Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions we get about our Self-Defence, Kickboxing, Teens classes and 1-on-1 coaching at Raw Life Australia in Rowville.
General Questions
Q: Where are your classes held?
All our group self-defence and kickboxing classes are held at Raw Life Australia, 2/3 Hi-Tech Place, Rowville, Victoria 3178, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. We’re easy to access from nearby suburbs like Lysterfield, Knoxfield, Ferntree Gully, Wantirna South and Glen Waverley.
Q: Do you offer a free trial class?
Yes. We offer free trial options for many of our group classes so you can experience the training, meet the coaches, and see if it’s a good fit before committing.
Q: Do I need to be fit or have experience to start classes?
Absolutely not. Raw Life Australia is about meeting you where you’re at. Our self-defence, kickboxing and combatives sessions cater for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. No macho egos, just real training that grows with you.
Q: What makes Raw Life different from other self-defence, martial arts or fitness programs?
We teach from the inside out and from the ground up. We take an individual approach to everyone we teach in our Rowville gym. There’s no cookie-cutter program, we get to know you so we can help you in the best, most honest way we can.
Q: Are your classes safe? Will I get hurt?
Safety first, always. Classes are intentionally structured to build resilience and confidence without unnecessary pain or injury. We work smarter, not harder, and progress the intensity at a pace that makes sense for your body and your life.
Parents of Teens
Q: Are teens classes focused on violence?
No. Our teens kickboxing self-defence classes are focused on building confidence, resilience and smart decision-making. Yes, they’ll learn effective self-defence skills, but they’ll also develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence, and they’ll have fun doing it.
Q: Will my teen be expected to fight?
No. We are not a fight club. While we may include light, controlled sparring, it’s never about “creating fighters.” It’s about helping teens deal with external pressure and internal stress in a safe, structured way.
Q: Will this help my child deal with bullying and peer pressure?
Absolutely. Our teens classes are geared to empower young people with practical strategies to handle tough situations and develop the inner strength to stand confidently in their own skin. We talk about boundaries, awareness, consent, and real-world scenarios, not just punching pads.
Raw Combatives self-defence
Q: What are combatives and how are they different to martial arts?
Combatives strip martial arts down to the bare essentials. It’s practical, straightforward self-protection without complicated forms, belts or traditions. We focus on principles and behaviours designed for real-world application, not performance or points.
Q: How quickly will I see changes in myself?
Everyone is different, and progress depends on where you begin, what you want from the training and how consistently you train. Members often tell us they notice changes in confidence, movement, fitness or how they respond under pressure as the training becomes familiar. Some changes may be noticed quickly; deeper changes develop over time. We focus on useful, sustainable progress rather than promising a fixed timeline.
Q: Am I too old for this type of training?
No, you’re never too old. Everything is done at your own pace, and you’re in charge of what you do and the intensity. We work with plenty of middle-aged and older adults who want to feel safer, stronger and more capable in everyday life.
Q: Do I have to spar or fight?
No. You only do what you’re comfortable with. Raw Combatives is not a “fight gym.” We’re here to help you become stronger, more confident and more resilient, not to prove how tough you are. Any contact work is progressive, controlled and consent-based.
Q: Do I need experience to join Raw Combatives?
No. Complete beginners are welcome. We work with people of all ages and fitness levels. The program is designed to meet you where you're at.
Kickboxing Fitness
Q: Is kickboxing good for middle-aged people?
100%. It’s a full-body workout that helps you get back in touch with yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Our Raw Kickboxing Fitness classes in Rowville are designed for real humans with real lives, not just athletes, and they’re run in a safe, judgement-free environment.
Q: Do I need to be physically flexible?
No. The training will help you improve your flexibility and mobility over time. We always work within your current range and comfort zone, and we adjust movements for injuries or limitations.
Q: Can kickboxing support my mental wellbeing and help with stress?
