, and how to be a good sport.
I’m pumped to keep growing in karate, learning new things, and maybe even inspiring others to give it a try!
VIDEOS
TESTIMONIALS
ONLINE REGISTRATION – SPECIAL
Sign Up today and get 2 Weeks Training + FREE Uniform only $49
Croydon Dojo – VIC | Timetable
Select the Group tab to view the timing information you need.
DOJO TIMETABLE
Monday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Foundation
-
( 8 - 12 yo , White & Yellow )
-
ADVANCED
-
( Purple/ Brown/ Black )
Tuesday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Intermediate
-
-
CA/AD NOVICE
-
-
ELITE
-
( Black & Invitation only )
Wednesday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Foundation
-
( 8 - 12 yo , White & Yellow )
-
ADVANCED
-
( Purple/ Brown/ Black )
Thursday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Intermediate
-
-
CA/AD NOVICE
-
-
ELITE
-
( Black & Invitation only )
Friday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Foundation
-
( 8 - 12 yo , White & Yellow )
Saturday
-
Little Samurai
-
( 4 - 7 yo , White & Above )
-
Junior Foundation
-
( 8 - 12 yo , White & Yellow )
-
Junior Intermediate
-
-
KATA/KUMITE
-
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where are your martial arts classes located?
Our main Croydon dojo is located at 4-6/1 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon VIC 3136, a well-known landmark for martial arts in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs. We also operate dojos across Victoria and in Queensland, so if Croydon isn’t your closest location, we likely have a karate club near you.
Q: Do you offer a free trial for new students?
Yes, our Croydon karate club offers a no-obligation introductory special: 2 weeks of classes plus a free uniform for only $49. It’s a low-risk way to try karate classes in Croydon, whether you’re enquiring for your child or for yourself as an adult.
Q: What age can my child start karate?
Children can start karate at Samurai Karate Croydon from as young as 4 years old in our Little Samurai program (ages 4–7). Junior classes then continue the journey for ages 8–12, followed by Teens (13–15), so every child progresses through age-appropriate, structured kids karate classes in Croydon.
Q: What style of karate do you teach?
Samurai Karate Croydon teaches traditional Shukokai Karate, a Japanese style known for speed, powerful technique, and practical self-defence application. Our curriculum follows the same internationally recognised standard taught across all Samurai Karate dojos, making it suitable for kids building confidence and adults seeking genuine self-defence.
Q: What are the benefits of joining your martial arts academy?
For kids, our Croydon karate classes build confidence, discipline, coordination, and motor skills in a fun, supportive environment. For adults, training offers a fantastic full-body workout, stress relief, and essential self-defence skills, making us one of the best martial arts clubs in Croydon for the whole family.
Q: Do you use weapons in training?
Beginners at our Croydon dojo focus entirely on foundational empty-hand techniques: stances, strikes, and blocks. Advanced students may later learn traditional Kobudo (weapons) such as the Bo staff, as part of their ongoing elite training and grading journey.
Q: How much do the karate classes cost?
Pricing for our Croydon karate classes depends on training frequency and program. We recommend starting with our $49 introductory offer (2 weeks + free uniform), after which our team will walk you through a detailed membership breakdown tailored to your goals.
Q: What should I wear for my first class?
Comfortable activewear or loose clothing is perfect for your first introductory lesson at our Croydon dojo. A traditional uniform (gi) is included free as part of our $49 introductory offer once you officially join.
What makes Samurai Karate one of the best karate clubs in Croydon?
We combine over 40 years of traditional Shukokai teaching, including Sensei Craig’s 15 training trips to Japan, with a genuinely local, family-friendly dojo right on Maroondah Highway. Unlike generic fitness gyms, our karate club for kids in Croydon focuses equally on physical skill, mental discipline, and real self-defence.
Do you offer martial arts classes for kids in Croydon of all skill levels?
Yes, our martial arts for kids in Croydon programs are structured so complete beginners train alongside others at the same stage, from Little Samurai (4–7) through Juniors (8–12) and Teens (13–15), with certified instructors guiding every step from their very first class.
Is Samurai Karate Croydon suitable for adults with no martial arts experience?
Absolutely. No prior experience is needed to join our Croydon karate club as an adult. Classes are beginner-friendly and tailored to all fitness levels, with a strong focus on practical self-defence, fitness, and stress relief alongside traditional Shukokai technique.