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, but people typically report noticeable improvements in confidence and physical capability within the first month, deeper self-awareness in around six months, and profound shifts in resilience and clarity after a year of consistent training.
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. Jim works 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: Is it good for my mental health, especially anxiety and stress?
Yes, hugely. Our training integrates breathwork, mindfulness and cognitive strategies that help regulate your nervous system, reduce anxiety and manage stress. Many students say the classes are like “moving therapy” a reset for body and brain.
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 always safe, 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 to see results?
As a general guide:
1 class per week – you’ll feel better, build basic confidence and stay connected.
2 classes per week. – you’ll progress faster, build solid fitness and skills.
3–4 classes per week – you’ll notice big changes in strength, mindset and resilience.
The main thing is consistency. We’d rather you train once a week for a year than smash 5 sessions 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 kids/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 kids/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 work with neurodiverse individuals, people with physical disabilities and those dealing with mental health conditions. 1-on-1 sessions can be tailored to any situation.
Q: What programs does Raw Life Australia offer?
Adult kickboxing fitness, Raw Combatives self-defence, kids martial arts (ages 7–18 via Raw Life Academy) and 1-on-1 coaching for all ages and abilities.
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?
Kickboxing Fitness is a workout — cardio, strength and movement using kickboxing techniques. Raw Combatives is a self-defence program focused on real-world awareness and protection skills. Many members do both.
Q: Do you have classes for kids?
Yes. Raw Life Academy runs kids classes for ages 7–9, tweens 10–12, and teens 13–18. Programs focus on confidence, resilience and self-defence skills — not competition.
Q: Is there parking at Raw Life Australia?
Yes, street parking is available at Hi-Tech Place, Rowville.