Southern Cross Martial Arts is a Gold Coast martial arts institution with a reputation for quality instruction. We offer tailored classes for ages five and up, with all members able to attend classes at any one of our four convenient locations on the Gold Coast. Book a trial for you or a family member today.
Book a trial About Us
Children at this age need to enjoy their training. So this program is all about the Fundamentals.
Children at this age need to enjoy their training. So this program is all about the Fundamentals.
Studies show that teenagers need around 60 minutes of fairly intense exercise per day.
As we get older, we tend to spend more time working in front of screens or driving our children around….
Southern Cross Martial Arts was set up to promote, develop and deliver martial arts, self-defence and combat sports training using a community focused, evidence based methodology in ways consistent with:
(a) the objects, rules and policies of the relevant combat sport peak bodies;
(b) the anti-doping principles regarding drugs in sport;
(c) the principles of inclusivity; and
(d) the Budo culture of martial arts.
One of the best martial arts school on the Gold Coast. Our boys really enjoy training karate with all the instructors. As parents, we appreciate not only just the physical fitness they teach the kids, but the dedication and heard work they put in to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
JessicaI’ve been training in martial arts for 20 years and with Southern Cross Martial arts for six years and in my opinion it’s the best mix of traditional karate, ground wrestling and throwing you can have. It’s a true self defence style that is all practicality and no fluff. Excellent for kids, teens and adults alike.
JamesAs a member of Southern Cross, I’ve trained in BJJ and karate with John Trebilco for many years; he is a great mentor and has pushed me to keep learning. I recently moved across to his Robina branch and am thoroughly enjoying the classes; an excellent mix of discipline, new knowledge and fun. I love that John and his team are continually cross-training; this is particularly important for me as I’ve been practicing martial arts for 35 years… I never get bored at Robina as there is always something new to try.
MattMy son was getting bullied at school and would not stand up for himself and tell these kids to stop. He has been with John & Joel for over a year now. His self confidence has grown and he no longer gets bullied. If he does he’s not afraid to stand up and say stop it. Thanks team for helping our little guy grow in confidence, ability & focus.
JamieMy 7yo son has been attending Karate lessons with John Trebilco and his team for almost 3 years now. I had little knowledge of what to expect for him other than acquiring some Karate skills. I soon discovered there was much more to the two sessions per week at Merrimac Martial Arts. I discovered there were karate techniques to learn and practice, there was discipline, a requirement to concentrate and focus during lessons then there were life’s lessons taught and reinforced in a discussion group. This included the word of the month being discussed and what it meant for each child during their everyday life. My son has improved dramatically over the past years, he has improved his ability to concentrate in all that he undertakes, has improved his personal discipline and has learnt a number of best practices in his daily life. Karate training at Southern Cross Martial Arts in not just learning karate moves, its improving life’s skills for these developing young children. I have no hesitation in recommending any family have their child attend Karate sessions at Southern Cross Martial Arts, their early childhood development will exceed expectations.
BrianWe fully rate Southern Cross Martial Arts Gold Coast. John Trebilco and his amazing team are professional, friendly, fun and most of all my son is loving the confidence the martial arts skills give him . Keep up the good work.
MyraMy son has been going for a couple of months and really enjoys it. I think it has taught him some new valuable skills, including balance, focus and confidence. I like how they talk to the kids about different words like truthfulness, fairness etc. and it’s not just about the physical side. It’s only early days but I look forward to seeing how he improves.
SaraEach membership option provides access to all four of our Gold Coast locations.
Click the button below and check out our trial packages—so you can fully experience our classes, meet our instructors, and see real progress before making a decision.
Martial arts isn’t just about one lesson—it’s about progress, growth, and community. Each class builds on the last, helping you or your child develop skills, confidence, and a true feel for our training environment.
Click below and take advantage of our trial options that best suit you and your family.
Southern Cross Martial Arts is a progressive martial art with age specific classes in locations across the Gold Coast.
Experienced, professional instructors with sound policies for a safe, fun environment.
Beginners and families are welcome
Does your child know what they need to do… but still struggle to actually do it?
To be fair, adults aren't much different.
We know we should exercise, get enough sleep, finish that job or put the phone down....but as Bruce lee said
"to know is not enough, you must apply".
That's why this month's Chat on the Mat topic is Discipline.
We often think motivation is the answer. But motivation is a feeling, and feelings come and go.
Do successful kids fail less or simply keep going longer?
Every black belt has made thousands of mistakes.
Good athletes lose games.
Good students get answers wrong.
Talented children struggle with new things.
Success isn't a life without setbacks.
It's learning what to do after them.
That's been our message this month as we explored resilience:
✅Learn from it.
✅Get back up.
✅Keep moving forward.
We don't need children to win every time.
We want them developing the confidence to know:
“You don't have to win today. You just have to get back up.”
That's a skill they'll carry far beyond martial arts. 🥋
Old Photo from 2009 for effect.
What does your child do when something doesn't seem fair?
This may be one of the harder parts of resilience.
A referee makes a call they disagree with.
Someone else gets selected.
A teacher makes a decision they don't understand.
They don't grade when a friend does.
The feelings are real:
😡anger
🥺embarrassment
😒disappointment or frustration.
Rather than telling children simply “Don't be upset,” we can teach them to recognise what's happening:
Feel it → Name it → Choose your response.
We can't promise children that everything in life will always be fair.
We can help them develop the skills to handle themselves when it isn't.
That's a very different kind of strength. 👊
This image was created using AI and inspired by our real classes.
