Learn to protect yourself at the 5 top Muay Thai schools in Adelaide
Muay Thai is an awesome way to get a full-body workout while improving cardio, strength, and flexibility. Plus, it’s a practical skill for self-defence. On top of that, it boosts confidence, eases stress, and builds discipline and mental strength.
I’ve taken a few classes, and the techniques made me feel safer and more prepared for unexpected situations!
If learning self-defence is on your to-do list, Muay Thai is worth a shot. To make it easier, I’ve put together a list of the best schools in Adelaide for you to check out.
1. Southside Muay Thai & Fitness Adelaide
Address: Black Forest Shopping Centre 12
Phone: +61 884 906 829
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday – 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
| Google Reviews Score | 4.7/5 |
| Facebook Reviews Score | 5/5 |
| Total Score | 4.9/5 |
| Score Consistency | 4.9/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Instructor Quality | 5/5 |
| Training and Program | 5/5 |
| Equipment Quality | 5/5 |
Train with some of Adelaide’s top Muay Thai instructors at Southside Muay Thai & Fitness. Their team of qualified trainers is proudly affiliated with the World Kickboxing Association.
Plus, they have a ton of specialised programs like Muay Thai HIIT stations, Muay Thai Foundations, and more.
What stood out to us was their international experience. Coach Barry Saunders, for instance, was part of the Australian team at the 2019 IFMA World Muay Thai Championships. This expertise shows in their ability to train students at all levels.
While they offer flexible memberships and free trial classes, there are no pay-per-visit options. You’ll need to commit to a membership, but the one-class-per-week plan comes with a no-lock-in contract, which adds some flexibility.
The perfect place to start training Muay Thai!
“Amazing equipment use of space and trainers. The staff are very friendly and easy to have a chat with. The trainers are very kind good at teaching and accommodating. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone I met that wanted to start Muay Thai.”
Jackson Gilbert, Google Review
This place changed my life!
“I’ve been coming to SSMT for over 2 years and it has changed my life. Friendly staff, fantastic trainers. They are all so welcoming, they are a second family. Such a great place to train, keep fit, connect with the community and meet new friends.”
Jess Riddiford, Google Review
2. Strong Heart Muay Thai Adelaide
Address: 210 Gouger St
Phone: +61 450 739 788
Opening Hours:
- Monday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday – 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday – 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday – 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
| Google Reviews Score | 4.0/5 |
| Facebook Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
| Total Score | 4.3/5 |
| Score Consistency | 4.3/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Instructor Quality | 5/5 |
| Training and Program | 5/5 |
| Equipment Quality | 5/5 |
If you’re aiming to compete in Muay Thai, whether as an amateur or professional, Strong Heart Muay Thai is worth checking out. They cater to all skill levels and even offer a free trial lesson if you want to see what the gym is like!
One standout feature is their ladies’ Muay Thai class, which provides a supportive and empowering space for women to train. They also have flexible membership options, including one-day passes, all under the guidance of skilled trainers like MTA South Australian Champion Jordan Fielding.
For beginners, be ready to dive in. The classes are intense and may feel a bit overwhelming at first if you’re not used to the demanding training. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a great way to grow quickly.
A great place to train!
“Went in here for the first time for a lunchtime session. The gym is a good size with a ring， matted area, and bags. Jordan was the trainer, and he structured the class perfectly. Have trained quite a bit in various gyms in Australia and overseas over the years and have to say this place was very professional and welcoming. Definitely be back again, #letsguide”
Chris Abbott, Google Review
A gym where I can be comfortable right from the start
“I recently started personal training sessions at Strong Heart with Jordan, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Jordan is incredibly patient and kind, which made me feel comfortable right from the start. He takes the time to explain techniques clearly and tailors the sessions to my fitness level and goals. I’ve already noticed an improvement in both my skills and confidence. If you’re considering boxing training, I highly recommend Jordan and Strong Heart!”
Maison H, Google Review
3. Reality Self Defence & Conditioning
Address: Scout Hall, The Glen Osmond, 1a Barr-Smith Ave
Phone: +61 413 880 099
Opening Hours:
- Monday – 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday – 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
- Thursday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
| Google Reviews Score | 5/5 |
| True Local Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
| Total Score | 4.9/5 |
| Score Consistency | 4.9/5 |
| Affordability | 4.5/5 |
| Instructor Quality | 5/5 |
| Training and Program | 5/5 |
| Equipment Quality | 5/5 |
Work up a sweat and learn the art of Muay Thai at Reality Self Defence & Conditioning. Head coach and director Matt Beecroft brings impressive credentials, including Krav Maga Global (KMG) Expert Level 1 Civilian Instructor and Certificates III and IV in Sports Coaching.
