Training for life, not just the mat

MATT WILLIAMS

Owner, Bones MMA

On the Surf Coast, sport is part of the identity, from early morning surfs to packed footy ovals and netball courts. But out of the swell, young people are lining up for a different kind of challenge.

Martial arts has always been as a powerful option for kids, not just as a sport, but as a system for growth.

Torquay has a range of disciplines providing children with an outlet to build confidence, resilience and discipline in a structured environment.

At De Been Jiu-Jitsu, a name deeply rooted in Australian grappling, the focus is on long-term development.

Founded by Peter De Been and now led by his son Max, the program brings decades of experience to the mats, with De Been in Torquay the longest-standing academy on the Surf Coast.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often described as “human chess”, teaches young athletes how to problem solve under pressure, stay calm in difficult situations and develop confidence without relying on size or strength.

Other traditional martial arts also hold a strong place locally.

Endurance Martial Arts, led by national and international taekwondo champion, Alistair Lawson, offers a structured pathway in taekwondo and judo.

Taekwondo’s emphasis on movement, balance and control provides young practitioners with both physical and mental foundations that carry well beyond the gym.

Karate provides a similar platform, with clubs such as GKR Karate and Shukokai Karate Torquay focusing on self-defence, traditional kata and forms in a disciplined but supportive setting.

More modern systems are also finding their place.

Bones MMA offers junior programs in Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, and was the 2025 Muay Thai Victoria recipient of best gym. The gym also offers classes in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.

While less traditional in structure, the same core expectations of young people remain: work hard, be accountable and have fun.

Beyond the mats, a 2025 systematic review found martial arts participation increased prosocial behaviours – things like respect, cooperation and social functioning – while also supporting cognitive development, focus and problem-solving skills.

Children involved in structured programs often demonstrate better concentration at school and stronger emotional regulation, with evidence also linking martial arts training to increased confidence and reduced aggressive behaviour over time.

For many families on the Surf Coast, martial arts isn’t replacing surfing, footy or netball – it’s complementing them and building stronger, more capable young athletes, both physically and mentally.