Many members tell us that training helps them feel calmer, clearer and better able to manage everyday stress. Sessions combine focused movement, breathing and achievable challenges in a supportive environment, which many people find helps them reset and feel more present. Training can support wellbeing, but it is not therapy or a substitute for professional mental-health care.
Q: Do I have to spar or fight in these sessions?
No. You only do what you’re comfortable with. We are not a fight gym. Our focus is on helping you become stronger, more confident and more resilient, all while having fun. We may do some optional sparring-style drills, but they’re optional, progressive, controlled and tailored to the group
Q: Are your classes beginner-friendly?
Yes. We pride ourselves on being able to cater for everyone, no matter their skill level or physical ability. We have a very encouraging environment where everyone helps everyone else. If you’re nervous, you’re exactly the kind of person we love working with.
Other Common Questions
Q: Do you work with neurodiverse or anxious people?
Yes. We’ve worked with many neurodiverse students, as well as people who have anxiety, PTSD and other mental health challenges. We keep communication clear, pressure progressive, and give you permission to pace yourself. If you’re unsure, reach out and tell us a bit about your situation: we’ll let you know how we can best support you.
Q: Are your classes suitable for women?
Absolutely. Women train in all our programs: kickboxing, self-defence and 1-on-1 coaching. The environment is supportive, not macho, and we spend a lot of time on awareness, boundaries, and real-world self-protection, not just “learning to hit harder”.
Q: How often should I train each week?
That depends on your goals, starting point and what fits your life.
1 class per week — a strong, sustainable place to begin and keep building familiarity.
2 classes per week — more opportunity to practise, improve fitness and develop your skills.
3 or more classes per week — suitable for people who enjoy training more frequently, provided their body, recovery and schedule support it.
Consistency matters more than cramming in sessions. We’d rather you train once a week for a year than five times a week for a month and disappear.
Q: Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No long-term lock-ins. We offer term-based options for teens and flexible memberships for adults. If something changes with work, family or health, talk to us; we’re humans, not a faceless chain gym.
Q: What happens if I miss a class?
Life happens. For adults, we do our best to help you make up missed classes within the same term or billing period where possible. For teens, consistency is important, but we understand sickness and school events. Chat to us and we’ll work out the best approach.
Q: Do you offer 1-on-1 self-defence or private coaching?
Yes. We offer personal 1-on-1 coaching in Rowville and online, combining self-defence, movement, strength and mindset. It’s ideal if you prefer privacy, have specific needs, or want to go deeper than a group class allows.
Q: Do you cater for people with disabilities or mental health challenges?
Yes. Jim and Geordie have experience working with neurodiverse people, people with physical disabilities and people managing anxiety or other mental-health challenges. Sessions can be adapted around individual needs where appropriate. Contact us before booking so we can discuss what support or adjustments may help. Raw Life training can support wellbeing, but it is not a substitute for medical or mental-health care.
Q: What programs does Raw Life Australia offer?
Raw Kickboxing Fitness, Raw Combatives Self-Defence, Teen Kickboxing Self-Defence for ages 13–18, beginner intake courses through Raw Kickboxing Essentials and Raw Foundations, workshops, and personalised 1-on-1 coaching.
Q: Is Raw Life Australia suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most of our members started with zero experience. You don't need to be fit, flexible or have any martial arts background.
Q: What's the difference between kickboxing fitness and combatives?
Raw Kickboxing Fitness uses kickboxing-based training to build fitness, coordination, movement and confidence in an enjoyable, ego-free environment. Raw Combatives focuses more directly on awareness, decision-making and practical self-protection. Both develop physical skills, calm and confidence, and many members enjoy combining them.
Q: Do you have classes for children and teens?
Our regular youth group program is for teenagers aged 13–18. It focuses on confidence, resilience, movement, decision-making and practical self-defence, not competition. We may also be able to help younger children through private or family coaching, depending on their needs. Contact us to discuss the best option.
Q: Is there parking at Raw Life Australia?
Yes, street parking is available at Hi-Tech Place, Rowville.