Albury Wodonga Martial Arts

‼️KIDS KARATE GRADINGS‼️

To help you prepare confidently, here are a few things about gradings at AWMA.

✅ We don’t charge for gradings. All grades need to be earned through hard work, they can’t be bought.
✅ Check your Grading Passport for the requirements for your next grade. If you’re unsure about something, ask a black belt before grading week!
✅ Ensure you’ve attended enough classes!

Gradings at AWMA aren’t just about how much you know, but how well you can do it! We don’t stack our gradings with unnecessary line work or arbitrary drills - which means refining what you already know is more important than collecting the next kata or technique.

🔥 NEED SOME PERSONALISED HELP? We have limited spots open for Private Lessons in the lead up to grading week - send us a message to book!

👊TEN YEARS FOR SIBY👊

Tonight we celebrated a massive milestone for our longest serving student - Siby!

Siby began with us in September 2016. Since then, he’s stuck by us through everything, including location changes, and COVID shutdowns.

He’s also taken an active role in mentoring our students in Beechworth, and has had a hand in training numerous students to Senior and Junior Black Belt (including his daughter, Kathy!)

Unfortunately half of our Beechworth class was out with illness or school excursions, but the plan was already in motion so rescheduling was off the table! We did however get Nat - the person who first got Siby into training - to be there with us!

Thanks for everything over last decade, Siby! 👊

HIKITE - THE WITHDRAWING HAND🥋👊

One of karate’s most misunderstood weapons is the one sitting at your side.

Hikite is often derided as a useless historical footnote “put your hand back here so you can punch with the other one” or worse “it’s a spare hand!” 🤦‍♂️

That explanation isn’t just simplistic. It completely misses the point.

In application, Hikite can be used to control an opponent’s limbs, pull and disrupt their structure, clear obstructions from your striking line, prevent them from blocking, and stop them from immediately striking back.

You aren’t necessarily withdrawing a hand.

You’re doing something with it.

Grab. Pull. Trap. Clear. Control. Strike.

And this is where the common explanation of Hikite as the “spare hand” falls apart.

Linguistically and historically, that isn’t an accurate explanation of what Hikite represents. Tactically, it’s even worse.

That kind of explanation is exactly why karate can look ridiculous when viewed through the lens of modern combat sports. But in reality, it relates back to karate’s origins as a practical and effective system of self-protection.

It is there because both hands have a job.

This also connects to the broader Okinawan concept of Meotode, or “husband and wife hands”: the idea that the two hands work together rather than operating as completely independent weapons.

One hand creates the opportunity. The other exploits it.

One controls. The other strikes.

So next time you see a karateka pull their hand back to their hip, don’t assume you’re looking at a useless historical artefact.

Because Hikite isn’t the absence of defence. It’s central to one of most misunderstood parts of our art.

Martial arts isn’t supposed to erase individuality - It’s supposed to develop it.

Every person brings a different body, personality, history, strengths and weaknesses to training.

So why would we expect everyone to become the same martial artist?

At AWMA, we maintain high standards without demanding conformity.

We teach authentic martial arts, but we’re not interested in preserving outdated training methods simply because they’ve always been done that way.

We train hard.

We train intelligently.

We ask questions.

We adapt.

And we help every student find what works for them.

Find YOUR way - our $49 sale is running now. Head to our website to register. 🔥👊

‼️START KARATE FOR $49 - LIMITED SPOTS‼️

Hit the ground running with 2 weeks unlimited classes!

We’ll even waive the sign up fee, and throw in a FREE Uniform - total value up to $125!

✅ No contracts EVER!
✅ Get your FREE Uniform at your very first class!
✅ No hidden costs, grading fees, or other lump sum payments
✅ Train together in our Family Karate classes, or join in our age-specific Karate and Kickboxing classes.

Find out why AWMA is the Borders favourite Karate and Kickboxing academy - teaching authentic martial arts, tailored to each group! 👊

🔥LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE - Register now to avoid missing out ⬇️

Albury Wodonga Martial Arts Your Local Family-Focused Karate School! Classes for ages 3 and up. Train with our team of State and National Champion coaches and become your best you!

A huge congratulations to TeamAWMA Sponsor - BOSCHETTI for winning the Employer of Choice in the 2026 Albury Wodonga Business Awards! 🏆👏

Although it doesn’t come as much of a shock - we love having Rob, Erica, Marsella, and Cristiano at AWMA and can’t imagine a more deserving team! Way to go!

🏆 2026 Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees) 🏆

Winner - BOSCHETTI
Sponsor - Hume Bank

This award recognises a business with 21 & over employees, that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.

To view the full list of 2026 Highly Commended Recipients & Category Winners - visit our website:
www.awbusinessawards.com.au/2026-optus-awba-winners
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‼️FAMILY KARATE CLASSES NOW ON‼️

Looking for something to do together with the kids? 🤔

Our Family Karate classes are perfect for parents looking to be hands-on with their child’s progress.🥋

We currently have spots open in the following classes…

⚫️ Thursdays 5.15pm (WODONGA)
🟡 Saturdays 9am (WODONGA)
⚫️ Tuesdays 6pm (BEECHWORTH)

You’re never too old to start your Martial Arts journey! Message us today to book a no-obligation class. 👊

Want to get fit but the kids are with you during the day?

Our Kid-Friendly KickFit classes let you train while your little ones come along. No babysitter needed!

Perfect for beginners, these classes are a fun way to improve your fitness, learn real kickboxing, and enjoy a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.

🥊 Beginner friendly
👶 Kids welcome
💪 Real kickboxing. Real coaching. Real results.

Send us a message to book your first class!

🥊Looking for more than just another fitness class?🥊

At AWMA, kickboxing isn’t an add-on or a cardio circuit with a few punches mixed in. It’s a structured program built around real technique, proven coaching, and practical skills.

Our coaches teach the same methods that have helped our students become Victorian champions, national champions, and regular podium finishers on the Victorian competition circuit.

Whether you’re brand new or have experience, there’s a class for you:

🔥 Friday Morning – Mums & Bubs KickFit
Learn genuine kickboxing while improving your fitness in a supportive environment.

🔥 Friday Night – Fight Night
Sparring, ring craft, pad work, and technical rounds for competitors and dedicated students.

🔥 Saturday Morning – Technique (All Ages)
A fast-paced, high-energy technical class suitable for beginners through to experienced kickboxers.

If you want to get fitter, build confidence, learn authentic striking skills, or test yourself in competition, you’ll be training in a club where kickboxing is more than just fitness, it’s what we do.

👊 Come and experience the difference. Book your first class today.

‼️SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST FOR THE SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS‼️

Do you work at, or run, a playgroup/community group/OOSH? AWMA is nearly at capacity already for the next school holidays!

Our popular school holiday programs can be designed to focus on…
✅ Combat Sports Based Workout (Non-contact, of course!)
✅ Traditional Martial Arts
✅ Self Defence, Stranger Awareness, or our Bully Buster program
✅ Our super popular Samurai Games (Flag Sparring, Foam Sword Fighting, Sumo, and High Kick Challenges)

We have very limited spots left. Contact us today to lock in your special Local Schools Rate! 🥋