They’re also affiliated with the Oceania Muay Thai Federation (OMTF) and the World Muay Thai Council (WMC)!
What impressed us most was their commitment to promoting Muay Thai in Adelaide. Their team included trainers like Steve Pietsch, who had coached World Champions Paul “The Sting” Slowinski and Charles “The Heat” August. They also offer unique experiences, like trips to Thailand to train at some of the world’s top Muay Thai camps.
The downside is their refund and cancellation policy, which needs to be updated and simplified. This could be frustrating if you need to cancel your membership.
Amazing trainers!
“All of the trainers are amazing! I highly recommend Reality Self Defence & Conditioning for self defence training and regret not starting sooner enormously.”
Has the best Muay Thai instructors in Adelaide
“The best combat sport training facility in Adelaide, bar none. Some of the best Muay Thai and Kickboxing coaching from Matt and Jiu Jitsu and grappling coaching by Laurino. The semi-private, small group nature of the classes also gives you much more attention to detail and useful personal feedback than a “traditional” commercial gym. Could not recommend more, irrespective of whether you are a beginner or advanced practitioner.”
Alan Laiju, Google Review
4. Adelaide Muay Thai Fight & Fitness
Address: 347 Main S Rd, Morphett Vale
Phone: +61 474 540 191
Opening Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Wednesday – 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday – 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Friday – 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
| Google Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
| Bird Eye Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
| Total Score | 4.9/5 |
| Score Consistency | 4.9/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Instructor Quality | 5/5 |
| Training and Program | 4.5/5 |
| Equipment Quality | 5/5 |
If you’re after an inclusive and safe space to train, Adelaide Muay Thai Fight & Fitness is a solid choice. This family-owned gym is run by passionate coaches with experience from Thailand’s renowned Phuket Fight Club.
We love their welcoming vibe and their flexible membership options that include day and month passes.
They also offer special classes like competition training, focusing on sparring, strategy, and performance—great for those starting their journey into competitive Muay Thai.
That said, they lack specialised programs for advanced competitive fighters. While their classes cater to beginners and intermediates, they don’t offer in-depth strength, conditioning, or recovery plans for those aiming to compete at a higher level.
Thank you for bringing my daughters’ confidence back!
“What can I say about Adelaide Muay Thai and its coaches? This place has not only helped with our daughters anxiety and confidence issues, but they have given myself and my wife a place where we have been able to train and learn new skills (as total beginners in our late 30’s), while feeling no judgement and in a safe community/ family environment. The support has been incredible! Very grateful to be apart of this amazing club!”
Shannon Austin, Google Review
There’s no better place to train Muay Thai than here
“If you’re looking to learn the beautiful art of Muay Thai or even join an amazing community of hard working individuals working day in and day out to achieve goals, go check this place out! Sam and Evey are the most amazing and welcoming people you will meet and they are truely dedicated to teaching people authentic Muay Thai! No better place in my opinion.”
Jake Buksh, Google Review
5. Arruda Team
Address: 375 Cross Rd, Edwardstown
Phone: +61 882 975 714
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday – 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
| Google Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
| Facebook Reviews Score | 4.4/5 |
| Total Score | 4.7/5 |
| Score Consistency | 4.7/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Instructor Quality | 4.5/5 |
| Training and Program | 4/5 |
| Equipment Quality | 5/5 |
Arruda Team is a great option for training in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Aikido. Owned by Leo Arruda, who has been an instructor for over 32 years, the gym has a wealth of experience behind it.
They offer specialised classes like boxing and kids’ martial arts, but what stands out to us is their diverse team of trainers. For example, coach Najwa Allen is not only an Adelaide Football Club player but also a registered exercise physiologist, adding depth to their training approach.
However, training here can be a bit expensive, as they only offer weekly memberships. And while their expertise in Aikido shines, thanks to Leo’s 2nd Dan grade, the focus on Muay Thai and BJJ might feel less prominent for students in those areas.
Amazing place to train with very technical instructors
“Was in Adelaide for a few days and wanted to get some training in whilst on my holidays. The facilities at Arruda are amazing. The guys that train here are very technical, but more importantly very welcoming and friendly. The instructors are great and I learnt some key details in a short time period which I feel had improved my game. Such an amazing inclusive club who made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped into the gym. Would definitely come back and train here if I’m visiting Adelaide again and would recommend anyone who’s in the area to come and visit.”
Michael, Google Review
Great coaches to learn from!
“All the coaches are amazing, as I do mostly evening classes I get coached by Leo, Michael and Liz who are incredibly skilled and patient with everyone. All the members are respectful of each other. Couldn’t recommend this gym enough.”
Holly Esplin, Google Review
